So, you have an interview lined up for the job of your dreams. Please read below some useful tips that we have found helpful over the years. We also highlight some common pitfalls to avoid, to help you land your ideal position.
1. Be Prepared!
As boy scouts say - by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail! Let us help you be prepared with these preparation tips:
Know your journey - be fully aware of the time, date, travel plans and which branch you are meeting at.
Use technology like google maps to prepare.
Research your prospective employer. Check out their website, Facebook, Linked in, reviews etc to get a feeling of their culture. If possible, find out about who might be interviewing you.
Knowing what you now know about their culture, consider how you could benefit them based on their characteristics
Research all the commonly used questions so that you can have well prepared answers - your strengths and weaknesses, how you could contribute to the surgery, what are your plans and goals.
Also consider your non-clinical skills. Attributes such as great consultation skills, good team player, excellent financial performer can really help differentiate yourself.
2. On the day…
You might be anxious, which is understandable. If the position is particularly desirable to you it is understandable that you might be a bit nervous. If you are prepared you will come over well and some anxiety is to be expected, the interviewer will want to know that you are taking the interview seriously. Follow these tips to help you on the day:
Allow plenty of time to get there. Aim to arrive early but go in on time. If you are running late call in advance to apologise. Remember the interviewer will likely be very time pressed and busy so be conscious not to waste their time.
Be lovely and friendly to all staff you meet, especially if left in the waiting room for a while. You can be sure that the interviewer will ask them what they thought of you.
Show an interest in any pets in the waiting room and in any clinical cases. The interviewer wants to see that you are keen and interested in the job.
Bring a copy of your CV, covering letter and any references for convenience of the interviewer(s).
Find out when a decision about the position will be made.
3. Appearance
Remember this is the first time that an interviewer will see you, and you want to make the right impression! Here's some guidance that will help you:
Dress smart, as if you are seeing clients. Avoid jeans, trainers, leather jackets, and fancy dresses. Suits and ties are possibly overkill.
Don’t slouch as if you have the job already – you want to avoid looking arrogant. Remember whilst there is a shortage of staff there is still excess applicants for some of the best jobs.
Don’t get too relaxed and don’t be arrogant. The interviewer may not rate you as much as you rate yourself!
4. Interview pointers
If you have followed the advice above you will be well prepared, so try to relax and follow our tips below for the face-to-face interview:
Have a firm (not too firm) handshake, good eye contact and smile!
Don’t slouch.
Make a point of thanking anyone who provides coffee etc and offer to return the cup. This shows you are a team player and don’t expect people to run around after you.
Try to stick to clinical and professional progression and what you can do for the surgery rather than what’s in it for you.
5. Avoid
Job interviews can be a nerve wracking experience, you know you’re being judged and your answers scrutinised. Here's a few tips to help you ensure the interviewer remembers your accomplishments not your hobbies:
Rambling on about your personal interests. It is great that you do yoga, ballroom dancing, netball, love travelling to Nepal and check out the cinema, but the interviewer may be a bit older, have kids etc and doesn’t have the time for such things. So stick to one hobby to discuss. Try to talk about your dedication to your job.
Waffling, keep to the questions asked and try to answer them as best as possible.
Focusing too much on the rota, salary and benefits. Don’t concentrate on what’s in it for you but instead talk about what’s in it for your employer. It is fine to ask what the average day looks like but if you start saying you refuse to work certain dates etc then you will look like an awkward employee.
Slating your previous employer. If you do talk about a previous employer focus on how you wanted to progress rather than how bad the previous employer was.
6. Negotiation Tips
Be clear about what you want with a recruitment consultant – everyone has a different wish list for their ideal job. Try to be specific as then they can assist you to get your ideal job.
Trial days – whilst these sound like a good idea they are often to be avoided. they are often just used to see if you get on with the team. This might not suit everyone and sometimes it just provides an opportunity for a staff member to judge you based on something minor or superficial. Remember if you don't like the role you will have a probation period and it is very easy to leave.
7. Post interview follow up
Communicate your thoughts in detail to your recruitment consultant as soon as you can. This will give the consultant the information and time to communicate and negotiate your ideal outcome.
Check in with your interviewer or consultant at the time of the decision.
Do not look too keen – ensure to mention that you have other interviews (if you do).
Do not be shy to ask for what you want at the time of an offer – some employers are happy to compromise on certain conditions to ensure a content employee.
If you are unsuccessful, ask for some feedback. Most employers do not mind offering feedback and do not take it personally, there is always another employer around the corner ready to be your ideal match!
Good luck job hunting. Best wishes for your success!
If you need any help with the process then give one of our experienced consultants a call or email. We are happy to help even it is just some advice.
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