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Got an interview as a receptionist!

Hi
Both my kids are away at Uni and for years I was a SAHM on benefits. I have been married to second hubby for ten years and have done cleaning, home help, school dinners for the past few years. I have just applied for a job as a dental receptionist and have got an interview for next week! I havent worked anywhere like this for years----I am soooo nervous!
It is quite an old fashioned place and they dont even use a computer(sooo glad about that lol).
Any tips for the interview?
x
Sealed pot challenge 7...my number is 2144.....started Nov 29th ....

Comments

  • Firstly - good luck!

    I'd say just smile (showing off those well kept pegs of course!) and be yourself.

    Try not to be intimidated - your interviewer has to go to the loo too
    CC Debt as of start of March 06
    Capital One £4130.49 6.9% lob
    Tesco £5000.03 4.9% lob
    Mint £2010.82 7.9% lob

    CC Debt as of end September 06
    Capital One £24.59
    Tesco £1318
    Mint £0 & closed
    M & S £7300 3.9% lob
    Debt Free (of Credit cards) December 2008
  • I can't really give you any tips, having failed two interviews in the past couple of months :D but wanted to say good luck :)
    My sig's too large, apparently - so apologies to whoever's space I was taking up.:lipsrseal
  • LewisC_2
    LewisC_2 Posts: 401 Forumite
    Keep confident and act friendly!
    No longer visiting these forums.
  • mrcow
    mrcow Posts: 15,170 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes! Turn up on time! (10 mins early preferably)


    Dress smart and make sure your hair etc is smart. Brush your teeth well! lol

    Have a nicely presented cv ready to hand (with extra copies for the interviewer).

    Think about possible questions that you may be asked and have your answers prepared.

    Write a list of at least three questions that you'd like to ask so the conversation doesn't run dry.

    Maintain eye contact. Don't lie and be enthusiastic.

    And good luck!


    (Sorry if all the above is pretty obvious, but you'd be amazed by how many people don't turn up with even simple preparation for interviews. There's nothing more frustrating when interviewing that someone who's obviously wasting your time!)
    "One day I realised that when you are lying in your grave, it's no good saying, "I was too shy, too frightened."
    Because by then you've blown your chances. That's it."
  • lil'H
    lil'H Posts: 514 Forumite
    I always say if you are nervous & shy in these situations go in with the attitude that you are going as a formaility to see if you like them, not for them to quiz you, you know you will get the job kinda thing. If you are really nervous and not believing in yourself as much as you should you won't come across as arrogant but using this trick will help strike the right balance, and take some of your nerves away. However for anyone reading who is normally overly cocky, don't even try it!!!


    You won't need any tips though, GOOD LUCK!!!
    Riding out the receession.........
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,098 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Try and find out a little about the practice.

    I'm always impressed if an interviewee has bothered to find out a little bit about my practice and the sort of work I do.

    Is it private or NHS?

    You will be dealing with some potentially very nervous people How would you help to put them at their ease?

    What are your views on dentistry? If you are a diehard dentists-should-be-NHS-after-all-the-taxpayer-paid-for-their-education-and-it's-what-we-all-pay-our-stamp-for type, how would you feel working in a private practice?

    If it's NHS, how would you cope if you were on the front line telling people that the practice is now going private?

    When looking for a receptionist, I'm firstly looking for someone very presentable, as she/he would be the 'face' of the practice, and the first contact any member of the public would have with my service. A good first impression is vital.

    Secondly, a good confident communicator. It is often the receptionist who has to deal with the collection of fees, and explaining what each item is. Obviously, to know this requires training, but the potential has to be there, and the receptionist must be comfortable in asking for sometimes quite large sums of money.

    Thirdly, a team player. The receptionist is often the one who co-ordinates the appointments, especially if there is a dentist and a hygienist. You also have to communicate with the patients in the waiting room, especially if someone is running late.

    Also, fending off company reps who insist on speaking directly to the dentist! Either when they 'drop in' or ring up. they can be a right pain in the backside sometimes!

    I'm not trying to scare you here! Honest! It's a great and rewarding job.

    I'm just trying to give you a bit of background as to what it's all about so that you will look a bit more like the ideal candidate!

    PM me if you want to know anything more specific.

    Good luck!
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
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