6 Helpful Human Services Operations Manager Interview Tips
At this point in the job application process, you have submitted a resume that accurately depicts your history as a working professional, complete with references, a job history, and special qualifications. Now it’s your chance to make a great impression in person during your first interview. This interview helps the hiring committee determine whether or not they think you’d be a great fit for the job. The purpose of the first interview is to learn more about you as a professional.
As you prepare for this important first meeting, be sure to take some time to think about the points that you wish to make during the interview. Familiarize yourself with some of the best practices that are used by successful interviewees. Most importantly, you’ll want to be sure to present yourself in a positive and authentic manner. Pulling off this successful interview is easier than you may think with these six Human Services Operations Manager interview tips.
Human Services Operations Manager Interview Tips
Insure That You Have Necessary Certifications: Those who work in management typically need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. There are supplemental courses and degrees that could also be of great benefit to your career. If you’re not certain about this, be sure to inquire about proper certification and education so you can proceed with the interview. If you know you have the right certifications, mention them during the interview when the timing feels right.
Demonstrate Strong Intrapersonal Skills: One of the most important aspects of your career in management is the ability to communicate with others professionally and effectively. Working in human services means that you will be interacting with multiple people on a daily basis. Each interaction should be treated with equal importance, and your ability to make everyone feel heard and appreciated will serve you greatly throughout the course of your career. During the interview, strength in intrapersonal skills can be demonstrated through your ability to communicate with the interviewer. Don’t worry so much about providing the textbook perfect answer to each interview question, but rather focus on being able to interact with the interviewer in a way that is authentic and positive.
Emphasize Problem-Solving Skills: Having a job in the field of management inherently means that you will be able to solve problems should conflict arise. This crisis management is vital to your position, and your interviewer should know that you understand this as a basic job requirement. Some of the best ways to handle crises in the workplace are by staying patient, keeping a calm disposition, and making sure that everyone involved feels heard and addressed. Your ability to successfully reach conflict resolution will make you a strong candidate for the job as human services operations manager. Try to work in specific examples of when you helped to resolve conflicts in the past.
Show Your Organization: The ability to remain organized is a vital component to most jobs, especially in the field of management. A manager who is ineffective at coordinating schedules and meetings will prove to be a poor fit for the position. The best way to show your strength in organization during this first interview is to show up promptly and explain throughout your interview that staying organized is a quality that you value in yourself.
Take Initiative: Taking initiative is an important part of being a leader and a manager. This means that oftentimes you will need to make difficult decisions without the luxury of much time or input from other managers or coworkers. The ability to take initiative and make effective decisions shows that you are invested in the well-being of the company and can also work independently.
Inquire About Future Advancement: While it may seem of poor taste to ask about promotions within the position before you have received a job offer, this inquiry actually demonstrates your long-term interest in the company. At the proper time, you can tactfully ask about future opportunities within the company. You should never shy away from seeking out this sort of information.
Overall, if you stay true to your character and professionalism along with these Human Services Operations Manager interview tips, you will make a great first impression. If you ace this first interview, you will most likely be called back for a follow-up interview, at which point you can be confident that you are a great fit for the position.
Nilda Melissa Díaz is a Career Advice Writer. She has worked for the Washington Post, Stringr, and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
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