How To Avoid Messing Up On Your Next Interview

Congratulations, you have survived all the steps to be invited to a job interview at a health system! The keys to success in interviewing can be as simple as advance preparation and practicing your answers. Are you prepared to be judged by a multitude of strangers and be peppered with their questions? Let’s avoid the common mistakes and work toward what you can do to be successful.

Even if you are an experienced interviewer and have hired many people over the years, it is different when you are the one being interviewed for a new position. I would like to share some of the mistakes I have observed, and ways to avoid them for your next interview.

Candidate interview mistakes

1. Little or no knowledge of the company
2. Poor first impression (casual dress, bad posture, no eye contact)
3. Fidgeting, looking around, not paying attention, looking down
4. Talking too much, long answers
5. Handshake that is weak or too strong
6. Inappropriate language (slang or swear words)
7. Egotistical style, bragging
8. Quiet, limited enthusiasm
9. Unprepared to discuss career plans or goals
10. Late arrival

Successful Interviewing

Interviewing is an art, and being prepared for the event can put you in charge and make you more confident and poised. The best way to go into an interview at a health system is to be coached by someone who has met everyone you will meet, and has deep knowledge of the organization and the position and its goals and objectives. This way is not always possible, so follow these important steps before you interview.

• Read about/research the organization and people you will be meeting. The organization’s website, the position description, Linked In profiles, annual reports, etc., will give you the facts and figures you need to prepare for the interview.
• Understand your career goals and objectives, and what you would do in the first 100 days if hired. Why are you interested in the position and why are you and your family willing to relocate?
• Practice your answers to the typical questions of “key accomplishments, strengths, areas of improvement, what did you do when…?” Keep your answers to less than two minutes. Remain humble, and speak of team work and collaboration.
• Remember that soft skills and interpersonal style will get you hired in the long run, so be poised, enthusiastic, have executive presence, look like a professional and arrive early.

Best of luck!