How To Prepare For Your Healthcare Job Interview

From researching the company to deciding what to wear, spending time on interview preparation is essential if you're going to put in a good performance and secure the job.

Following are the steps to prepare yourself:

TYPES OF INTERVIEW:

There are different types of job interviews wherein some cases, you'll only need to succeed at one of these to land the role. In others, particularly at large graduate employers, you may have to go through several interview rounds throughout the application process.

• Face-to face – This is the most common form of interview as this method ensures the quality of the obtained data and increases the response rate. Face-to-face interviews usually last between 45 minutes and two hours, and may be preceded or followed by tests and exercises. The questions may be strengths-based or competency-based.
• Telephone – Telephonic interviews are often conducted as the initial interview round for the hiring process, this type of interview allows an employer to screen candidates on their experience, qualifications, salary expectations , reason behind leaving the previous jobs etc.
• Video – Video interviews are popular among large employers. It connects the employer and the candidates face to face via web cam. Video Interviews facilitate the need to quickly and easily interview remotely-based job candidates without the expense and time needed to travel.
• Assessment centres– This enable employers to compare the performance of lots of candidates at the same time. You'll attend an assessment centre with other applicants and take part in tasks such as presentations, team exercises and psychometric tests. Assessment centres usually last a full working day.

RESEARCH ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Do you have interview coming up in few days? Then it is better to keep reading/learning about the employers that will give you huge advantage during the interview.

One of the best things about entering into the healthcare industry is you have diverse range of employers to choose from. Researching about the employers is one of the best ways to standout during hiring process.

Do as much as research you can about the employer on Linkedin, Glassdoor and their website.

The interviewer will be impressed if you are able to answer the questions related to the company and it will show that you are interested about the job role.

ANTICIPATE RESUME QUESTIONS:

Your resume is your first impression on your potential employer. If it leaves any question marks, be prepared to answer for them. Do you have a two-year gap in your resume without any experience? That can be a red flag. Not to worry, as this isn’t a deal-breaker, just be prepared to explain why. Perhaps you were on sabbatical traveling the world. Or you were doing some soul searching to discover what you really wanted to do. Or maybe you took two years to focus on being a parent. Employers will respect your honesty and the fact that you march to the beat of your own drum.

PREPARE SEVERAL THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER(S)

Many employers feel confident about candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position. You should take time before the interview to prepare several questions for your interviewer(s) that show you’ve researched the company and are well-versed about the position. Some examples of questions you could ask include:

• What does a typical day look like for a person in this position?
• Why do you enjoy working here?
• What qualities do your most successful employees have?
• I’ve really enjoyed learning more about this opportunity. What are the next steps in the hiring process?

REHEARSE YOUR ANSWERS:

Choosing a career in healthcare is about more than earning a living.

Remind yourself why you went into your chosen profession writing down key points.

This will help you to convey the enthusiasm and passion you feel for your job in your answers.

Here are few common questions asked , especially in allied health positions:

• Tell me about yourself
• What made you interested working here?
• Why did you leave your last position?
• How do you stay updated with healthcare advancement?
• What are your career goals?

PLAN A OUTFIT:

First impressions are especially crucial. Opinions vary as to when first impressions are formed, with some saying within 30 seconds, some within 7 seconds, and a recent study showing that people decide their opinion of someone within a tenth of a second.

The first thing an interviewer will see is how you look, so what you wear is a big factor in making a good first impression.

You need to dress professionally for the interview.

Women should wear dress slacks or skirt and a nice blouse or a dress. Men should wear dress slacks and a nice shirt. Walk in wrinkle-free and put together.

4 WAYS TO MAKE GOOD IMPRESSION:

As you're preparing for the interview, think about ways you can show yourself in a positive light. Among the best techniques are:

1. Punctuality - arriving late will increase your stress levels and give the employer a bad first impression, so do your best to arrive in good time.
2. Positivity and enthusiasm - be polite and professional with any staff you meet before or after the interview and, if you're feeling particularly nervous, remind yourself that the very worst thing that could happen is not getting the job. During the interview, respond to questions with positive statements, be enthusiastic about the job and avoid badmouthing your previous employers or university tutors.
3. Body language- give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and after the session. Once you're seated, sit naturally without slouching in your chair or leaning on the desk. Throughout the interview, remember to smile frequently and retain eye contact.
4. Clarity- answer all questions clearly and concisely, evidencing your most relevant skills, experiences and achievements. It's perfectly acceptable to pause before answering a difficult question to give yourself thinking time, or asking for clarification if you're unsure what a question means. When answering, don't speak too quickly.

RELAX AND THINK POSITIVELY:

Smile, be positive, and make eye contact.

Spend time visualising the interview process from beginning to end going exactly how you want it to, with the outcome you want.