Job interviews in healthcare can be especially tough. Here we bring you useful tips to help you get off to a trouble-free running start!
- Look up the organisation and the role you are applying for
If you’re able to find out who your interviewers are going to be, carry out some background research on them. Find out what they have studied, area of expertise and their current professional role. Chances are, the questions you are asked will be from their background. So do some reading on the kind of work they do as well as the challenges that could have been overcome by them in their role. Find out more about the work culture at the organization you are applying to.
- Be clear about what you want from your career
One question that’s very likely to be asked in any interview is, “Where do you see yourself five years from now?” Be prepared with an answer that highlights your career goals. Let your answer be reasonable, practical and not over-ambitious. Your answer must come from the heart and you must rehearse your responses to this question beforehand.
- Know your strengths
If you are asked, “Why should we hire you?” (another common question!), answer by highlighting at least three of your strengths that show how you will be a good fit for the role. Be confident and assertive, without sounding like a pompous show-off. If possible, give examples from your previous experience that showcase these unique talents.
- Know why you have chosen your specialty
Another likely question is, “Why did you choose your particular sector in healthcare?” Employers want to know what has motivated you towards this specific direction. Here, you can talk about the reasons you opted for your specific specialty. Try to share a personal story and talk about what inspired you. You should never come up with answers that indicate a ‘herd’ mentality (For instance, I chose X because my friends also joined the same course.)
- Dress the part
While expensive clothes are not required, healthcare professionals are expected to always be neatly dressed. The first impression you create will be from the attire you wear to the interview. The safest option is conservative business attire that looks professional and suits the environment around you. Being well dressed indicates respect towards your interviewer as well as your profession. Casual tops and jeans, or even scrubs are not suitable for an interview. Make sure that you are not wearing flashy makeup and your hair is well-groomed.
- Show up on time!
Show up at least 10 minutes before the interview, but not earlier than that. And please do not show up late! Arriving late will make the interviewer have a bad opinion of you even before you start. Never arrive to an interview looking hot, rushed and sweaty. Make sure you clean yourself up before you enter the waiting room.
- Have in-depth knowledge of the responsibilities of the position
Whatever may be the position that you are applying for, the primary requirement is that you should be well versed in the responsibilities that the job entails. Be prepared to answer theoretical questions on any aspect of this role and draw upon your own experience to give a real-life answer that’s to the point and not out of a textbook.
- Carry yourself with confidence
Your body language should reflect self-confidence. Articulate your speech well, without punctuating your sentences with ‘um’, ‘like’ and so on which can be quite irritating to listen to! Be warm and friendly. Answer to the point without giving your interviewer stories that are too long. Your warm personality, lack of nervousness and enthusiasm for the job will take you far!
- Be a team player!
All healthcare professionals must know how to work well in a team and your answers should demonstrate this. If you are talking about any of your past contributions, always explain your role within the context of the team and remember to give credit wherever it is due. If you are highlighting only your own achievements and downplaying the work of others in your team, you are more likely than not to be bypassed for the role you are seeking.
- Never forget to send a “Thank you” email or message
Chances are, the interviewing team will be deliberating the relative merits or demerits of a few shortlisted candidates before they decide to hire one among them. If you want that to be you, refresh their interest in you by sending out a warm Thank You message the very next day after your interview!