You’ve a great track record in healthcare, you know you’re capable of doing the job on offer, but first you must get through the interview . . . and that’s where you’re scared you will stumble.
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Even the most experienced medical professionals get butterflies at the thought of facing an interview panel.
But if your career in helping others is going to have a good prognosis, it’s time to stop letting nerves get in the way of noble ambitions.
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Do the prep work
No one goes into their hospital ward, GP surgery or operating theatre without first doing all of the necessary preparation.
Similarly, before an interview find out everything you can about the practice or hospital – from its porters and receptionists to its senior consultants and CEO.
In medicine and healthcare, information should be at your fingertips.
Fit the profile
Read the job description on s1jobs carefully and go over your application form and CV again. How well do your skills match what’s required?
If there are gaps, don’t be disheartened. No one interviewee will fit the profile perfectly but it’s how you deal with the distance between what you have and what they want that matters.
Look the part
You may soon be in your uniform or scrubs most of the time, but at the interview you’ll be expected to project an image of professionalism. This means looking smart yet low-key.
You should feel comfortable not strait-laced and starched-up in your Sunday best.
Observe, listen, speak
When faced with a difficult diagnosis you’d never rush to find an answer. The same goes here. Look at the body language of your interviewers, listen carefully to what you’re being asked and only then answer clearly.
Don’t be afraid of asking to have a question repeated if you’re not sure of the meaning.
Keep something up your sleeve
And not just a clean handkerchief. Rehearse scenarios where you’ve found a solution for a patient or demonstrated leadership that made a practice run more smoothly.
Be early, be cool, be confident
Plan how you’ll get to your interview, give yourself plenty of time for the journey, check you know exactly where the interview room is situated then turn up early, sit in a coffee shop around the corner and go over your notes again. This way you’ll be in great shape and ready to impress.
For all the latest Medical/Dental /Healthcare vacancies visit s1jobs.