Regardless of how much you prepare for an interview, there is always an element of uncertainty that can bring with it a level of anxiety. Having practiced in the healthcare field for 7 years, I have been on both sides of the interview process numerous times. Even with all of my experience, it can still be a nerve-racking process, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of landing the job!

1. Research exactly what the job entails

With the healthcare field, each job posting is usually very specific either to a department or specialty. Be sure to educate yourself on exactly what is to be expected of you, as these requirements are most likely to be brought up in the interview. By doing this, you can ensure that you show the interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for this position. To help your chances even more, have examples ready ahead of time of why you would be great for this job.

2. Study for potential clinical questions

In my experience, I have had multiple interviews where there was a clinical portion of the process. This can either be in the format of a written exam or an interview panel with live questions. Preparing for this portion is key and piggybacks onto my first tip.

When researching the position, also think about what clinical duties are expected of you. A good first step is seeing what age group you would be responsible for. For instance, are you working in pediatrics or with the elderly? Obviously, the clinical needs of a child are very different from that of someone who is older. This is where you can be sure to refresh yourself on the medical aspects of this age group. You will not only feel more prepared, but you will also wow the interview committee with your knowledge.

3. Do not be afraid to say you do not know

As much as we can all prepare for an interview, if there is a clinical portion, there is a chance that they will ask something you may not know. If this happens, don’t panic. Clinically speaking, you do not want to guess on a question. Instead, talk out loud and go through the process of how you would find the answer to the question, including what resources you would use.

For example, I am a pharmacist and if I was asked a dosing question I was not familiar with, I would mention how I would use Lexicomp to ensure the patient receives the correct medication dosage.

4. Be ready to elaborate on your resume

When being part of the interview board, oftentimes the panel does not know much about the candidate besides what is written on their resume. Your resume then becomes an easy place for the interviewers to pool questions from and to ask you to elaborate on specific jobs or responsibilities. Be sure you are comfortable with what you have on your resume and be prepared to explain any part of it. If you’re stuck on choosing what to include on your resume, check out our article here.

5. Schedule interview practice

Although practicing for an interview may be uncomfortable, it is so important to do! Just like with any other aspect in life, the more you do it, the easier it will be. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.  I highly recommend asking a colleague or friend in the field to do a live, practice in-person interview with you.

Encourage them to be extremely critical of you so that you know exactly what areas of the process you need to work on. If you have had difficulty with interviews in the past, BrandResumes also offers interview coaching and is always here to help.

I hope these tips will assist you in your employment journey and wish you the best of luck in joining me in a career in the healthcare industry!