Regardless of your experience or credentials, it’s important to prepare for the interview when applying for a job in the healthcare industry. Whether conducted in person or on the phone, the interview provides an ideal opportunity to present your qualifications, show how you can make a contribution, and learn more about the immediate position and the organization itself.
Being ready for an interview when the opportunity presents itself, might be one of the most vital and crucial moments of your professional life. But you will need to do some homework in order to accomplish those interview goals. The first step is to review your experience, education and training to see which elements might be most important to a recruiter. And since the interviewer will have already seen your resume, you should be prepared to expand on the key points.
Let’s start with the basics “tell us about yourself” this is one of the simplest and greatest opportunities for you to break the ice and show what you are all about. Usually this question is given to you. This is the question where we want to know what makes you suited for the job. It’s crucial to start off this dialogue with your professional career, while mentoring your desire for future pursuits and goals you wish to reach.
To be prepared for an interview you must have the knowledge,look, and desire to get the job. The first impression will stick in their minds and be the thing that they first think of when seeing you. Dressing appropriately gives a great effect, and shows that you have made a sincere effort and want to make an impact.
Hospitals are particularly notorious for long, grueling interview processes, due to the often bureaucratic structure of hospitals, and the many levels of management which must all agree on hiring decisions. When getting ready for an interview, it is important to read the job description and find out what this position, and facility are all about. The option of having an informal visit might be beneficial as well.
Be prepared to answer any potential tough questions: Why did you leave your last job? Who was your worst supervisor? Please explain what you did while you were unemployed? Considering your responses in advance is the best way to avoid becoming flustered and to couch your answers in a positive way. Also, be prepared for any technical questions related to the open position. A laboratory technician might be asked the differences between two different blood tests, for example.
Finally, you should go online and research the organization you are considering joining. Is it locally owned, part of a national company or global in scope? What can you learn about the company’s finances or its culture? You might want to write down one or two “nuggets” of information that you can drop into the interview. That’s also a good way to show the recruiter that you’re serious about wanting the position. Based on our firm’s more than 20 years of experience in placing healthcare candidates, being prepared is the key to a successful job interview.
Most importantly, be enthusiastic and upbeat. By having a smile on your face, along with positive body language, you will be truly unstoppable. Employers want a truly passionate healthcare worker working for them, so GIVE THEM ALL YOU GOT!!