Employ good interviewing skills to impress prospective employers.
New graduates of medical, nursing or other heath care-related programs will find themselves applying for jobs at many different hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices. Whether for a position as a surgeon, registered nurse or anywhere in between, you will need to impress the prospective employer during the interview and explain why you would be a good fit for their organization.
Research the Position and Employer
Before you go to your interview, review not only what the position entails but the employer history as well. If this is a hospital, research the names of the board of directors, what the hospital specialties are and any aspects that distinguish it from other hospitals. When interviewing, the hiring manager may ask why you are applying for a certain position. Formulate your answer ahead of time to avoid an awkward silence.
Keep it Brief
Keep all interview answers brief. Your answers should last one to three minutes at most. Keep an eye on the interviewer's body language. If they start to slack or their eyes wander while you discuss your medical education, wrap up your answer. Give only one or two examples in each answer to help keep it brief.
Talk of Experience
Refer back to your experience whenever possible. If the interviewer asks about your strengths, answer as they relate to your medical career. Give a short story or anecdote about how you used your strengths while working in an ER or caring for a younger patient. After all, the hiring manager is trying to find out if you are right for the job. Keep all answers about your experience in the medical field.
Be Specific
Be specific with each answer. Avoid vagueness when answering, even if the question is broad. If asked why you are applying for a position as a physician's assistant in a free clinic, state what drew you to the position and why you feel suited for the job. Give concrete answers that deal with facts rather than emotions.
Present Your Best Self
Present your best possible self to the prospective employer during the interview. Dress nicely with clean, pressed clothing appropriate for the potential position. Sit up straight and smile while interacting with the hiring manager. Speak clearly and avoid mumbling your answers. You are essentially selling yourself as a prospective employee. Don't give them reason not to hire you because you came to the interview dressed inappropriately.
Keep it Professional
Keep your answers professional. The purpose of the interview is to figure out if you are a good fit for the company. Relate all questions back to the job. If you are asked a personal question that you cannot tie back to the medical field, such as a question about where you are from, keep your answer brief but friendly.
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