You’ve done the work and finished school. You’ve started your job search and landed an interview. You are so close to landing your dream job as a dental assistant.
The only thing standing in your way is the interview. With all of the experience under your belt you have nothing to worry about.
Keep reading for a list of tips to help you ace your dental assistant interview and land the job of your dreams.
Prepare for Your Dental Assistant Interview
Interviews can be nerve-wracking for even the most seasoned professionals. Whether this is your first interview or your 10th, it is always helpful to brush up on your interviewing skills before the big day.
The more you prepare in advance, the more confident you will feel during your interview.
Research the practice you are interviewing with. Visit their website, social media, online reviews, and ask people you know in the field if they have any knowledge about the practice.
Carefully read the job posting so that you have clear expectations of the job requirements and duties. Demonstrating that you have a strong understanding of the position shows that you are prepared and are confident that you will be a good fit for the position.
Bring copies of your resume for the interviewer and any other guests who may join the interview. They will most likely already have copies, but if they don’t you will look professional and prepared by providing them a copy.
Research common questions asked during interviews in general and interviews specifically for dental assistants. If you come prepared with answers to questions that might be asked, you will feel and appear more confident.
Practice answering these questions in front of the mirror or in front of friends and family.
Ask plenty of questions of the hiring manager or interviewer. Prepare these questions in advance based on the job description and your research about the practice.
Asking questions will show your commitment to the position and that you feel you are a perfect match for the company.
Dress to Impress
If your interview is a working interview, you may be told to wear scrubs.
If the interview is traditional, you should wear business casual or professional business attire.
Follow general interview advice such as avoiding strongly scented perfumes or lotions and avoiding flashy jewellery. It is best to style your hair and makeup conservatively so that your interviewer can focus on your qualifications.
Arrive On Time
Arrive early, but not too early.
Aim to arrive between 5-10 minutes early, but no earlier. Being overly early can be perceived as disrespectful of the interviewer’s time in the same manner as being late.
Locate the practice on your GPS and familiarise yourself with the route ahead of time.
Preparation is Key
If you follow these tips, you are sure to ace your dental assistant interview.
Do the work in advance so you have nothing to worry about on the day of the interview. If you are adequately prepared you will feel confident and it will show.
For more tips on landing your dream job as a dental assistant, check out this blog post.