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Getting an interview is the exciting and satisfying “light at the end tunnel” stage of your (sometimes long) job search. Naturally, the interview step can be intimidating and anxiety inducing. But with some forward thinking, preparation, and these 5 tips, you can ace your next travel school psychologist job interview:
1. Practice Makes Perfect
Once you have an interview scheduled, it’s time to start preparing! One of the best ways to up your confidence before the interview is to practice. A mock interview is a great way for you to ensure you’re not going into the interview cold, and helps to get some of those pre-interview anxieties out. Practicing questions you’re going to be asked and how you plan to articulate your answers in a setting that mirrors the interview will help make sure you don’t miss any key points you want to make. Here are some commonly asked questions you will want to be prepared to answer:
- Describe your last job or assignment.
- What is your experience with this [insert specific] equipment or procedure?
- How do you handle issues that arise with patients, families, or coworkers?
Talk to your recruiter about setting up a mock interview with them so you feel fully prepared going into the interview for your dream career!
2. Research the School and the Location
Another way to prepare is by doing some research into the specific school or school district you’re interviewing to work for. Your agency is one of the best resources available to you for learning more about the school you’re interviewing with. Their Account Manager likely knows the school intimately and can give you some pretty great insight into how it runs, how they treat their travelers, and what to expect from your first day. Just ask your recruiter! It’s also essential to do your research into the location that you would be moving to if you landed the job. Getting to know the area before you have a conversation with a hiring manager can help you create key talking points during your discussion.
3. Ask The Questions That Are Important to You
At the end of your new school psych contract interview, you’ll have the chance to ask questions that are important to you. Being prepared with questions about your potential employer’s culture, process, and policies will ensure you don’t get flustered and forget to ask a vital question. This isn’t a time to ask about pay or vacation time off, those should have already been clearly communicated with your recruiter before you go into the interview. Here are some examples of questions that you may want to ask if your recruiter hasn’t already answered them for you:
- Why are you bringing in a traveler?
- What kind of onboard or orientation is provided? What does this process look like?
- What are your productivity standards? How do you measure or document this?
- On average, how many patients will I see daily?
- Can you describe the culture of the school/district?
- How big is your team currently?
- What type of resources will be available to me?
4. Have an Ideal Interview Setting
Given the nature of the travel contract industry, you’re probably not local to the location you’re going to be interviewing for. Which means you’re likely going to have the interview via a video or phone call. This can make it easy to take the interview from the couch or not dress professionally. But no matter what setting you have your contract assignment interview in, dressing professionally can change your demeanor and help you feel more confident! Professional attire also shows your interviewer that you’re serious about this job and respectful of their time. If your interview is over video, make sure your background is tidy, you have organized notes, and you’re well lit. If you have animals, it may be better to have them in a separate room, so you’re not distracted during the interview!
5. Don't Be Afraid to Talk About Yourself
Be prepared to talk about yourself and highlight your dedication and passion for psychology, in addition to your on-the-job skills. Have specific examples prepared that demonstrate your ability to accommodate change and how that will benefit your future employer to help make a great impression on your interviewer. If you need to, write down a list of your previous accomplishments that you can easily reference while telling the interviewer about yourself. Don’t forget to highlight your life outside of work as well! There’s a reason you were drawn to travel as opposed to a permanent position. Mention your love for exploring new places, meeting new people, and taking on new challenges.