How to Prepare for a Healthcare Job Interview

The healthcare industry is one of the largest growing sectors in the United States, accounting for 14% of all workers. Whether you've recently earned your certification or hope to advance from one company to the next, it's useful to know how to prepare for an interview in the medical field. A few simple steps can help you land the job and ensure all your time and energy spent in schooling does not go to waste. 

Learn how to prepare for a medical interview and begin your career in this rewarding field. 

How to Prepare for an Interview in the Medical Field

Showcasing your skills, knowledge and expertise in your interview can help you get a role in the medical field. It's also helpful to ask plenty of questions, bring the proper items, and research your potential employers beforehand. Here are a few healthcare and hospital interview tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the Company and Interviewer

Before your interview, research and learn about the company and interviewer. Use sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn and the company's website to gather your research. Each employer you interview for in the healthcare industry will have a different culture and work environment, from hospitals to clinics or assisted living centers. Bringing up information about the company will impress your interviewer and show that you are sincerely interested in the organization.

It also helps to fully understand the position you are applying for before the meeting. Locate the job requirements through the organization's human resource department so you can tailor your resume and interview responses based on the type of medical field position you're interviewing for. One of the most helpful hospital interview tips is to familiarize yourself with the institution and its principles in advance. If you're interviewing for a research position, learn about their current research projects and upcoming studies.

2. Prepare for Resume Questions

 Your resume is your potential employer's first impression of you. If there are any red flags, such as gaps in your resume, be prepared to give reasons. These aren't always deal breakers, but it helps to know how to respond before the interview. Perhaps you were taking time to discover what you wanted to do or you devoted a few years to being a parent. Employers will admire your honesty if you discuss the reasonings behind potential red flags. 

To prepare for a medical assistant interview or any kind of position in healthcare, be prepared to answer common interview questions or prompts like: 

• Tell me about yourself.
• What interested you in the position?
• What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What are your career goals?
• Describe a time when you worked well under pressure. 

3. Participate in Mock Interviews

Mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare for an interview in the medical field. Go through these interviews with a trusted friend or colleague, recording each one to evaluate your performance. 

Have your friend ask standard questions about your previous work history, education, areas of specialty and any recognitions or publishing credentials you may have. The goal of mock interviews is to formulate smooth and complete answers to crucial questions without sounding like you rehearsed them. 

4. Formulate Responses Related to Current Healthcare Trends

Before applying to a position in the medical field, it helps to understand current healthcare trends. Be prepared to discuss your philosophy on issues like patient advocacy, insurance challenges, maintaining patient confidentiality and other beliefs about evolving healthcare practices. Show your interviewer that you recognize the importance of staying up to date in an ever-changing field. 

5. Prepare Questions of Your Own

One of the most helpful interview tips is to prepare questions ahead of time. It will show that you are an active participant and you care to learn more about the position and organization. For instance, if you're interviewing for a hospital position, you might ask for more information about the facility as well as the number of beds. To prepare for a medical assistant position, you might ask your interviewer about training provided on the job. 

Other questions you might ask include:

• What do you enjoy most about working for this organization?
• What do you find most challenging about working for this organization?
• What have past employees done to succeed in this role?
• What does a typical day look like in this role?
• How do you help your staff grow professionally?

How Early to Show up for an Interview

Before your interview, look up the directions and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. While it's helpful to get to your interview 10 minutes early to show you're punctual, the extra 10 minutes can be a buffer in case of unexpected travel delays or parking issues. Plus, it will give you time to mentally prepare and take calming breaths before the interview. 

What to Wear to a Hospital Job Interview

One of the best hospital interview tips is to plan what you're wearing ahead of time. Doing so will eliminate stress on interview day. Business attire is always the best option. Consider wearing a suit or business-professional dress, and keep jewelry to a minimum to avoid distraction.

It's helpful to present a professional image, so if you go with business attire, wear the right shoes and colors, as well. Consider neutral colors, and polish and clean up your shoes before the interview. Keep your hair pushed back away from your eyes and remember to make eye contact. 

What Should You Bring to a Healthcare Job Interview?

Like your outfit, plan the items you should bring ahead of time so you experience less stress on the interview day. Come prepared with personal letters of recommendation from professionals in your area of medicine. Present these letters to the interviewer along with your resume.

Also consider packing the following items: 

• Resume copies
• Notepad and pen for note-taking
• Breath mints to take before the interview 
• A water bottle
• An umbrella if there's rain in the forecast

Start Your Healthcare Career Journey at AIMS Education

 

Following the above tips can help you prepare for a job interview in the medical field. When you're ready to start your academic journey into healthcare, choose AIMS. We are a private college offering degree and credit-bearing educational programs for anyone pursuing positions in allied health, including medical assistants. Our programs can prepare you for a rewarding career, allowing you to learn and work closely with medical professionals in the field. Our career services team will also provide tips and one-on-one sessions to help you nail your interview. 

To learn more about our healthcare programs, contact us today.