Getting hired as a Respiratory Therapist is no easy task. With all the competition that’s out there, it is better to come in prepared. So, with that in mind, here’s a list of things you to remember in order to get hired.
- Put in your application
- Don’t wait to be called. A week of wait time before calling them should suffice.
- Be respectful on the phone and in person
- Be especially respectful to the secretary
- Dress nice. You do not need to put on a coat and tie. A common rule is to dress about one stage above what you would use to work.
- Be respectful, especially to secretaries.
- Speak excellent English
- Don’t wear a lot of piercings on your face during the interview.
- Don’t use too much cosmetics or perfume.
- Be an excellent listener
- Know the organization that wants to seek your services
- Be prompt, which means be about 10 minutes early.
- Know the name of the interview panel member. You can do this by looking at the hospital’s web page, or by calling and asking.
- Bring a copy of your resume, even if you already sent it
- Practice your answers to questions, such as:
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Where do you anticipate to be in five years?
- What do you do in your free time?
- Tell me about yourself?
- Ask questions. This shows you are not all knowing and are willing to pay attention and learn.
- Be sincere. Don’t make yourself out to be what you are not. If you’re character suits the milieu of the medical center, you will make it to the top of the list. If your character does not fit, there will be other jobs.
The bottom line is any hiring individual will know that you have no experience and that there will be a lot for you to learn. So, this implies that your two best promoting factors are how you present yourself and that you are capable of being turned into the kind of respiratory therapist the organization needs.