Be honest on your CV
Your CV and covering letter are often the first contact that you will make with a practice, and therefore this is your first opportunity to impress. It is all too tempting to inflate or exaggerate your expertise and experience, but be mindful that no one expects a new graduate to be an expert. Consider joining study clubs and associations, as they are a great source of contacts and these associations represent who you are and your interests.
Remember, an honest representation of who you are is always best. If you are only employed based on an inaccurate description of your skills – this is not the right job for you.
Get good references
You may not be a well-respected practitioner yet, but you do know many people who are. Be sensible in your choices of referee, and try to choose people you wish to emulate as they will best reflect who you are. Better still, can you seek employment with a potential mentor?
Present well
We are professionals and should present ourselves accordingly. Turning up late in scruffy clothes won’t help you get that job. A smile, good eye contact and a firm handshake will go a long way to making a good first impression.
Be honest in your interview
An honest representation of yourself (without being self-depreciating) is far more impressive than an arrogant inflation of your skill set. Good communicators make good dental practitioners (and also good assistant dentists).
Be nice to the staff!
The staff will all give their opinion of you as a prospective co-worker – whether they are asked or not. Do not ignore the front office staff in your eagerness to get to the boss.