Editor’s Note:  This post is part three of a four-part interview guide for pediatric and school based SLPs, OTs, PTs and School Psychologists
To read the rest of this guide, visit our Interview Like a Pro – The Pediatric Therapy Clinician’s Guide landing page.
Wait for “Buying Signals!”
It is important to refrain from asking questions about benefits, salary, professional development, etc., until you know that the employer has an interest in you.   If you ask prematurely you may come across as over-eager at best, and at worst you will appear cocky and presumptuous.   When you feel like you are getting “buying signals” – for example questions like “How soon can you start?” feel free to ask questions on the following topics:
 

• What is the compensation package?
• How many hours am I expected to be there?  Are hours flexible?
• How am I paid for travel time between locations?
• Will I get paid sick time?
• What are the medical, dental and vision benefits?
• How are performance reviews done? How frequently?
• How are merit increases determined?
• What are the opportunities for advancement?
• Tell me details about the continuing education benefits.
• Do you pay for my licensure?
• Will I be responsible for teacher duty (recess, lunch room, hall duty, etc)?
• What is my planning time?  How many billable units am I expected to turn out per week?

Follow-Up
End your interview on a positive note by talking about your interest and excitement about the position.  Remember to thank the interviewer for his/her time.
Don’t expect an offer the day of the interview but do ask about the time frame for making a decision.
Within 24 hours of the initial interview, write a follow-up email AND a handwritten note via “snail mail” to the hiring manager, your personnel contact at the company and any other key decisions makers with whom you have spoken.  Thank them again for their time and make a point to tell them how interested you are in the job.  Remind them about any major points you may have covered in the interview as well as your qualifications.
KEEP IN MIND – You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. If you mentally approach the interview as a two-way conversation or a “getting to know one another” session, you’ll feel more relaxed and project a strong self confidence.
Try to enjoy the process and remember to “Be Yourself”!