Ron McLaughlin DVM, DVSc, DACVS Head, Department of Clinical Sciences Chief of Staff- Animal Health Center College of Veterinary Medicine Mississippi State University
Objectives: Finding and investigating available positions What is the institution looking for? Application process Interview Process and Basic skills Common questions Mistakes to avoid Interview Presentation Follow-up Job offer and negotiation Clueless?
Finding Available Positions JAVMA and other journals Specialty Colleges Journals Web-sites and list serves Department Office Colleagues (internal and external) Residency Advisors Others?
Investigate the Position Review job description carefully Requirements Rank - Assistant, Associate or Full Professor Tenure Track vs Clinical Track Substantially different expectations Teaching, Service and Research Benefits info on-line at university web site Health care, retirement, insurance, etc. Vacation, leave and consulting policies Prepare questions to ask
What are they looking for? Potential Ability to work with others Professional and competent Impressive CV Relevant experience and skills Problem solving skills Multitasker, productive Enthusiasm and initiative Good cultural fit
Application Curriculum Vitae Professional and complete Cover letter Concise, targeted and professional Focus on what you will do to address employers needs! Teaching, service and research Avoid bragging statements Forbes- worst cover letter: That semester I achieved a 3.93, and in the same time I managed to bench double my bodyweight and do 35 pull-ups.
Application Ask your mentors to review Grammar & spelling count! References Very important choose wisely Knowledgeable about your work Qualified Experienced professionals in the field On-line application (send hard copy, too)
Interview - Process Search committee Faculty members review application packets Select candidates qualified to interview Make recommendations to the Department Head Invitation to interview Scheduling Typically 2 days Be cooperative and accommodating Ask questions
Interview - Process Interview Starts at the airport Dress appropriately Tour facility Meetings! Faculty and staff Administrators Deans, Department Heads Be prepared notebook/pen, business cards Remember who you meet with Follow-up
Interview - Process Meals Reasonable with order No or very limited alcohol Good manners! After you leave: Participants provide input to DH Suitability for position Suitability as a potential colleague Candidate selected for job offer
Interview Basic Skills
Interview Basic Skills Prepare, Prepare, Prepare! Visit web-site Learn who you will meet with (itinerary) Who knows who? Great ice breakers Know what they are interested in (field of study) Dress professionally! Suit that fits, iron clothes Deodorant Avoid cologne or perfume (allergic)
Interview Basic Skills Be positive and smile! Good handshake Good eye-contact Shows you are interested Pick up non-verbal clues < 40% = shifty > 60% = intimidating, weird Relax, slow down, breath! Don t talk too fast Body language: calm, confident, self-assured
Interview Basic Skills Remember you are Always ON Hallways, meals, etc. Plan: questions and answers Prepare questions in advance Expectations? Environment? Institutional culture? Listen carefully Don t interrupt Think, breath, respond
Interview Common Questions Tell me a little about yourself. Incisive summary of your career. Succinct Pertinent skills, work experience, accomplishments Don t give your life story. Irrelevant personal or professional background
Interview Common Questions Why are you interested in this position? Have beyond-the-basics knowledge of the job and expectations. Be specific about why you're an excellent fit. What you bring to the table Don t answer in the context of your financial needs.
Interview Common Questions What is your biggest weakness? Demonstrate self-awareness, sincerity and problem-solving skills. Turn a weakness into a strength Give a area where you could improve and spotlight the steps you've taken to do so. Sometimes overextended myself, but reading time-management books has helped. Now, I make prioritized to-do lists, learned when to delegate, and am more efficient with my time. Don t pretend to be perfect Don't be your own worst critic by citing countless shortcomings.
Interview Common Questions How do you manage conflict? Give an example of a time you managed a conflict in a positive manner. Prepare an example in advance.
Interview Common Questions Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Position yourself as an ambitious but flexible realist. Its good to have goals. Describe a desire to continually take on broader responsibilities and grow professionally. Emphasize your commitment to improving or interest in attaining advanced training/skills. Don t give an overly lofty objective be realistic and thoughtful.
Interview - Mistakes Forbes: most common mistakes: Inappropriate attire. Showing up late. Bad breath. Answering cell phone or texting Appearing disinterested Appearing arrogant Talking negatively about current or previous employers Chewing gum
Interview Presentation Typically 45-50 minutes Research presentation Bring laptop or jump drive Extra copy Polished and professional Speaking style Powerpoint presentation Practice! advisor Be prepared for questions Know your audience
End of interview and follow-up Always thank the interviewers. Demonstrate your sincere interest. Discuss time-line for a decision. Follow-up within 24 hours with a Thank-You note. Handwritten Email Customize the note. Refer to something you learned or discussed Reconfirm your interest
Job Offer- Negotiation Negotiable items Assignment (teaching, service and research) Salary Start-up funds Laboratory space Equipment needs (research and clinical) Start date Study time for boards? Be clear about your expectations Ok to ask- don t be pushy Be willing to compromise Final offer letter or contract Administrative approval Acceptance signature
Questions?