Interview Tips

Preparation for an interview is an absolutely key process and will often be the difference between success and failure for applicants. Good preparation not only gives you an idea of what to expect but it will give you the all important confidence, which can carry you through.

Make sure you have fully understood the job description If you have any queries about it then try to raise them before the interview or be prepared to bring them up as you go along. Ask yourself what the key skills are that the job requires and think of examples of occasions when you have demonstrated those skills.

Make sure you find out what format the interview will take. Often they can be combinations of standard interviews and role-specific tests (such as role plays or psychometric questionnaires). The fewer surprises on the day, the better.

You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points. Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. Each question will be an opportunity to provide some of this information to the interviewer.

On the day of the interview take special care to dress appropriately. Make sure you are punctual – try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. If you are going to be late for any reason then make sure you inform the interviewer as early as possible.

During the interview itself:

•  Don't assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your CV. Therefore ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your CV in your answers. Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
• If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
• If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
• Always expand. Never answer a question with a “yes” or “no”.
• The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to “blow your own trumpet”. As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging.
• Be very positive. Don’t complain about anything - from your former employer to the weather - and don’t apologise for experience that you don’t have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say “I have a little experience...,” you would say “I have experience...”
• Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.
• In terms of your manner and body language, try to ensure the following - be confident, positive and look directly at the interviewer when you talk and listen, speak clearly, be enthusiastic and express a keen interest in the position, keep to the point and be concise and always be honest.

Interviews generally follow a set pattern. The interviewer will tell you about the company and the job, ask you questions to assess your abilities, personality and motivation, ask if you have any questions, and inform you of the next stage of the process and when a final decision will be made. The most important thing to remember is that the interview is a two-way process. You are there to find out information about them as much as they are there to find out about you. This is your chance to find out information that isn’t in the job description and this can help you make an informed decision about whether you definitely want the job.

Top tips to keep in mind:

1. Complete your professional portfolio, take it along, and thrust it at the interviewers!
2. Have some examples up your sleeve to outline what change/improvements/ cost-efficiencies/challenges you have made in other jobs.  
3. Ask at least three questions.
4. Ask to see the job description before the interview.
5. Ask about the remuneration beforehand. If they say it depends on experience, know what you would accept, and what local pay rates are.
6. Be prepared to offer to take a lower grade and increase to higher when skills/knowledge and training is undertaken - and more responsibilities are taken on.
7. Respect the role of  the practice manager.
8. Ask if there is a lead GP for the nursing team.
9. Read the QOF - and know what nurses can be doing to support it - not just the chronic diseases section.
10. Don’t say you “can pick it up/do a crash course” in practice nursing (or district nursing, primary care nursing, etc) - it is an insult to the existing nurses.