Career Progression Interview Tips

Preparation

Make sure you prepare for the interview! This will help you answer questions in a concise and relevant manner. Do some background checking on the organisation and what they do, the position, your potential supervisors and show you are confident of your career directions.

Making a good impression

You may only have one opportunity to exchange information and to convince the interviewer(s) that you are the right person for the job.

• Be professional and polite to everyone
• Smile - smiling relaxes you and others
• Remember: Relax and be yourself! The interviewer wants to know more about you, they want to confirm and expand on the information you have provided in your application. They want to check your compatibility with their workplace. You will be quizzed on your values, what led you to pursue this career and your professional dreams, so try to be as relaxed as possible
• Provide succinct answers to the questions asked

Response preparation

Rehearse your responses for the following:

• Remember that you should provide brief, concise answers that are tailored to the role on offer.
• Declare the strongest benefit that you offer an employer and always leave the interviewer wanting to know more.
• Use the STARR technique to cover the prepare and shape your response

Situation | Task | Action | Results | Reflection

Practice questions

Describe specific previous experience, often a difficult situation.  Recent, Relevant, Special.

• Tell me about a time when you were asked to perform something you didn’t know how to do, and how you managed the situation.
• Tell me about a time when you were leading or supervising some junior staff.  How did you feel about this responsibility?
• What would you do if a member of your team made an error which you felt could cause harm to a patient?
• Tell me about a time when you had to make a very difficult decision at work.
• Tell me how you deal with change when you are directed to relieve in a different unit or team. 
• What would you do if you were required to explain a management plan to a patient who didn’t seem to understand you?

Interviewer wants to know your definition of a ‘difficult situation’ and whether you can demonstrate a logical approach to problem solving.

Explain the situation, how you approached the problem, the actions taken and the solution.

Tips for response

• Response Recent, Relevant, Special
• The interviewed wants to learn what you consider ‘difficult’ and how the approach you to take to solving the problem
• Show calm, be rational, work within your scope of practice and respect other people’s views

In summary, be prepared for questions regarding:

• Your past successes and failures (and what you learnt from them)
• What are your future goals?
• What you know about the organisation looking to hire you.
• Your personal strengths and weaknesses.
• What makes you different from the other candidates?

Final Tips:

• Prepare – do your research
• Arrive on time and look professional
• Be prepared to discuss information provided on your application form / CV
• Give concise, relevant answers which draw upon recent examples
• Use the STAR technique to ensure your answers are well structured
• Avoid discussing personal issues
• Make the most of your chance to ask questions
• Be self-aware – consider your tone and body language’
• Be positive and sell yourself – smile!
• If you are asked to provide references, give the referee’s notice that you have provided their details!
• If you are not granted another interview or extended a job offer, do not give up! Keep refining your story and practicing. All interviews are good practice!