It’s go time. Are you ready? A job interview can make you feel nervous and anxious, but we have four important tips to help you through it.

Be Effective in Your Communication

Your interview will involve answering questions, but it will involve listening, too. It’s important to make sure you don’t miss anything. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace.

The interview isn’t just about answering questions and sharing information, though. It’s also a time for the interviewer to evaluate you, including confidence, empathy, friendliness, and respect. Are your responses clear? Are they concise?

Don’t Ignore Body Language

Your listening skills and your words are only part of your communication; nonverbal communication is important, too. And it doesn’t begin when you enter the interviewer’s office. You don’t know who could be next to you in the parking lot or on the elevator, so you should be confident and calm, not frantically searching through your portfolio for printouts of your resume.

Much of the advice about body language during an interview comes down to common sense and good manners, but a few reminders never hurt. Use a firm handshake, sit up without slumping, and lean forward slightly to indicate interest. Avoid crossing your arms or placing items in your lap; these habits indicate defensiveness and nerves. Also, try not to fidget.

Be prepared: How Do You Meet Their Requirements? What Do You Know about the Company?

Everyone advises interviewees to do their research, and it’s for good reason. If you go in without knowledge of the company, your ignorance will be obvious. Learn everything you can about the company – from as many sources as you can. Look at the website, talk to friends and contacts, read current news releases, and spend some time on Google. By doing so, you’ll get the larger picture about the company.

Pay special attention to certain things, including the organization’s background, mission statement, press releases, and reviews. Use your research to prepare relevant questions. This will give you valuable information to help you determine if this position and this organization are right for you, but it will also show that you’ve done your homework.

Thank You Note

Thank you notes matter. And promptness is critical. Most hiring managers pay very close attention to how well (and how rapidly) you write a thank you note after the interview.

There are a few other important points to keep in mind on this topic. It’s perfectly acceptable to send the thank you note as an email, but be sure to send a separate email to each person who interviewed you. Remember to keep it professional and brief, and don’t forget to proofread it

We Hope You Ace Your Interview!

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We wish you the best of your luck in your interview; give us a call when you’re ready for your next assignment. We’re here to help: 310.436.3650.