All-Star Recruiting Blog

You have a type-A personality, always over-prepared and a super-organized student.  Would you go into a test without studying? Probably not, so why go into a job interview without preparing?  Let’s face the facts, you simply wouldn’t. However, how can you prepare for the interview?  There’s been no lecture to study, no notes to review, and no study guide to refer to.  I feel your pain.  Not knowing what to anticipate makes you more nervous than the actual interview itself.

No matter your age, gender, or background, it is important to make a good impression during a face to face interview. I have always been told, “You only have one opportunity to make a first impression”. It is best to make it a good one.

Before we get into some helpful tips, there are a few things that are vital to keep in mind in order to achieve a good impression.

• Relax. Don’t think of the interview as a cross-examination. If you’re not relaxed, you can’t think clearly. You do not want your mind full of chaos before answering any questions given to you.
• Be on time. I once heard that showing up on time is truly showing up late. Getting there a little early shows enthusiasm, dependability, promise and professionalism. It also allows time for your frame of mind to adjust to its surroundings.  Always remember, it is better to have to wait for your interview than leave your interviewer waiting for you.
• Be yourself. Spotting a phony persona is easier to an interviewer than you think. This isn’t their first rodeo. They are the interviewer for a reason. Allowing them to see your personality for what it is will make an authentic impression on the interviewer.

It is now time for your interview. Here are a few tips to follow to aid in making a good impression:

1. Show desire for the position. Always make eye contact with your interviewer and answer them in a clear voice.  Showing enthusiasm and aspiring for growth in the position will go a long way in developing a great initial relationship.
2. Show self confidence. Talk about how you contributed in your last/current position and how you have helped past employers. Discuss what set of skills you can ‘bring to the table’. Show the interviewer that you are a meaningful investment of their time and energy.
3. Listen. If you are talking too much, you may miss important information from your interviewer. No one like having to repeat themselves. It’s much harder to listen than it is to talk (for most of us) especially in an interview, so be aware of this and work hard to listen.
4. Ask questions. When it is your turn, ask questions you have prepared in advance. This allows any unanswered questions about the position that was not answered in the interview to be addressed.
5. Reflect before answering. Given a question? THINK… then respond. Remember that every word uttered is being evaluated. Make sure your answer is appropriate and remember that in an interview, briefness is the key. You only have a short period of time during the interview.
6. Do not raise red flags. Keep in mind, there are certain subjects that should not be inquired about at this time. For example… when is my vacation?  Or, do I really have to relocate? Of course, these are important and you certainly want to address all of your issues, just wait for the appropriate time. You want to make sure your interviewer understands your reasoning for asking certain questions. If you are working with a recruiter, keep those types of questions for them. The recruiter can provide a nice buffer between you and the interviewer.
7. Avoid negative body language. Signs of nervousness are frequently touching your mouth, faking a cough, forced smiles, swinging your feet, crossing your arms, slouching, avoiding eye contact or picking at the invisible bit of lint (I’ve seen worse). Show that you handle yourself well under pressure.

All in all, these tips will help make a good impression. It will probably take more practice than you think. In a society where technology is rising, we sometimes lament the fact that we actually need to speak with someone in person (imagine that!). For most healthcare positions, you are dealing with people in person. Whether interacting with patients and/or colleague and co-workers, face to face interaction is timeless, it will never go away.

 Nicole Bernard, Administrative Assistant at All- Star Recruiting