How to Ace an interview

Preparing for the interview

• First impressions count, so organise what you are going to wear in advance! Dress conservatively in neat professional attire (shirt/pants, shirt/skirt)
• Collate all relevant documents you may need and have them ready in a presentable folder i.e. Qualifications, CV, Certificates, clinical practicum reports, academic transcripts
• Prepare to arrive 15 – 20 minutes early. Plan ahead for parking and traffic dilemmas!

Tips for interviews

• Allow plenty of time so that you arrive early to the interview – Don’t run late!
• Switch off your mobile phone!
• If you are unavoidably detained, be sure to phone the hospital to advise them when you will be arriving or to arrange another time.
• Understand the dress requirements, i.e. neat professional attire (jeans, shorts, thongs, t-shirts etc are not suitable). If you are on clinical placement, changing out of uniform and in to suitable interview clothing demonstrates your commitment to professionalism.
• You have 30 minutes to promote yourself – make sure you prepare well before the interview.
• Be aware of your eye and body contact.
• Use tone, clarity and articulation to speak clearly
• Try not to rush! If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification and take your time thinking about the question before answering
• Prepare some relevant questions. This is your opportunity to ask for details that you may not have been able to find in your research
• Thank the interviewers for the opportunity to meet with them.