How to Prepare for Your Healthcare Job Interview

Source: National Healthcare Association 

Whether you’ve just graduated and completed certification or you’re a seasoned healthcare professional, these 10 tips will help you prepare for your next job interview.  

1. Research the company and interviewer  

One of the great things about entering the healthcare industry is that there’s a diverse range of employers to choose from. From hospitals and pharmacies to assisted living facilities, each employer will have a distinct work environment and culture. Do as much research as you can about the company and the person who will be interviewing you on sites such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and, of course, their website.  

The interviewer will be impressed if you can bring up a piece of news or company history you read, and it will show them that you are genuinely interested in the business. 

2. Adjust your resume 

Look at the job requirements and adjust your resume based on the position. This will help increase your chances of rising to the top of the resume stack. BONUS: Use words they use in their job description to show that you are the candidate they’re looking for!  

3. Anticipate resume questions 

Your resume is your first impression on your potential employer. If it leaves any question marks, be prepared to answer for them. Do you have a two-year gap in your resume without any experience? Be prepared to explain why. Perhaps you were on sabbatical traveling the world. Or maybe you took two years to focus on being a parent. 

 Employers will respect your honesty and authenticity. 

4. Rehearse some answers 

Prepare some answers for questions you think might come up in the interview. This will vary by position, but here are a few common questions that come up in interviews: 

• Tell me about yourself. 

• What made you interested in working here? 

• What are your strengths? 

• What are your weaknesses/opportunities? 

• Why did you leave your last position? 

• What are your career goals? 

• Can you give an example of a time you’ve worked well under a stressful situation? 

• Can you give an example of a time when you disagreed with a coworker/patient and how you handled it? 

5. Prepare some questions of your own 

Interviews go both ways. They are interviewing you to see if you’re a good fit for the position, and you are interviewing the company to see if it’s a good fit for you. Be an active interviewer, not just an interviewee. This shows that you are invested in how you and the company can be integral parts of each other's lives. 

6. Plan your outfit 

Plan what you’re wearing ahead of time to eliminate stress on interview day. You’ve already researched the work environment, so you know what to expect. Business attire is generally safe, and formal attire is always better. Consider a suit or business-appropriate dress that’s not too form-fitting. Keep jewelry and makeup minimal to avoid distraction. And make sure to iron out any wrinkled clothing. 

7. Pack a bag 

Prepare everything you need to bring ahead of time so that, like your outfit, it’s one less thing to worry about come interview day. Here are some things to consider packing: 

• Extra copies of your resume 

• A list of references 

• Notepad and pen to take notes 

• A stain-removing pen (just in case!) 

• Breath mints (just make sure you’ve finished freshening your breath BEFORE the interview so the mint in your mouth is not a distraction) 

• A water bottle 

8. Catch some zzz’s 

A good night’s rest is important. When you don’t get enough sleep, you tend not to think as clearly, you're more likely to be emotional, and your work performance can suffer. Strive for eight solid hours and eat an energizing breakfast to ensure your body and mind are at their best. 

9. Plan your commute 

Look up directions and plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early. A good rule of thumb is to go into the interview 10 minutes early to show your potential employer that you’re punctual. But that extra 10-20 minutes will be a nice buffer for unexpected traffic delays, parking, etc. Also, arriving early will leave a few extra minutes for No. 10. 

10. Breathe 

Interviews are stressful. Just remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you — you both are looking for a good fit. Give yourself a couple of minutes to take a few deep, calming breaths to calm your nervous system. Try this 5-minute guided meditation in your car so you’ll be in a calmer state walking into the interview. 

Campbell County Health is currently hiring for several positions, many with sign-on bonuses. To learn more and to apply, visit our website at cchwyo.org/careers. Not sure where you’ll fit but want to join our team? Contact our recruiter, Jordan Frost at jordan.frost@cchwyo.org or 307.688.1508.  

Campbell County Health is a nonprofit Area Trauma Hospital by the State of Wyoming, and our outlying clinics include several specialty services ranging from ENT and Cardiology to Oncology and much more. Apply today and join a team where you matter most.