Initial Interview Tips - Updated 2024 (Interview Preparedness Pt 1)

While a well-designed resume or LinkedIN profile can open the door to many opportunities, nothing can solidify or ruin an opportunity like the outcome of the initial interview. 

Over the years I've witnessed candidates with very few of the necessary technical requirements land jobs easily, and I've also witnessed candidates that are Spot-ON for the technical requirements repeatedly miss out on employment.... why?  Because the candidates lacking in requirements knew how to CRUSH the initial interview, and candidates with excellent qualifications were (for whatever reason) unable to adequately express their knowledge during the interview.  Here are a few tips for guidance:

• Be prepared for ANYTHING:  It’s become very apparent that many employers have not refined their interview process. Some don't consistently have the same people conducting the interviews.  Most are often pressed for time, and they sometimes don't even have a firm understanding of exactly what qualifications will be a good fit for their current needs.  I've sat in on interviews where the interviewer has interrupted the conversation, excused themselves, and had someone else take over mid-interview.  I've sat in on interviews where SURPRISE, there was an impromptu panel interview and there were 5 people sitting in.   I've unfortunately sat in on interviews where the employer didn't even know what position they were interviewing the candidate for.  With this over-whelming lack of consistency, the interviewee must be prepared for anything and be able to "go-with-the-flow" without getting flustered or tongue-tied.
• What to do if your time is limited: Initial interviews customarily last between 30 minutes and 1 hour.  Always be prepared to express your qualifications in 30 minutes or less;

1. Make sure you have a job description of the position you are interviewing for.
2. Take notes in advance of the interview listing examples of how your qualifications/experience are a match for the job.  With those notes in front of you, you will easily be able to recall your most important talking points.  If the interviewer says they have to cut the interview short, SPEAK UP!  Say something like: "I appreciate your time, however I feel I wasn't able to adequately explain my qualifications, could we schedule more time to speak later this week?" 
3. Since your time is limited, don't go bouncing off on rabbit trails.  Stay focused.

• If you have a specific technical ability, know how to translate your on-the-job responsibilities into words.  For instance.... if you are an Technical Application Trainer be ready to explain
• Where you've trained (classroom?, elbow to elbow?, locations? etc.)
• What you've trained (Name of the applications/technologies etc.)
• How you've been involved (curriculum build? Principal or Lead Trainer? Go-Live Support?)
• Who you've trained (Physicians, Nurses, end-users, -along with classroom size, how many people) 
• Then be ready to explain the details of your understanding of the technologies you have trained.
• A good interviewer will ask “open-ended” questions that require more then just a Yes or No answer. One such question is: "Tell me more about yourself".  It is always best to have a prepared statement for this question. Keep it short & focused to the industry.  Point out your professional timeline such as: "I entered the Healthcare industry 14 years ago after graduating with a degree in Nursing, and over the years have transitioned from nursing into Clinical Information Systems, my focus for the last few years has been in EMR Implementation Project Management." Then ask the what specifically they’d like you to expound upon.
• Prior to an initial interview with any employer you should have a firm understanding of who they are and what they do.  If you're working with a recruiter, gain as much info from them as you can and then go Google!  Research the potential employer.    Normally the last question they will ask is "do you have any questions?" and you don't want to hang up the phone and then snap your fingers and say "Darn! I forgot to ask...."
• Know the job you’re interviewing for: If you're working with a recruiter request a full job description.  If there isn't one available make sure one of your first questions during the interview is "I'm not sure I have a firm understanding of the responsibilities of the position, could you take a moment to discuss your expectations?"
• Be relaxed and be yourself: Even though the interviewer cannot see you, they can definitely FEEL you, and if you're nervous they're going to pick up on it.  Also, try to concentrate on what they're saying, not what you're going to say next.  If you are busy mentally preparing your next statement you're going to miss important information.  Do away with any unnecessary distractions during the call (including your own over-active thought processes). From a Recruiter’s stand-point;  I've conducted interviews with candidates that are so busy talking over me or mentally preparing their answer that they've missed important information like who the client is, what they pay rate is, what the job responsibilities are etc., and this will be a detriment as they move on to a client interview.
• PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE: If you don't have a recruiter to assist you, get a friend that understands your industry and have a practice interview with them.
• It's OK to call the whole thing off: If at any time during the interview information is provided that is not in line with your employment desires, wait for a break in the conversation and express your concerns.  If it is something that you feel the potential employer might be able to modify make that request, if an agreement cannot be met, thank them for their time and end the call early.  No need to take up more of your time and theirs if it isn't a fit.  
• Panel vs. One on One Interviews: Normally the initial interview is a one on one conversation with a decision maker, but more and more frequently employers are conducting "panel" interviews.  Typically a meeting invite will be sent that will include the names and titles of all the attendees, but sometimes a panel interview will be conducted without the candidate’s prior knowledge.  The panel usually consists of one or more hiring managers and one or more team members.  They will hope to learn if you are the right personality fit for their team, and also if the you have s the right qualifications for the role.  Be yourself... you don't want to be hired to a team of folks that is expecting something different when you show up for your first day on the job.
• Don't embellish!:  If you do not have the qualifications for the position, don't try to expand your experience and "fake" your way through the areas you aren't familiar with.  You might be able to fool a recruiter, but you will not be able to fool your peers in the industry.  If you do not have some of the requirements for the position and you somehow manage to make it through the interview process, it won't take many days on the job for your new employer to figure out you're not as knowledgeable as you lead them to believe. 
• NEVER discuss your prior boss or employer in a negative light.  In all matters try to stick to the positive.  Don’t discuss your personal issues, reasons you might have been fired previously (unless legally necessary) etc.  If you absolutely hated your last boss you can say something like “There were some departmental changes and I wasn’t comfortable where things were headed so I decided to find work elsewhere”. 

Learning to easily and fluently express your abilities is the most important part of the interview process. By following the steps above, and with some practice you should master the initial interview.
Being able to talk about your knowledge, milestones and qualifications is an asset.  Who is going to "sell" you better than YOU?  If you lack confidence this will hurt you deeply in the interview process.  To gain perspective, talk to prior co-workers and ask them what stands out about your work to them.

If you're in a position where you are the interviewer & regularly conduct interviews, review the "Part 2 Post"
Best wishes in your career endeavors! 
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