At Primary Care Careers, our small team support hiring managers within primary care to recruit and applicants through the recruitment process. One key element of the recruitment process is the interview. We are currently recruiting for someone to join our team so this article is very timely for us.
An interview is a conversation between a hiring manager/HR professional and an applicant. Interviews are important because candidates can showcase their skills, experience and qualifications while hiring managers can determine which candidate to recruit.
Regardless of the type of interview, you can follow some general guidelines that may help improve your chances of impressing a potential employer. Here are some tips for anyone who has an interview coming up.
- When you receive an interview request, confirm your attendance (if appropriate/you are asked to do so) and make sure you have all the information you need.
- Know where and when the interview is taking place and ensure you have allowed enough time for the interview so you aren’t feeling rushed.
- If the interview is onsite – know where you are going, how you will get there and allow plenty of time for the journey.
- If the interview is virtual – test the technology, find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted and consider your background.
- First impressions count – arrive punctual (but not too early) and dressed appropriately. Remain professional from start to finish but try to build rapport with your interviewers.
- Familiarise yourself with your CV, the role you have applied for and why you are interested in the opportunity. Research the organisation – it is important to know a bit about your potential employer and why you want to work for them – their values etc and how they align with yours. Read the job description and any supporting information carefully along with reviewing their website and any recent news articles etc.
- Be authentic and enthusiastic, be truthful in your answers and give real-life examples from your career/experience to date. Answer the questions you are asked in a clear and concise manner and use positive language to show a genuine interest in what you are being asked.
- Prepare answers to common questions and practice answering them. You can answer them out loud, in a mirror or to a trusted friend but these will all help you develop confidence.
- Listen carefully and think before you speak – a pause is ok, answer with the best answer you can not the quickest one.
- Prepare some questions to ask to demonstrate that you have thought about the position beforehand and show a genuine interest. It is also an opportunity to highlight anything you think is particularly relevant. Ask relevant and insightful questions.
- Remember the interview is a 2 way process, use the opportunity to make sure this is the role for you.
- Follow up after the interview – a short email thanking the interviewer for their time is a polite way to remind them who you are.
