14.3 The Interview
Kristen Hosey
Appropriate Attire
For a job interview, applicants should dress professionally. This includes wearing dress pants or a skirt, a professional shirt, and a sweater or blazer. If the applicant is interviewing for a position in a clinical setting, they may be able to wear scrubs to the interview, or alternatively, they could wear a lab coat over professional attire.
In the healthcare industry, certain items may not be suitable for both the clinical setting and the interview. For example, applicants should be mindful of cosmetics, jewelry, and fragrances. If cosmetics are worn, they should appear natural and understated. Fragrances, including lotions, colognes, and perfumes, should generally be avoided, as many colleagues and patients may be sensitive to scents. Strong smells can cause headaches, nausea, and other health issues. Jewelry should be conservative, and facial piercings should be removed for the interview.
In the clinical setting, nails should be kept short and should not be visible when looking at the palm of the hand. Nails should be clean and well-maintained. Since nail polish, artificial nails, and other nail enhancements are typically not allowed in clinical environments, applicants may want to forgo them during the interview.
Jewelry and accessories should not interfere with clinical duties or patient safety. For example, applicants should opt for smaller earrings or studs rather than large earrings. Hair should be clean and well-groomed, including beards and mustaches. Applicants should refrain from chewing gum during the interview.
Interview Modalities
Many jobs require an interview as part of the application process. Interviews may be conducted in person at a clinical site or office, over the phone, or through online platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Some employers also use panel interviews, where multiple interviewers participate in the session.
For online interviews, applicants should ensure they have a stable internet connection and verify the interview link and time in advance. It is recommended to join the meeting early (10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time) to test the technology and ensure everything is working smoothly. The interview background should be free of distractions, or applicants can use a virtual background or blur the scene. Additionally, applicants should choose a quiet, private space for the interview to avoid interruptions. For example, a noisy café is not ideal; a quiet room in the home with good internet access would be better.
For phone interviews, applicants should also be in a quiet environment with a strong network connection. It is best to avoid outdoor locations with wind, as this can make it difficult to hear. Having a notepad handy is useful for both phone and online interviews, allowing applicants to jot down questions and reflect before answering. Since phone interviews lack nonverbal communication, taking notes will help applicants stay focused. It is perfectly fine to pause before responding or to ask for clarification if a question is unclear.
For in-person interviews, applicants should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for potential delays, such as difficulty finding the interview room. It is advisable to plan the route in advance and check parking arrangements or, if using public transportation, identify the best building entrance. Asking for directions ahead of time is acceptable if needed. Being prepared and arriving early demonstrates punctuality and professionalism.
Behavioral Interviewing
Behavioral Interviewing focuses on asking for examples of past behavior to predict how an applicant will perform in a given role. The idea is that past actions reflect future behaviors, making this type of interview effective in assessing fit for the organization. Although it can be challenging, practicing in advance can help applicants prepare confidently.
One useful method for answering behavioral interview questions is STAR, which stands for:
- Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation.
- Task: Explain the role, job, or responsibility you had in that situation.
- Action: Outline the steps you took to address the situation.
- Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions.
The STAR method helps structure responses, ensuring they are clear, concise, and focused on key skills relevant to the job.
To further prepare, applicants should review the job description and consider the skills, qualities, and responsibilities the employer is seeking. They should also think of past experiences that highlight these strengths and practice telling those stories using the STAR method. It can also be helpful for applicants to jot down a few notes to bring to the interview, and practice with friends or family beforehand to refine their responses.
Other Interview Styles
Interview questions can vary based on the type of job and employer. In some cases, applicants may be asked to verify credentials. These questions confirm information from the application or ensure the applicant meets minimum job requirements set by the employer’s accreditation or regulations. For example, new graduates may be asked if they have passed their certification or licensure exam. Some jobs, such as registered nurse (RN) positions, may conduct interviews before the applicant has passed the exam. In such cases, applicants should be prepared to provide the date of their upcoming exam.
Applicants may also be asked to demonstrate a skill or complete a task during the interview. This is common in fields such as technology, where applicants may need to demonstrate coding abilities or solve a math problem. In healthcare or other service industries, applicants might face case or scenario questions, where they must respond to hypothetical situations, such as how they would handle a particular patient scenario. In these instances, applicants should answer based on their training and how they would approach the situation in a real-world context.
Finally, some applicants may interview with a panel. While this can be intimidating, the principles for responding remain the same.
Follow-Up After the Interview
Although not required, sending a thank-you email after an interview is considered good practice. It is best to send it the same day or as soon as possible afterward. The email does not need to be lengthy but should express gratitude for the interviewer’s time. Additionally, it is a nice touch to mention any enthusiasm you have for the position and to let the interviewer know you are available to provide any further information or answer additional questions.
Communication that involves anything but speech; sign language, written language and body language cues can all be components of nonverbal communication.
A structured interview technique that focuses on asking candidates about their past experiences and behaviors to predict their future performance in specific job-related situations.