My experiences.. Job Applications and Interviews

Recently I sought the hints tips and suggestions of SLT's and SLT2B's about job applications and interviews, and have had some great responses to the things mentioned and have heard some fab stories about the process of job hunting in the SLT world. 

 

However, I am not here to talk about other peoples hints tips and suggestions anymore, instead I want to reflect on my recent experience in the job hunting world.  I applied for my first Band 5 job in April this year and was lucky enough to get an invite to interview for the post following my submission of a personal statement.  Unfortunately I did not get the job, but found the whole process a great learning experience - even in learning how to handle waiting for the phone to ring, and taking in feedback and points to develop (of which any student SLT on placement knows can be difficult at times, especially if you may not fully agree with the comments posed).  So this post is to say that, even if you do get knocked back, every knock back is a learning experience and will only endeavour to make you better in the future.  So here are tips from my recent experience:

 

Job Application:

• Be concise in your personal statement.
 
• Make it focused on the service you are applying to.
 
• If you have had experience within the service you are applying to, mention it! Drop names even!
 
• Follow the person specification in your personal statement, ensure you cover all essential and some desirable!

Interview:

• Be calm and confident, you've already made it so far!
 
• Give yourself time to settle down, you're only human!
 
• If you don't understand a question or can't remember it all, apologise and ask for repetition.
 
• Seek clarification if you are unsure of the question - one way is to paraphase "do you mean..".
 
• Sell yourself, if you are asked to "add anything else", make sure that you use that opportunity to shout about your skills and why they should hire you.
 
• Prepare answers to scenarios, and questions prior to the interview.  Try to consider all your placement/work experience and the strengths, challenges and points to develop of these before you go into the interview.
 
• Ensure you thank them for the opportunity at the end of the interview, manners go a long way!

Post-interview call back:

• Make sure you answer the call when you have time to talk, and are in a suitable environment without lots of noise.
 
• Even if it is a call of rejection, thank them for everything.
 
• Seek feedback, or if offered, accept feedback.
 
• Discuss with them honestly how you felt it went, or give them more detail about why you felt that question was difficult.
 
• Write down the feedback they give you, including tips for future interviews.
 
• Consider the positives of the feedback, or where they do not offer positives, ask for positive feedback.

Most of all, it is necessary you remember that every interview is different and that every interviewer is different. And, like I said before, every knock back is a learning curve to take a leap forward with. I know that I am grateful for the opportunity to interview, it showed me strengths in my personal statement, and showed me that I did have what it takes to be considered for a Band 5 post.  I am also glad that I have learnt so much from the interview experience and the feedback given and I hope that future interviews to come will also support me in developing and learning.  Then one day, I am positive, an interview will end in my dream SLT job! *Fingers crossed*. Good luck to all #SLT2B's out there!

 

 

Extremely SLT-Related and Incredibly Fun

So last night was the first event for the SLT Society at the University of Essex, and we watched Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.  It was voted as the film of choice due to people knowing it had links to aspergers/social communication and was "easy going".  Well the later was not true, as many people teared up during it! But it certainly did have some great links to SLT.  Whilst the main character Oskar did not have a formal diagnosis of Aspergers (despite being tested as he mentions during the film) he shows some examples of many clients that all of us in the audience could relate with, from repetitive behaviours to extreme anxiety talking to strangers and inappropraite questioning. 

 

But that wasn't the best part, Oskar meets "The Renter" who "has no voice", which Oskar goes on to discuss reasons behind voice disorders, why it's not physiologically possible to have "no voice" and basically outsmarting 90% of the audience with his terminology and diagnosis! "The Renter" then proceeds to show his right hand, which has a "yes" inked into it, and his left hand which has a "no" inked into it.  He and Oskar go on to have real rapport and "The Renter" supports his "yes" and "no" hands with his notepad and pen, a really great example of low tech AAC.  It highlights how two very different people communicate successfully, how different communication impairments can impact someone and how you problem solve around this to continue to communicate. 

 

Overall a fabulous choice for our first event and first film night! Any suggestions for our next film night are welcome - and if you haven't seen this film, go watch it and let me know what you think!

 

 

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!)

SLT Society..an update!

So, having now been ratified as a society there has been many committee meetings establishing a budget and a code of conduct (boy oh boy, I did not realise how much work this society thing would take!) and now we are just awaiting a go ahead on gaining members and we are off!

 

But in the meantime we've planned a film night, showing a film that is SLT related (but is not the King's speech!) so we selected Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close to highlight social communication and we will be holding a discussion group about the interpretation from book to film and how communication is portrayed in the film format. 

