Dental Talent – 5 Interview Questions to Answer for Your Dental Job Application

Getting into the world of dentistry is such a fulfilling profession. Not only will you enjoy taking care of your clients’ teeth and fostering good oral health, but this lucrative job will also give you a steady source of income. Whether you work as a general dentist or specialist, you’ll thrive in the long run as people today value their oral health. But before you get into this field, you must first apply for a dental job. If you are shortlisted for an interview, then you should do what it takes to ace it.

 

 

If you want to do your best during the interview, here are five common questions typically asked so that you will know what to answer:

1. “Tell me about yourself”

This opening question is a bit tricky, as it covers a broad spectrum, giving you many things to say about yourself. But you can never go wrong if you will keep it real by being honest. It’s best to say something about yourself that isn’t found in your resume as your interviewer may have already reviewed it. As time is usually of the essence, be sure to limit it to one to two minutes. Better yet, cite three key attributes about yourself that will make you an asset to the dental profession so that you won’t go overtime.

2. “Why are you applying for the dental position?”

Most people apply for a certain position because of the attractive pay—and that’s completely practical! As this must not be your sole motivation for applying, saying this purpose during the interview is a big no-no. Instead, it’s best to talk about your interest and enthusiasm in the industry and highlight the fact that you took up a dental course. Ultimately, show your interviewer how you plan to grow and thrive in this field, and how you’re not merely in it for the money.

3. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

Keep in mind that this question can make or break your interview. However, take this opportunity to sell yourself while showing them that there’s still room for improvement. As far as your strengths are concerned, think of three attributes you possess that will make you thrive and succeed in the dental profession. Be sure to utter these with conviction and justify them with examples. On the other hand, think of three areas of improvement that you are still working on, instead of discussing negative attributes that will put you down. Show how you are willing to address your weaknesses and work towards turning them into strengths.

4. “Why did you leave your previous job?”

When answering this question, keep in mind that this isn’t the time to vent out your frustration about your previous employer. The rule of thumb is never to say something negative about your past job. Instead, sincerely say that you want to take advantage of the opportunity to advance your career and grow as a dental practitioner.

5. “How do you see yourself in five years?”

This question helps the interviewer see your long-term plan in this dental practice you’re applying for. Before the interview, be sure to do your homework by researching the company and determining the available opportunities. Then, outline your long-term plan and discuss this with the interviewer. For instance, you can highlight your plan to get the necessary training and certification to become a specialist, whether in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, or oral surgery.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know how to answer five commonly asked interview questions. To that end, be sure to consider all the valuable recommendations discussed above. Along with these is to wear the appropriate attire and exude your confidence. All these will help you ace the interview and ultimately get the dental job that you’re aiming for!

We’re a dental job board in the UK providing a job search platform for dental practitioners. If you’re looking for a dentistry job, use our online resource or get in touch with us today to see how we can help!