How to Ace Your SLT Interview
It’s that time of year – your degree is almost complete and you’re ready for the next adventure…
…Which likely means your job application process has begun.
This can be a super daunting time in your life – but, luckily, Chatterbug is here to give a helping hand.
Applying for the job
First things first – the job application.
This is the company’s first insight into who you are, so make it count! In your application, you’ll want to include a few things—first, your experience. Tell them about the relevant things you have done that make you an ideal candidate for the role!
As an experienced SLT, this might be your previous job roles. However, as an NQP, you might be more limited. Tell them about your degree and other opportunities you might have chased to get relevant experience. In both cases, don’t forget about your education!
Next, tell us a little bit about you. A personal summary helps us gauge who you are and why you’re great for this role. This will include you professionally, but don’t be afraid to let us know who you are outside of work! Your hobbies and interests let us know what commitments you make, how adventurous you are and if you like to challenge yourself. All of these are important when taking on a speech and language role.
Now, don’t forget that cover letter. Here you can give us a brief insight as to why you make a good fit, but also what called out to you about the role and why you might have picked that company to apply to.
Once you’re ready, just click that submit button and it’s onto the next step.
(Bonus points if you reach out to the recruitment team and let them know you’d love to discuss the application further!)
How to prepare for the interview
You got the interview! But, yikes, that is definitely the scary part. What can you do to help prepare?
The most important thing to prepare is your mentality. Nerves can really get the better of this. But, did you know that nerves and excitement are the same feeling? Switch your mindset and tell yourself that you’re just excited for the opportunity.
Now, for the graft.
One most important thing you can do is research the company. At Chatterbug, we’d want to know that you know we’re a Social Enterprise and about some of the work we do to aid local communities as this is of huge importance to us!
Every company has something they are proud of and it’s important to demonstrate how you align with their values. Showing you know your stuff about a company is a great way to show them you are committed and care about their work.
Next, consider the questions they might ask. Examples of questions include:
- Tell us about yourself
- Tell us about your experience working with paediatrics or speech therapy
- Tell us about a time you had to be adaptable and think quickly
- How do you work within a team?
- Have you ever had to be innovative and take initiative in your role?
- Can you tell us about a time you have needed good time-keeping and organisational skills?
- What can you bring to the table that you think differs from others
- What is important to you in the workplace?
Give some thought to how you might answer these questions and demonstrate your best self.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare, but also to relax so that you’re not feeling overwhelmed when the day comes.
What to expect in your interview
The number one thing to know – interviewers aren’t out to get you! They want to see succeed as much as you do. Keep it calm and answer questions to the best of your ability. It’s also completely fine to explain you don’t have experience in a certain area (yet!).
Create an opportunity at the start of your interview for a little bit of informal chatter. This is a great way to give them some insight to who you really are.
Now, down to business.
You’ll likely spend a bit of time answering the questions – which will change from company to company. Just take your time and try to keep this concise. There’s absolutely no problem with taking a second to think about your answer!
Once the questions have been answered, some companies might want to see your skills in action! A little task which demonstrates how well you perform under pressure is not uncommon. Again, just complete this the best way you know how.
It’s important to make sure your personality shines through too. Here at Chatterbug, we look for people who like to dive out of their comfort zone and are passionate about the profession. If you’re that kind of person, make sure we know it.
What to expect from your employment
You aced the interview and you got the job – congrats!
From here, we can only tell you what to expect from a position with Chatterbug (but we promise you – it’s something special!).
Now that you’re part of the Chatterbug team, you should expect to rise up to any challenge! We look for innovative, free-thinkers that don’t have a set idea of how Speech and Language Therapy should look. After all, each case is different!
We know that can sound a little bit daunting, but not to worry! Chatterbug has a great support system. With your peers and senior staff, you will have all you need to take on a new adventure. We believe in our values that direct everything we do.
Fancy applying?
Now that you’re all ready to get the ball moving, how about applying to Chatterbug? You can view our current vacancies here.
Or, keep up to date with Chatterbug life and upcoming opportunities through our social media.