In light of this weeks medical job fair we are hosting and the start of the new year, I have decided to put together a list of 21 interview tips for 2021. Take this as a quick checklist to help you prepare and be your best self in an interview.
1. Research – Do some research on the company so you are prepared to discuss it in the interview. Know the history, who is in charge, and their mission statement.
2. Practice – Take time to go over some frequently asked interview questions or maybe some you consider difficult to answer like strengths and weaknesses. This will help you be more prepared and confident in the moment.
3. Dress the Part – Regardless of what the position is you are interviewing for, dress in a professional manner like you are planning on meeting the president of the company. Even if it is not required, I guarantee it will not go unnoticed.
4. Prep the Night Before – Make sure your clothes are clean and ready to go, a copy of your resume is printed, gas is in your car, etc. Anything you can think of that you can prepare prior to your interview, make sure it’s done the night before.
5 . Drive Your Route – Be sure to drive the route to your interview ahead of time. Do it around the time it is scheduled so you can get a sense of how the traffic is during that part of the day and how long it will likely take you to get there. Be sure you know exactly where the building is and where to go so you don’t end up spending interview time trying to find it.
6. Leave Room for Error– Plan to leave your house 30 minutes early for an interview to give yourself room for the unexpected. If something happens, this will give you some time to work it out. Worst case scenario? You’re early enough to gather your thoughts and mare sure you have everything you need before heading into the interview.
7. Don’t Be Too Early – Never go in any earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Remember, they are on a schedule as well and being too early could mess up their day.
8. Smile with Confidence – Even if you’re nervous, try your best to hold your head high and smile with confidence. Let the hiring manager know you are there are deserve this job. Being meek and mild may cause question in your ability.
9. Be Observant – If you are have to wait a few minutes before your interview starts, take that time to observe the office. Pay attention to how people dress, how they interact with each other and the overall dynamic of the workplace. This may help you determine if you will be a good fit amongst the team.
10. Shake Hands – Be confident and firm with your handshake to let the hiring manager know you are a strong, confident individual. Try not to go over the top though, the goal is not to break their hand.
11. Be Mindful of your Body Language – Be aware of what kind of impression you are making with your body language. Crossing your arms or looking away can make you seem closed off and disinterested while a confident smile and open posture is more inviting and engaging.
12. Be Respectful – Yes Ma’am and No Sir are not overrated. Start off on the right foot by addressing your interviewer in a respectful manner. If they want you to address them in another way they will tell you, don’t ever assume.
13. Be Past Positive- If you are asked about your previous employment be truthful but positive. They do not need to know all the negative feelings or drama that happened. Regardless of how you feel, keep the conversation brief and respectful.
14. Blend Responses with Experience – Try your best to find a way to answer questions by blending in your experience. Use examples that will showcase your skills and highlight your potential for the job. For example, if the job description says “must have good communication skills” try to find a way to add in a problem you have experienced in your previous employment and a way you used good communication to solve it.
15. Create a List of Questions to Ask – In almost every interview at some point the hiring manager will ask you if you have any questions. You don’t want to be put on the spot and end up asking something that has already been addressed or say no. Continue engaging with clever questions you have prepared ahead of time.
16. Review the Job Description – While preparing for your interview, review the job description again so you have what they are looking for fresh in your mind. This will help you to answer questions and give references to your work that center on on the specific job you are discussing.
17. Take Notes – Bring a note pad to take down notes when the hiring manager gives you specific information about the job. DO NOT take notes on your phone. This makes you look disinterested and often rubs the hiring manager the wrong way.
18. Be Kind to the Receptionist – The receptionist is often the first person you will see and somewhat of a gateway to higher management. If you have been asked to wait, do not be unkind or “shoot the messenger”. They will likely share their opinion of you after you leave.
19. Prepare to Discuss Salary – Know your salary expectations before starting the interview and prepare to discuss them with the hiring manager. If you need to make a certain amount in order to consider the position, the hiring manager needs to know this before offering the job so nobody is caught off guard down the road.
20. Learn the Process – Before leaving the interview, ask about what is to be expected moving forward. Will they contact you? Do you need to contact them? Every facility is different so it is important to leave knowing what the next steps in the process.
21. Thank Them for Their Time – One of the most important steps post-interview is to follow up. This could be in the form of a thank you card, call or email. Let them know you appreciate the time they took to interview you and reference something specific in your conversation. This will put you at the top of their minds moving forward.
These quick tips could be the difference between a “thank you for coming in” and a second interview. Take time to prepare and check off each of these tips so you can feel confident and ready for anything.
