Securing a job interview is a pivotal moment after a sometimes long and strenuous job search. It can be intimidating, but fortunately, interview skills are something that can be learned and improved upon. Whether you think your interview skills fall short or you are simply looking to strengthen the skills you already have, these six strategies can help improve your likelihood of presenting yourself as a strong candidate for the job!

1. Practice makes perfect. While you may not be able to read your interviewer’s mind, you can absolutely anticipate, plan for, and practice your first impression. Before your interview, try looking in a mirror to see your introduction. Smile, make eye contact, and demonstrate confidence by standing up straight. First impressions are long-lasting, so be sure to make a positive one!
2. Cite examples. Behavior-based questions are almost guaranteed to be asked during an interview. Interviewers want to know how potential employees have responded to certain situations in the past so they can anticipate how they may perform on the job at hand. Take time to answer your questions, providing specific examples wherever applicable so you can prove your ability and discuss you skills!
3. Ask questions. An interview may feel like a one-way street, but it is also an excellent opportunity for you to determine if the job and employer are a good fit for you, too. Preparing a list of questions in advance is great to have on hand, but some of the best questions can come from the questions you are asked during the interview. This demonstrates your interest in the position, the employer, and desire for additional information.
4. It is easy to get caught up thinking about what to say next and mulling over each and every point you want to cover during an interview that you may completely miss what you are being asked. Listening is a huge component of strong communication skills – something employers value greatly. Your interviewer is giving you valuable information throughout the duration of the interview, so let them know they have been heard!
5. Be concise. You want your interviewer to know why you are the best candidate for the position, but you do not want to ramble. A great way to avoid this is take the time to review the job posting ahead of time, match your skills to those requirements, and focus on those skills during the interview.
6. Follow up. Send a thank-you note, either handwritten or via email, following your interview. Reiterate some highlights that were discussed to remind your interviewer of how you can help solve some current challenges!

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but Team1Medical is here to help! Our experienced recruiters take pride in placing our candidates with some of the top medical facilities throughout Houston and the Gulf Coast area. To learn more about current healthcare career opportunities, contact Team1Medical today!