DENTAL HYGIENIST JOB SEEKING TIPS

The first rule of to observe when seeking out dental hygienist jobs is that you should be adequately prepared for your interview. There are several things you can do to ensure that you are well prepared.

Where to Look

This is where a listing of some of the most suitable places to look for or ways to go about seeking dental hygienists vacancies.

 Newspapers
 Professional publications
 Unsolicited cover letters and resumes. Send applications to dental practices even though they did not advertise a vacancy.
 Local professional associations
 Dental auxiliary placement service
 Temporary placement service
 Dental hygiene schools
 Networking

Your Cover Letter

As the first contact with your prospective employer, your cover letter should make an excellent first impression. It should be attractive, well-written, and highly professional. It should not be written in haste and should also reflect your experience and qualifications while allowing some of your personality to shine through. It should spark interest in your resume and cause it to stand out among those of other applicants seeking dental hygienist jobs.

Use your introductory paragraph to give a brief explanation of your reason for writing and the position you are applying for. State how you found out about the vacancy. Use the body of the letter to highlight your experience and skills, as well as any special qualifications you may have. Avoid giving details. That will be covered in the interview. Use your cover letter to highlight the positives that you would want to be discussed during the interview. In your closing paragraph make reference to your enclosed resume, request a personal interview and supply a telephone number that you can be reached on at any time.

Your Resume

Your resume for dental hygiene jobs should be a one-pager. The simpler it is the better. The basic outline of a resume includes the heading, your education, professional experience and references. Newly licensed dental hygienist and those with little or no experience may feel the need to give additional information to build their resume. In this case you may add categories such as Licensure, Professional Associations or Community Service. Avoid including information such as hobbies, special interests, marital status or children. Information of a personal nature such as the two latter ones is inappropriate and can sometimes work against you.

Before the Interview

 Make enquires about the philosophy of the dental office and practice before going in for the interview.
 Have in mind a salary arrangement you are satisfied with and be prepared to justify your request.
 Be on time for your interview. It is advisable that you be a few minutes early.
 Dress professionally but in a conservative manner that is reflective of the way you would dress for work. A dress or simple suit is appropriate and the make-up and hair style should also be conservative. Keep your perfume to a minimum.
 Initiate a firm handshake, both at the beginning and at the end of the interview.

During the Interview

 During the interview smile pleasantly and maintain eye contact and an open, calm body position. Pay attention and show interest to what is said, and try to curb any nervous habits you may have.
 Listen keenly and think before answering questions.
 Never criticize past employers, jobs, or salaries.
 Think of the interview as an initiation of a relationship. Your prospective employer will be gathering information and impressions of you, use the opportunity to do the same of them. It is just as important that you learn as much about the company you are going to work with, as it is for them to learn about you. There are vital indicators you can pick up during an interview that will help you to understand the nature of the company. The dentist will need to learn enough about you to make a hiring decision. It is just as vital for you to learn things about the company that will affect or contribute to your happiness as an employee. Do not allow the interview to become one-sided. Ask questions.
 The interviewer will evaluate your resume, work qualifications and professional philosophy. Your behavior and personality will also be evaluated to determine whether or not you are the right person they are seeking, to become a part of their team to interact with both patients and staff. You will be assessed based on your appearance, neatness, cleanliness and general deportment.

Questions you should ask your Interviewer

There are certain questions and behaviors that the interviewer will expect from you. Be observant and be sure to get information about the following:

 Specific responsibilities associated with the post for which you are being interviewed.
 Salary and benefits, vacation and sick leave policies, as well as office policies such as appointment scheduling.
 Inquire about the present staff and ask to see the office. During your tour, pay attention to details such as equipment and supplies.
 It is extremely important that you try to develop a rapport with the dentist. Observe his/her willingness to be pleasant or conversational. This will give you an idea of the working relationship in the office.
 Take your cues from the dentist/interviewer about the length of the dialogue.
 At the end of the interview, initiate a handshake and try to elicit a comment that will indicate his/her decision about hiring you. Be sure to ask how soon you can expect to hear from him/ her.

After the Interview

 Do a follow-up letter, written in business style on resume paper, thanking the dentist for the interview opportunity and restate your interest in the dental hygienist job. This will reinforce the level of professionalism you displayed during the interview process.
 If you think of questions that may influence your decision to accept the job, call the office and seek answers. It is important that you have sufficient information so you can make the right decision.
 Ponder the length of the interview and the questions the interviewer asked. Were they thoughtful or superficial?
 Were you comfortable with the level of professionalism, the staff, the office, the overall atmosphere?
 Were you given a chance to meet and interact with the staff?

In your search for dental hygienist jobs, you should bear in mind that during an interview both parties are on their best behavior, so what you see may not be what you get in the end. Job satisfaction cannot be adequately judged based on a job interview. The more informed and observant you are, the better your chances of making the right decision.