How to: SLT Job Applications and Interviews

It's that time of year for many SLT2B's (SLT Students for those not "down" with twitter lingo!) when discussions about job applications and job interviews start cropping up.  Within a single hour yesterday I was asked "Who do you think you'll use for your references?" "Do you think its too soon to apply?", and the competitive side of some people starts to show.

 

But after attending the RCSLT Student Day last week, where many suggestions about job applications and interviews were given from NQT's, it got me wondering what those who are potential interviewers may be expecting.  I also wanted to compile a handy "how to" blog to help all those students in transition just like me.  So I posed the question on twitter and a flood of tweets giving suggestions from both potential interviewers and students came in.

 

Here are the twitter suggestions:

 

"Be yourself & bring extra copies of your resume to the interview. Ask about supervision, training, & opportunities for continuing ed" - Kimberly Scanlon

 

"for interview stage prepare some questions b4hand, ur mind will sometimes go blank so good 2 have 1-2 ready" - Sarah Bobeldijk

 

"remember u could potentially end up working with/for these ppl so ask them q's about the service, the job, the team etc" - Gina Roy

 

"Also good to get idea of personalities of team - its not just job u have to b right 4. U need 2 fit in w/ the team" - Sarah Bobeldijk

 

"Be proactive and ask to see the department before interview." - Ashleigh Westwood

 

"also don't b afraid to go have a look around, it'll get ur face out there & u get a better idea of what t job entails & environment" - Sarah Bobeldijk

 

"When #slp2b job hunting, ask if company/school will provide the supervision and request it be put in the contract, if possible" - Kate Millican

 

"thoroughly read person spec - if there's items u dont meet eg dysphagia trained, st8 what u do have like experience than gloss over" - Sarah Bobeldijk

 

"My 1st application was unsuccessful but I emailed for feedback after not hearing anything. If you ask, they'll most likely... give it to you & you can improve on your next application which hopefully will end in success! :)" - Ashleigh Westwood

 

"look everywhere for jobs - my first one was on Facebook, and that was in 2007! Best job I could have asked for!" - ASDSpeechie

"apply for part time, even if you want full time. I didn't get the original job, but got a full time year long contract instead!" - Helen Sutton

"don't be disheartened by some interview processes. Had 1 where 40 of us did a test, top 6 were invited back for interview....got to interview stage, told I was second fave choice. Felt demoralised at the time but gave hope I was doing ok in the process too!" - ASDSpeechie

 

& Mike Richards also blogged about this last summer http://www.speechlanguagesolutions.co.uk/category/sls-blog/ … (take a look, it's worth a read!)

 

So, get to know the department and the people, including visiting the department pre-interview (or pre-application if there is time!), get to know the person specification and job description, bring along your CV to the interview and ensure you ask lots of questions.  Then once the interview has happened, if unsuccessful don't forget to ask why! This will support your future applications.

 

Other hints, tips and suggestions for job applications from the student day include:

• Make your application (or personal statement) systematic, structured, punchy and personal.
 
• Short concise applications, personal statements or email enquiries are more likely to be responded to than lengthy ones.
 
• Ensure your application form/personal statement covers all aspects of the person specification.
 
• Make your application form as individual as possible, don't just copy and paste.
 
• Include all transferable skills, non-clinical experience that can contribute to the job role.
 
• Apply for jobs within NHS, charities, independent sector, local authorities - you're not just restricted to NHS work in NQT year.
 
• Sell yourself - make it sound like you're the only one that can do this job.
 
• Gain experience by volunteering, keep in touch with peers and clinicians, start or join journal clubs and attend SIG's.

Other hints, tips and suggestions for interviews:

• Be punctual
 
• Ask questions and find out what is involved in the job
 
• Show your personality and be enthusiastic
 
• Think before you speak
 
• Plan answers to questions (e.g. prepare for questions such as team working, MDT role etc)
 
• Show your interpersonal skills (ability to reflect, team player etc.)
 
• Show your clinical knowledge (theory, caseload management etc.)
 
• Have a solid client knowledge.

Question the models of supervision you may receive, especially if applying to private/independent organisations.

Consider the bigger picture - knowledge of RCSLT, HCPC and wider service provision.

So I hope this gives any "slt2b's" a wider insight into the application and interview process, and comes in handy for those that are also starting the transition into NQT just like myself!  Hopefully once I do begin applications and interviews, I can report back some of my own handy tips that I have experienced!

 

Good luck to all student SLT's in the process of job hunting!

 

Many thanks to all the Twitter responses, Mike Richards for his blog post and Emma Marfleet and Gina Roy for their fab presentation at the RCSLT Student Day

 

 

For any #slt2b's that are feeling they want more support with time management, caseload management, reduce stress and be more productive in the preparation for NQT jobs then you should take a look at the upcoming day from Therapy Ideas at: http://therapyideas.org/workshop - Great for the CV!

 

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Updated 10th April 2013 - Many people have contacted me about this blog post and offered their suggestions, so here is a link to a fab blog on job applications and interviews for Band 5's from a SLT herself http://www.aptus-slt.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/tips-for-newly-qualified-speech-and.html and don't forget to check out Journal Clubs in your area for extra brownie points on your CV - sltjournalclub.co.uk   - Pediastaff also have a graduate careers guide that you can check out at : http://ht.ly/jRQpy (works best on laptop/pc rather than mobile!)