By Michael O’Connell
Interviews can be nerve-wracking especially since many of them have transitioned to virtual events, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can present with confidence and leave a memorable impression. Whether you’re seeking a leadership position or transitioning into a new field of healthcare, these essential tips will help you achieve success.
1. Research the Organization and Role
Understanding the healthcare organization’s mission, vision, values, and recent developments demonstrates your genuine interest in the organization. Take time to carefully review the position description and align your answers with the job’s key responsibilities and qualifications. If possible, investigate some of the people you’ll be working with, and familiarize yourself with recent organizational events that may have an impact on the role.
2. Practice Responses to Expected Questions
Make a list of the 20 most common questions you may receive and write down a response. Review those questions and practice your responses to them. Examples of some questions are “Briefly tell me about yourself”, “What are three qualities that best define you and share with me examples of how those qualifies have helped you in your current or previous roles”, or “Share with me a mistake you’ve made in the past, what you learned from it, and how it has helped you be a better leader”. Writing down your responses and practicing them will help you become comfortable in answering these questions. Use the PAR method (What was the problem? What action did you take? and What was the result?) when answering behavioral-based questions to ensure that you provide an organized and detailed response.
3. Know Your Unique Value Proposition
What makes you the type of leader the organization is looking for? What differentiates you from other candidates? What sets you apart? You need to be comfortable with yourself and have a clear understanding of your strengths, accomplishments, and opportunities for improvement and how they would contribute to the position. It’s important to tailor your responses to highlight what makes you the best candidate for the position. Make sure that you can confidently integrate your resume into your responses including your problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.
4. Dress for Success in a Virtual World
Many of the initial interviews are done virtually. It’s important to have a professional, plain, virtual background that doesn’t contrast with your attire. The simpler the background, the better. Wear a shirt or blouse that doesn’t have stripes or patterns so that it doesn’t create a difficult virtual contrast. While attire should reflect the organization’s culture, it is better to have professional attire when in doubt. A blazer or sport coat adds an element of professionalism.
5. Be Aware of Your Body Language and Voice
Since first impressions matter, your body language needs to reflect your professional confidence. Smile and have eye contact. If in person, stand erect, offer a handshake, or fist bump, and sit erect. Avoid any nervous habits like foot tapping, hand fidgeting, or nail biting. A confident posture exudes professionalism and assurance.
6. Engage with the Interviewer or Panel
An interview is an opportunity for you to bring forth your personality, confidence, and highlight areas shared in your resume and cover letter. It isn’t about answering questions given to you. It’s about developing a positive rapport. Show your positive energy with a smile. It’s important to actively listen to the question and it’s acceptable to pause before responding to show your thoughtful intention to respond appropriately. Express your enthusiasm with a nod or laugh. If a comment excites you, let the interviewer know and share how that comment connects to your work experience.
7. Be Prepared to Ask 2-3 Insightful Questions
Prepare thought-provoking questions to show your real interest in the position. Unless you are speaking with a human resources leader, questions about pay, benefits, or time off, are not appropriate. Ask questions that show your ability that demonstrate your curiosity, critical thinking skills, and appreciative inquiry. Examples could include:
- “What specific challenges are associated with this role?”
- “From your perspective, what are three expectations you would have from someone in this role in the first year of the position?”
- “Can you explain some of the daily responsibilities of this role?”
- “What is the team culture of the organization?
8. Handle Difficult Questions with Calmness
Some questions may be asked to assess your critical thinking skills. When asked a question that you are not prepared for, pause, take a moment to put your thoughts together, and provide a thoughtful response. Don’t ramble. If asked about a gap in your work history, be prepared with an honest response on what you learned during that time. If given an unanticipated hypothetical scenario, draw upon life experiences that can highlight your problem-solving skills.
9. Follow Up with a Thank-You Note
When a person takes the time to interview you, it’s appropriate to show your gratitude with a thank you note. Whether it’s a hand-written note or an email, timely follow up, usually within 24 hours, shows your genuine interest in the position and keeps your interview front and center with the interviewer. The response doesn’t need to be long or detailed. A note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and highlighting your abilities in providing value for the position. If you can connect with the person with specific references from your conversation, it will make the message personal and memorable. This small step shows that you care and emphasizes your professionalism and interest in the position.
10. Self-Reflect and Evaluate
After the interview, write down your initial thoughts on what worked well and what could have been better. If you stumbled on a question, add that question to the list of potential questions for future interviews and write down the response you would have wanted to provide. If you were nervous during the interview, think of ways to calm your nerves in future interviews. There are numerous strategies to address nervousness. Remember that interviewing is a skill. Every interview should help towards improving the experience.
Conclusion
With appropriate preparation, you can create an interview experience to highlight your authentic self. Approach each interview as an opportunity to connect with a potential new colleague, learn more about an organization and the position, and as a learning experience. Know that every step gets you closer to pursuing your career goals.
