Top tips to excel in your job interview
You might be a fantastic healthcare professional but struggle at interviews and that’s okay! We are here to help you express why you would like the job and confidently list the transferable skills that will make you a great fit for the role.
Here are a few tips you can use.
·Dress to impress: First impressions can make a huge difference in how your overall interview goes.
·Have your materials ready: Before you get to the interview, make sure you have any sort of materials you’re bringing with you ready to go. This includes your CV. Even if you’ve already sent the company your CV, it shows that you’re prepared and serious about the job.
·Do your homework: When you’re organising your interview, take some time to do your research on practice you’re interviewing with. This will streamline the interview process and answer a few questions you might have about the company without having to ask the interviewer.
·The most important piece of advice for an interview, however, is to be yourself. This cliche piece of advice actually carries a lot of weight during an interview, as this is the time the company has to get to know who you are as a person. Stay true to yourself, stay calm, and the interview is sure to go great.
Questions You Should Be Prepared For
Interviewing for healthcare jobs will probably come with the standard set of interview questions such as:
·So tell us a bit more about yourself.
·What got you interested in this role and career?
·How did you find out about this role?
·What do you think makes you ideal for this practice?At your interview
Arrive ten minutes early. Showing up early shows that you respect the position and are eager for your interview.
During your interview, smile, speak clearly and loud enough for everyone to hear you, and show an interest in the work of your prospective employer and their practice.
Keep the conversation easy flowing, and if you need to take a second before answering a question, do so. It will work much more in your favour to do that than to ramble on an answer that you’re not entirely confident or secure in.
Take opportunities to show where you think you could add value to the practice and if you have evidence to back up your claim, present it.
Questions to Ask in an Interview
Far too often, potential employees forget to ask questions during their interview. Preparing questions to ask in an interview before you ever get there can help keep you on track, give you more information about the position and the practice, and shows that you are engaged and excited about the position.
So, what are some common questions to ask in an interview?
·What type of growth is the practice expecting in the next year? Five years?
·Who is your typical patient?
·What kind of community work does the practice provide?
In addition to these types of questions, make sure you check for understanding throughout the interview if you don’t understand something or need clarification. This shows that you are engaged in the conversation and paying attention.
After The Interview
It’s always a good idea to contact the interviewer after the interview to thank them for their time, register your interest in the role, and assure them that you’re available for further discussion. A quick email is sufficient, and it should be sent as soon as you get home or at your earliest opportunity.