Skip to main content

How to prepare for a job interview

Published on: 28 May 2020

How to prepare for a job interview and work on your confidence.

How to prepare for a job interview

As you start to prepare for your job interview, it is important to visualise yourself in the new post along with everything it entails from the daily commute to all your potential new responsibilities.

>Search our nursing jobs

Here is some advice to help you prepare for a job interview and secure that new role.

  • Check the facts
    Knowing what is expected of you will help you prepare appropriately. For example, will it be a competence or values-based interview? If you are unsure contact the HR department. 
     
  • Research the organisation
    Pay attention not only to who they are and what they do but also to their values. What are they looking for in their staff, and how can you demonstrate that you have these qualities?
     
  • Investigate the role
    Is there anyone you can speak to who is currently doing a similar job? Or can you schedule an informal visit?
     
  • Prepare mentally
    It may sound like a cliché, consciously focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t. Also think about how you have positively tackled challenges in the past – what helped, and what did you learn from it?
     
  • Work out the logistics
    Don’t leave things until the last minute. Plan what you will wear and how you will get there.
     
  • Watch your stress levels
    Practice what works for you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
     
  • Take time for yourself
    It’s going to be a busy few weeks so try to schedule in some down time and balance the hard work with some fun.

By Mandy Day-Calder, a life/health coach with a nursing background, who runs a healthcare training company.

>Search our nurse jobs


This is an abridged version of the article Preparing for a job interview: keys to confidence that was first published on Nursing Standard.

Read more careers articles on Nursing Standard