These Tips Will Give You Confidence to Shine
As a licensed mental health counselor, you’ll be aware of just how important technology has been in keeping people connected when the world closed down in 2020. We all agree that connecting virtually can never fully replicate the connection created in person. But it has certainly helped:
- Patients access healthcare advice
- Students access education
- Loved ones stay in touch
- Employers continue employing
According to Gartner, 86% of organizations are now conducting interviews virtually. It’s keeping businesses and employment going, and patients’ mental wellbeing supported in the most challenging year in our lifetimes.
The majority (62%) of Americans would prefer to interview in person. An interview can be a daunting challenge under normal circumstances, and the virtual variety is causing a sweaty panic. How do you eliminate those extra nerves?
In this article, you’ll discover seven great tips that will get you feeling confident and ready to breeze that virtual interview for your next licensed mental health counsellor job.
Before the Interview
This stage is as important as the interview itself. If you don’t prepare, your interview will be littered with slip-ups and problems. Here are four things you must do:
1. Research the Interviewer and Employer
As soon as you’ve arranged your interview, conduct some in-depth research. Learn the employer’s mission and vision, and ensure they align with your own. Do this, and it will be clear to the interviewer that you’ve done your research and have a genuine interest in a long-term position with them.
If possible, find out who is interviewing you. Do a Google and LinkedIn search, and identify a common ground to talk about – and be prepared to break the ice with a natural conversation.
2. Check Your Technology
As a mental health counselor, technology isn’t usually your thing. But now it needs to be for the interview. You should:
- Test your microphone and speakers
- Get signed into the agreed platform and have a look around
- Check the audio quality is clear
- Practice with a friend, particularly if you’re not used to how it all works
- Position your monitor and Wi-Fi close to the main router to maximize connectivity
Demonstrating that you are adept with video technology will also put you in a good position should you be required to conduct future virtual consultations with patients.
3. Check How You Present
Now see how you appear on-screen. You should have natural light in front of you, not behind, so your interviewer can see you clearly. Position the camera at eye level and check on-screen what is behind you. Declutter the area to ensure you give the impression of being organized (which you are).
Have a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign ready to place on your door, and don’t forget to turn off any notification alerts from your PC or cell phone.
4. Have Your Resume to Hand
Read over what they’ve seen so far about you and have a copy of your resume to hand to refer to if needed.
Consider what questions they may ask, and have answers ready in your mind.
During the Interview
Here’s what you should be doing during that potentially life-changing interview.
1. Dress for Interview
You may be at home, but you’re still ‘attending’ an interview. So, dress smartly. Wear neutral colors that won’t be too distracting on-screen, and avoid sparkly or shiny accessories that may cause a glare.
Don’t forget your smile – a crucial dress code for a mental health counselor.
2. Create a Connection
It can be difficult to create a bond virtually but it’s crucial, particularly for your role. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and find ways to connect on-screen.
Attend your virtual interview with heaps of enthusiasm, warmth, and positivity. Have an open greeting ready to help break down that barrier, such as how much you’re looking forward to talking to your interviewer and learning about a new policy you’ve read about on their website.
3. Leave a Lasting Impression
The virtual goodbye can be an awkward one if you’re not used to them. Ask what happens next in the process before expressing enthusiasm in hearing from the employer again soon.
Seal it off with a courtesy email thanking them for their time within 24 hours of the interview ending.
Summary
You can create a connection more than virtually when you’ve prepared and feel confident in the equipment and your ability.
With the future of mental health support reaching out through technology channels, employers will be looking for those who master these tips and apply them throughout their careers as licensed mental health counselors.
Contact Loyal Source today. Let’s get you connected with the perfect job for you.