Helpful Tips for Applicants
Whether in the process of applying for a position or preparing for an interview, it is important to invest time and energy into the recruitment process.
Applying for a job is an important step in the hiring process. Your application shows your interest in the job and informs the employer of your relevant skills and experience. Knowing how to complete a job application well can have a significant impact on your chances of receiving an invitation to interview. Submitting a job application is often the first contact you have with NOSM University, so making a good impression is important. Knowing what to write and what the hiring manager is looking for will help you submit an application that gets you an interview.
Should you be invited to participate in the interview process, preparation is a key part of the process. It means taking time to thoughtfully consider your goals and qualifications relative to the position and NOSM University.
Following are some questions you may consider throughout the process (expand the table to see helpful tips):
Have you reviewed your resume?
No matter how many times you apply for positions, each application is important and deserves close attention to detail.
Take the time to look over your resume. In addition to looking for spelling and grammar mistakes, you should review it to see if it makes you stand out. It is a good idea to get someone else to proofread your application as well as they provide a fresh perspective.
Have you taken the time to tailor your resume towards the position you are interested in? A good practice is to compare the job posting to your cover letter and resume to ensure you have highlighted the skill set that matches the position. Also, check that your qualifications are correctly detailed and can easily be understood. Acronyms that make no sense to the organization should be avoided and spelled out in full instead.
Before sending your application, ensure your contact information is correct. Much of the process is done through email, so it is important that this information is accurate for us to get in touch with you. It is best to use a professional email address as this is part your first impression.
Make sure to read and follow all of the instructions properly during the submission of your application.
What skills do you want to improve?
Not having a particular hard skill should not be a barrier, it should be considered an opportunity for professional growth. It is simple to learn or improve skills in an effort to be a better-suited candidate. Consider taking a course to improve a particular skill that is required in the job. For example, there are many online courses related to the Microsoft Office Suite. If this is something the position requires, it is a good opportunity to hone this skill set. Investing your time and energy into developing or improving a particular skill demonstrates your commitment to on-going learning and self-improvement.
Have you prepared for the interview?
Interviews are a critical component to being successful for a position. Ensure you take the time to improve these skills by researching common interview questions related to the role, writing out responses with relevant examples, followed by practicing with someone or in a mirror. Your answers should be clear, concise, and demonstrate you have the transferable skills to complete the responsibilities of the position. By preparing in advance, you will be able to demonstrate preparedness, job knowledge, and project confidence in your skills and abilities.
If asked to create a presentation as part of the interview process, be sure to review your slides for completion and prepare speaking notes. It is a good idea to practice out loud and time yourself so you can keep yourself on track during the interview.
Come prepared to the interview with some thoughtful questions for the panel. This will demonstrate your knowledge of the School as well as your serious interest in the role.
Remember, the interview process is your time to demonstrate how you are the best person for the position. Don’t shy away from letting the interview panel know about your key selling points.
Do you know where your interview is?
Avoid any additional stress by knowing where your interview is located. If you are unfamiliar with the location, refer to the map and directions provided by Human Resources and scope it out in advance of the day. Make note of the parking situation at this time as well.
On the day of your interview, leave early to allow for any unexpected delays. This way, you will have plenty of time to relax and mentally prepare for your interview. It is also a good idea to have the contact information for Human Resources with you in the event you need to contact someone.
Have you tested WebEx?
Given the distributed nature of NOSM University as well as our current situation of working from home, many interviews are being conducted through WebEx. It is important to participate in the testing of this software when asked by Human Resources. Again, this will help you avoid any additional stress on the day of your interview.