Preparation is key to a successful interview. Plan well, do your research, and the job could be yours, says RCN careers coach Julie Watkins
Take time to research your future employer and familiarise yourself with the values of the trust or organisation where you want to work.
Values can include embracing change, respect and dignity, improving lives and being open and honest.
Tell the employer if you’ve taken the time to arrange an informal visit and what impressed you about them.
Don’t be afraid to let your passion shine through. Employers are keen to know what aspects of care you’re interested in and why you want to work for them.
Use the documents included in the recruitment pack to prepare your answers. The person specification, job description, company values and your application form are crucial at this stage.
Carefully read the essential criteria for the role and check what the employer will be assessing at interview - this is usually marked on a person specification.
As part of your preparation and before the interview, think about your experience and training and find examples you can use to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Why are you interested in this role? What’s your understanding of the job? These are just some of the opening questions you may come across at interview. This is where your research and informal visit will help.
Take a look at our sample interview questions.
Write down what you would like to say and practise reading it out loud. The STAR technique (situation, target, action, result) is a good model to use to make sure your answers are concise, relative and structured.
Get more advice on interviews.
If, after reading our online advice, you’d like one-to-one support, you can make an appointment to speak with an RCN careers coach. Make sure you’ve carried out some research, have some ideas and are prepared for your appointment. Find out more.
Top tip
Include something about the values of the organisation in your answer to the opening question, which is usually something like "tell us about yourself" or "what has interested you about applying for this job?"
Whatever the outcome there’s more to do…
This may not be what any of us want to hear, but however disappointed you may feel, don’t give up.
Take time to reflect on your performance. Was there anything you could do differently next time? Write down the questions you were asked to help you prepare for your next interview.
Get feedback. This can really help improve your performance at your next interview.
Ask direct questions: Which two questions did I score the lowest on? Or which two questions could I have answered better?’
Getting these answers will allow you to prepare or research these areas further.
Be kind to yourself. Remember you can’t control other candidates’ performances.
In all the excitement make sure you protect yourself:
- get confirmation in writing before resigning from your current role.
- clarify the terms and conditions.
- make sure you receive a contract.
