Prepare for your interview in 7 easy steps

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Congrats! You landed the interview! Then panic sets in. Interviews can be nerve-wracking. There is a lot of pressure for you to perform well, share everything you need to in a limited time, and make a good enough impression that these people will want to work with you. And of course, you learn if you want to work with them.

So now what?

The best way to go into an interview: prepared.

1. Research the company or organization. Do your homework. Check out their website, social media accounts, even online reviews. If you know someone that currently or recently worked there, get information from that individual as well. Try to learn about the company’s mission, culture, organizational structure, and even their patient outcomes. Not only will this help you be better prepared to answer questions as it specifically relates to the job, but even better, you can come prepared with some educated questions of your own. While specific questions will help make you look interested and motivated, they will also give you the opportunity to interview the organization.
2. Find specifics about the job. If possible, get a job description ahead of time. Read it and figure out how your experience matches. Also, make sure you are clear, from the job posting and from HR, on what the job is – part-time, full-time, weekends, nights, hours, and any other particulars of this position. It’s helpful not to have to ask these basics during limited interview time, especially if you can get the answer elsewhere.
3. Find out some specifics about your interview. Before you show up, find out with whom you will be meeting, whether it be HR, the hiring manager, or the whole department. Ask if it’s possible to shadow someone who is working in the position for which you are applying. And, make very sure to be clear on the time and the location of the interview. Doing a dry run can’t hurt.
4. Know your resume. This one may seem a little obvious, but this is all your interviewers know about you so far, and remember -they’ve probably seen a lot of them. Because resumes have to be concise, know what you want to expand on to show that you are the best person for this position. Bring attention to any experiences, certifications, or extra training or education that will put you apart. If your resume has any holes, be ready to explain them.
5. Think about some specific stories. A frequent interview approach is, “Tell me about a time when…” to see what your behavior is in various situations. Unfortunately, just saying, “I’m a good leader” or “I’m good with patients” is not really giving a hiring manager any information. It’s crucial to be prepared with some examples that show how you communicate, how you manage difficult situations, how you practice clinically, how you work with others, how you can be flexible, how you go above and beyond the job requirements. Think about some examples with patients, families and co-workers that highlight you making a potentially complicated or challenging situation less so. Practice how you can share the situation in a direct and simple way. Include what you did and what was the positive outcome as a result of your actions. If you are changing into a different field or moving up into management, make sure to have those stories highlight your ability to best handle this new position. Google “STAR interview” for more ideas and guidance.
6. Practice some other common interview questions. Besides just the stories, it’s good to look at other typical interview questions and practice them aloud. To get the brainstorming started, do a quick interview search for common questions. What distinguishes you from other candidates? How can you turn your weakness into your strength? Why do you want this job? Why are you leaving the other one?
7. The day of. Dress to impress. Show up early. Make a good first impression. Be engaged. Sell yourself. Be positive. Ask great questions. Thank them. And knock your interview out of the park!

Good luck!