Harvard MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology HST 590 Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series Developing Professional Skills Fall 2006 Course Director Dr Mya Poe Recap and additional points from HST 590 Interviewing on 9 28 06 FJ Schoen Prepare for the interview Learn about the organization its people and the work you might do If an academic department learn about its faculty and programs strengths and weaknesses Consider specifically how you will contribute courses programs a unique expertise or focus Prepare questions for the interviewer such as How do you see X department changing over next 3 years What are your plans for other recruitments What are the weaknesses of X department How is x department different from others How would you describe the ideal candidate for this job What are the opportunities for mentoring and growth in the organization Know your motivations strengths and weaknesses Consider what are your ideal job biggest failure and most satisfying accomplishment Consider how you will answer the questions tell me about yourself how would you handle criticism how you would improve yourself or why should we hire you Bring a clean copy of your CV and know it well ensure no gaps in time Look over available sample interviewing questions and other tips on available websites Find about as much as possible about your interview in advance schedule individuals group panel vs single interviews Bring clean copy of several key papers you ve published offer but don t force them Use professional sounding e mail address names and material on personal websites be mindful that Facebook and MySpace venues can come back to haunt you Invite references beforehand Be aware of illegal questions Be on time Avoid pitfalls in interview Be prepared Dress appropriately usually tie and jacket for men business attire for women Body language is important Be enthusiastic interested and confident but modest Go in with a message to deliver and reiterate it Don t talk too much use short direct responses Use good manners smile and be professional Don t knock your present employer Be honest and don t take credit for things you did not do Don t negotiate salary research space and funding too early Avoid tired words slang and clich s Be positive about the negative How did you learn from failure Don t panic if things seem not to be going well Follow up letter Send within a few days This is courteous Shows understanding of business procedures and demonstrates professionalism Shows enthusiasm and communications skills Express interest in position Ask additional questions Thank interviewer for taking the time Allows emphasis or correction of points that were discussed in interview Don t over flatter the interviewer