INTERVW-2020

Application for a Dental Hygiene Position

Seeking Employment

  • Active vs Passive Job Seekers

    • Passive: waits until jobs are advertised.

    • Active: modifies cover letter and resume for specific job targets.

  • Sources for Seeking Employment:

    • Friends and colleagues

    • Dental society or dental hygiene association placement services

    • Websites and dental supply houses or salespersons

Job Selection Criteria

  • Consider the following factors when applying:

    • Practice ambiance and atmosphere

    • Practice philosophy, goals, and values

    • Personal compatibility with staff and office atmosphere

    • Standards and quality of care

    • General work conditions and role responsibilities

    • Compensation and job security

    • Opportunities for professional growth and personal satisfaction

      • Integration into the practice team

      • Openness to innovation versus maintaining the status quo

    • Consider location, commuting time, and parking situation

    • Nature of practice: established, new, growing, stable, or restructuring

Preparing for Interview

  • Screen Positions:

    • Use calls to identify acceptable positions

    • Ask Questions:

      • Understand the detailed position by inquiring and listening for the office tone.

The Phone Call

  • Experience a mix of elation (interest in qualifications) and fear (of the unknown) upon receiving a call.

Interview Appointment

  • Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview.

  • Get directions to the office.

Preparation

  • Develop Self-Knowledge:

    • Know who you are and what value you bring:

      • Skills and qualifications

      • Professional philosophy

      • Short and long-range goals

  • Preparation reduces stress.

The Interview

  • Research the Position:

    • Investigate the office reputation and talk to employees.

  • Role-play a mock interview and prepare possible questions.

  • Plan your interview approach.

Personnel Assessment

  • The interview is both an assessment of the candidate by the employer and vice versa.

First Impressions

  • Remember: "You never have a second chance to make a first impression."

Interview Appraisal

  • Interviewer evaluates:

    • Resume and qualifications

    • Professional philosophy

    • Behavior and appearance

  • Candidate evaluates:

    • Job description and office environment

    • Practice philosophy and growth opportunities.

Interview Styles

  • Types of Interviews:

    • Directed: structured, impersonal, interview-dominated.

    • Open: loosely structured, encourages interaction.

    • Group: multiple candidates and interviewers.

    • Board: one candidate with several interviewers.

Interview Phases

  • Preliminary Interview:

    • Introductions and rapport building.

    • Presentation of qualifications and matching with the position.

  • Conclusion:

    • Possible job offer discussed.

  • Selection/Second Interview:

    • Further assessment opportunities and job offer discussions.

Interview Dynamics

  • The interview should be a mutual exchange of information.

Questions to Avoid

  • Avoid questions about race, gender, religion, marital status, age, military status, national origin, and political views.

Successful Interview Recommendations

  • Verbal Communication:

    • Address the interviewer by name

    • Listen and answer questions concisely

    • Utilize knowledge and skills in responses.

  • Nonverbal Communication:

    • Maintain good posture and eye contact

    • Display confidence and avoid fidgeting.

Post-Interview Acknowledgements

  • Send a thank-you letter to restate interest and qualifications.

Terms of Employment

  • As an Employee:

    • Works within a dental office structure, with financial responsibilities on the employer.

    • Paid via salary, hourly wage, or commission.

  • As an Independent Contractor:

    • Provides services independently, assuming full financial responsibility.

Employment Status Types

  • Permanent, Temporary, Full-time, Part-time, Probationary:

    • Definitions and conditions for each type listed.

Workplace Legislation

  • Non-Discrimination Act

    • Protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, etc.

    • Focus on benefits and equal treatment in the workplace.

Compensation Structures

  • Various compensation methods including salary, commission, and benefits outlined.

Fringe Benefits

  • Required and optional benefits include health insurance, sick leave, and retirement plans.

Negotiating Salary

  • Understand your value and be prepared to negotiate salary and benefits.

  • Consider education, skill level, and market demand when negotiating.

Employment Agreement

  • Definition and importance of having a written agreement specifying terms of employment.

Content of Agreement

  • Details such as job title, hours, remuneration, and policies should be included.

Conclusion

  • Ensure all agreements are clear and in writing to prevent future discrepancies.

  • Designed by Sharon L. Hilton in 2009; revised by Michelle Sirois in 2012; revised by Meg Loadholt in 2016.