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

▫ Incisive summary of your career. Succinct

Pertinent skills, work experience, accomplishments

▫ Don’t give your life story. Irrelevant personal or

professional background

“Tell me a little about yourself.”

Interview – Common Questions

• 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.

“Why are you interested in this position?”

Interview – Common Questions • 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.

“What is your biggest weakness?”

Interview – Common Questions

• Give an example of a time you managed a conflict in a positive manner.

• Prepare an example in advance.

“How do you manage conflict?”

Interview – Common Questions

• 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.

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

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?