 

 

As well as this, we have created a Giving Voice Ballot Box! Now all RCSLT members should have received their April Bulletins and be eagerly reading them back to front, so if you have done this you'll know that the General Elections are taking place in 2015, and RCSLT want the MPs to include a manifesto about SLT provision in their campaigns, so this is an opportunity for real SLTs and SLT Students to put their thoughts down of what they actually want the government to provide SLT to improve it.  We were able to have a go at this at the RCSLT Student Day last week and it was actually a great way to realise that even though we know we need more SLT resources, what do we really want to gain!?

Our Ballot Box!

 

The Ballot Box, Manifesto Blank Forms and Polling Station

 

There are also plans for engaging in the non-verbal week from 22nd April (thanks to Inclusive Communication Essex who will be helping us out at local Essex libraries to provide AAC to use during this week!) and plans to host a Giving Voice stall to promote our society, the SLT profession and the Giving Voice Campaign on campus at the University of Essex. 

 

So whilst it feels like we only have a few months with this society before we move on to being qualified professionals (eek!), we have a lot of great stuff in the pipeline!!

 

If there are any other SLT Societies out there that have suggestions or ideas of events or activities that worked well, I would really appreciate a comment or tweet about it :)

My Toddler Talks: A Review



My train journey provisions

Recently I was asked by Kimberly if I would like to review her new book My Toddler Talks and I jumped at the chance.  So I eagerly awaited by the postbox for it to arrive and once it did it was time for my Easter weekend break, and the RCSLT Student Day up in Leicester.  So with my bag packed with Kimberly's book, a notepad, pens, highlighters and many post-it notes I was ready for my train ride and to dive into this book.
 

As I had never reviewed a book before I thought post-it notes of my thoughts would be the best way to keep my thoughts organised and have been swimming in post-it notes ever since (finding them in the strangest of places such as in my bed!).

But down to what you all want to hear.. "What did you think of Kimberly's book?"

 



Post-It Notes everywhere!

Well.. It is fab! Absolutely great!

 

As someone who's course is split 1st year paediatrics, 2nd year adult (and now being in 2nd year) it's been nearly a year since I have engaged in paediatric therapy and it was fantastic to read this book to re-jig my memory of child language development and milestones, hints and tips for how to engage with children and some fun games that would be great for encouraging language. 

So whilst Kimberly aims her book to parents to support them in communicating with their toddler and providing a language rich environment, I feel it should be for all SLT Students and SLT Practitioners. 

 

I know I'll keep My Toddler Talks in my SLT Toolkit for my remaining 5 months as a student and into my career as a practitioner.

 

Now if I consider a parent reading this, and stepping out of my shoes as a SLT, I think it's a fab book for working in conjunction with a SLT and a therapy program.  However, there are a few times in the first part of the book (where Kimberly outlines routines and language modelling techniques) where I wonder if parents would fully understand the terminology used and the strategies outlined.  But I envisage a parent being recommended this book following a SLT session, and in that case I think a parent could take a great deal from this book, and would be able to question and clarify any words or strategies with the SLT in charge. 

 

So whilst there may be some SLT jargon, or language modelling techniques that parents may need explaining, Kimberly outlines that this book is not a replacement for SLT and for me this is one of  the important aspects to ensure parents take away from using this book.

 

Kimberly's book initially comprises of theory, outlining language development and milestones, onto general strategies and tips for encouraging language development.  This is a great opener to support parents, children and language development.  But my personal favourite part of the book would have to be the activities section.  This thoroughly outlines resources needed, time needed, the structure of the play and extra tips for engaging in many different activities and is extremely accessible and adaptable to suit the parent and child's needs.  It is also highly transferable for SLTs that are stuck in a rut and need a new activity for therapy!

 

There are many positives in this book for parents, Kimberly effectively outlines that the parent is the expert of the child, not the SLT and detailing that play should be child led and positive throughout.  Extra tips such as reducing questions, imitating and video recording are many things that us SLTs do intrinsically, but are essential to be detailed for the parent.  Having these hints, tips and strategies in this book for parents to keep at home at all times is great, and makes it really accessible. 

 

Overall, Kimberly's book covers both theory and basics of language development, strategies and tips to support encouraging language by adapting the parent/carer/professionals language, and extremely well detailed activities that rely on resources that accessible in most homes that effectively encourage play and language development. 

 

It is a book that all paediatric speech and language therapists should have access to, a book that can be recommended to parents and be implemented alongside therapy in the early years.  I know for a fact that when I get stuck on my language development milestones, or am in need of a new game for therapy I will turn to Kimberly's book.

 

I want to take this opportunity thank Kimberly,

for giving me such a useful tool as a student

and as a future practitioner.

 

To read more about Kimberly's book go to: http://www.mytoddlertalks.com/ 

Or to purchase go to Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toddler-Talks-Strategies-Activities-Development/dp/1477693548/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1364994876&sr=8-3