How to Shine in Interview

Julie Chapman

Matron for Education and Workforce

Central Manchester Foundation Trust

• The interview process• What do employers want?• Preparing for the interview• Getting to the interview• Presenting yourself• At the interview

– Questions you may be asked– Questions you can ask

• After the interview• Questions

How to Shine in Interview

A successful interview is a two-way process:

The interviewer’s chance to find out if you are suitable for the post

Your chance to meet someone from the organisation and assess them

The Interview Process

• Knowledge of the area you are applying for and why you want to work there

• Knowledge of contemporary nursing and midwifery issues / developments

• Patient centred care• Research awareness• Demonstration of the Values• Enthusiasm

What do employers want?

Preparing for the Interview

Preparing for the interview

Getting to the Interview… plan your route

Don’t! • Do!

Presenting yourself

• Be punctual• Greet the interviewers with a smile• Relax and sit naturally, but without slouching in

your chair or leaning on the desk• Display positive body language, speaking

clearly, smiling frequently and retaining eye-contact

• Answer questions clearly and concisely

Presenting yourself

• Be as enthusiastic as possible and let your personality shine

• Include how you meet the organisation’s values in your answers

• End the interview with a smile and a thank you

Presenting yourself

80% of the questions - based on Application

Personal history/educationPlacements/work experienceKnowledge of vacancy/organisationCareer motivation/reasons for applyingSkills and achievementsScenarios

At the Interview

Difficult questions

…Are often easy questions in disguise

If you are stumped, try……

• Pausing

• Asking for a moment to think

• Asking for clarification

• If you don’t know - own up and offer a strategy for how you would find out!

At the Interview

• Relevant to position

• Own development

• Don’t interrogate!

• Don’t ask questions already answered in recruitment literature

• Don’t ask about salary first!

What to ask?

• If you are unsuccessful –Don’t Worry!

• Contact the interviewer for feedback

• Use this constructively for the next time…….

After the Interview