interview tips
The job interview is an interactive experience during which you and your interviewer have shared goals. Below are some tips to help you prepare and succeed at the interview. After all, Bon Secours Health System wants the best possible applicant for the job, and you want the best possible job to match your needs!
20 Ways to Prepare for Your Job Interview
- Do your homework: Research the Bon Secours organization and the job.
- To manage your fears, preparation is your best friend. Prepare and rehearse to combat interview anxiety. (For more tips, Google "job interview stress management techniques.")
- Dress for success and be well-groomed for the interview. (Find hints by Googling "good manners during a job interview.")
- Explore and review typical interview questions, role-play with a friend, and ask for honest feedback. Explore additional questions specific to the job you are applying for.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are your career interests?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now?
- Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee; if so, how did you handle it?
- Why do you want this position?
- Why are you the best person for this job?
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the interview.
- Give the receptionist your name, the name of the person you have an appointment with (pronounced correctly), and the scheduled time of your interview.
- Walk tall, sit tall, establish eye contact, speak clearly, and smile.
- When greeting your interviewer (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Sr.), give her/him a firm handshake while making direct eye contact.
- Control any distracting mannerisms such as crossing your arms, jiggling pocket change, chattering nervously, or picking your fingers.
- Focus on skills and achievements, and focus on your accomplishments related to the job.
- Respond to questions directly, but limit your answers to what was asked.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
- Show interest and initiative by preparing at least four questions to ask the interviewer.
- At the end of the interview, reaffirm your interest in the job by summarizing your strengths and emphasizing how you can help the organization.
- Ask about next steps and when you can expect a contact.
- Thank the interviewer and give him/her a firm handshake. (Practice in advance and avoid the wet noodle or its opposite, the vise grip.)
- Immediately after the interview, send a thank-you note or email or both.
- If you don’t hear anything in the expected time, wait a few days. Then check in. (You can check the status of your application at any time on the "Applicant Profile" page, which appears after your login, with your Username and Password.)
- The screening telephone interview: If an initial telephone or video interview is requested, be well-prepared. Turn off call-waiting and any electronic devices that could be distracting. Have your resume in front of you and other relevant information. Don’t smoke, chew gum or eat. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Have a short list of your accomplishments in front of you, as well as pen and note paper.
- Many Internet sources exist to help you prepare for a job interview. Here is one to get you started: Bureau of Labor Statistics
