INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Interviews can be daunting experiences - the good news is there is lot you can do in preparation. Remember the interview should be a two way conversation – It is your chance to find out a bit more about them as well as them finding out more about you. Always remember they really liked what you put down on paper – that’s why they wanted to meet you in person. They reckon you CAN do the job - they now want to find out a bit more. It can often be a matter of seeing who will fit into the team best - so you do need to try and transmit a bit of your personality. It is good to appear friendly with a warm personality and a sense of humor.

The interview will be based on the Job Description and Person Specification so make sure you re-read all this information in preparation for your interview. You should also go over your application form, particularly the Supporting Information section and remind yourself of what you said.

Prepare by thinking of examples to illustrate aspects of the Person Specification - it really makes an interviewee stand out from the crowd if they can talk confidently about their experiences and the patients and scenarios they have worked with and in. Think about what your unique selling point (USP) is and sell it! What is it that will make you stand out from the other people being interviewed for the post? What is it that makes you different from the rest?

Remember your research into the trust and try to mention this somewhere – this demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the post. If you came for an informal visit make sure you mention this too. You may be asked to bring a portfolio along with you. If this is not specifically requested you could always telephone prior to the interview and ask if you can bring one along. If everyone else brings a portfolio and you don’t - it won’t look good.


It is very important that you practice answering interview questions - and do it out loud and not just in your head. It does make a difference. Try to find a sympathetic friend, colleague or family member who will act as your interviewer and be able to give you some honest feedback. At the very least practice in front of a mirror and record your answers. The Careers Service can provide a practice interview - you will need to book in advance and provide details of the job you have applied for.

If you don’t know the answer to a question you can ask to come back to it later, when you may have thought of an answer. Alternatively you should just state that you don’t know the answer to the question, but if appointed you would make sure you researched this area thoroughly. It is better to be honest than to guess - especially with a question relating to clinical practice. Admitting your limitations in an interview demonstrates that you will be prepared to do so in practice.

Don’t be afraid of silence - it will usually be interpreted as reflective thinking time rather than blind panic! Talking about things that have not gone according to plan and how you have learned from those experiences also demonstrates your ability to be a reflective practitioner.

At the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions for the panel. This is not optional. You must have two or three questions prepared. It is usually acceptable to have these with you on a small card. You could ask about induction and preceptor ship arrangements, training opportunities or a particular initiative you have read about. Do not ask about pay, holidays or other benefits and entitlements.