Master interviews: Tips for healthcare job seekers

Summary

• The interview process is a critical stage for job seekers. Hear from recruitment experts about interviewing best practices.
• First impressions are crucial. Learn how to highlight your expertise and alignment with the position.
• Be prepared to answer typical interview questions and address weaknesses.
• Review interview tips for healthcare job seekers and common FAQs.

Securing your next position as a physician or advanced practice provider (APP) goes beyond having an amazing CV and years of experience. In a competitive field like healthcare, mastering the interview process can significantly impact your career trajectory.

We spoke with Sydnie Vargas, MBA, CPRP, Director of Sourcing Physician & Provider Recruitment at Banner Health to learn more about what hiring managers look for during interviews. Her insights, along with interview best practices are included below.

Read on for an in-depth overview of the most essential interview tips for healthcare job seekers at any career stage, including:

• Perfecting your first impression
• Common interview questions and how to answer them
• Questions to ask and avoid
• FAQs

View jobs at Banner Health

Perfecting your interview elevator pitch

First impressions matter.

“In a market as competitive as this one, first impressions are everything,” says Vargas. “They can start as early on as initial interactions with the recruitment team, or with a receptionist at a service desk for a site visit. Each one is important and creates a lasting impression that can be positive or negative, so it’s important to get it right from the start.”

Be prepared to deliver a thoughtful elevator pitch — a brief, compelling introduction of who you are, your background and what you bring to the table. Your elevator pitch should:

• Highlight your expertise: Briefly mention your training, specialties and areas of expertise.
• Show your passion for patient care: Emphasize your dedication to improving patient outcomes and your commitment to the medical field.
• Connect your experience to the role: Mention how your unique skills and experiences align with the needs of the position you’re applying for.
  

Common interview questions and how to answer them

Healthcare job interviews often feature a combination of common and role-specific interview questions. For Vargas, this is the opportune time to learn a candidate’s perspective on priorities.  

“I always ask candidates what matters most to them in deciding whether to accept a position,” she shares. “It’s a simple question that provides insight into what they’re looking for and whether our opening is a fit.” 

Here are some interview questions you might encounter, along with strategies for responding: 

• Tell me about yourself. This is often the first question and the perfect time to share your elevator pitch. Craft a response that connects your background, skills and interest in the position.
• Why did you choose healthcare/your specialty as a career? Share your motivations, emphasizing your passion for patient care and problem-solving.
• Why do you want to work here? Research the organization beforehand to demonstrate how your values align with theirs. Highlight their reputation or the type of patient care they provide.

Three examples of how to explain your weaknesses

This classic interview question causes many candidates to try and explain away or avoid answering it altogether. However, while admitting weaknesses in an interview can be difficult, it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to grow.

According to Vargas, honesty here is key. “Just like we want to be honest about our opportunities as an organization, we want the same from the candidates that we’re working with. Knowing up front about challenges ultimately helps us make sure that they’re better set up for success and they have the resources they need to turn those weaknesses into strengths.”

Here are three examples of how to answer this difficult question without putting yourself at a disadvantage:

• Impatience: "I get frustrated when processes aren’t as efficient as they could be. However, I’ve learned to channel that frustration into advocating for improvements."
• Technology: "I’m not as tech-savvy as I’d like to be, but I’ve been taking online courses to improve my proficiency with new medical software."
• Conflict avoidance: "I’m not naturally confrontational, but I’ve learned to address issues head-on with respect and professionalism, particularly in team settings."
  

How to handle interview curveballs

Some interviewers will throw in difficult questions to gauge how well you can pivot and handle pressure. When answering, focus on positive outcomes, even if the situation was challenging. Here are some suggestions on how to thoughtfully respond to these types of questions:

• Can you describe a time when you disagreed with a colleague? Focus on how you resolved the conflict professionally, to demonstrate your ability to collaborate despite differences of opinions.
• What would you do if a patient disagreed with your diagnosis? Highlight your communication skills and your approach to patient education and shared decision-making.
• Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a patient. Use this opportunity to discuss your empathy, professionalism and how you managed the situation with sensitivity.

Demonstrating hard vs. soft skills

Hard skills refer to specific, teachable abilities like medical knowledge or proficiency with medical equipment. Soft skills include communication, empathy and teamwork. Employers often value both, so it is important to demonstrate them equally during interviews:

• Hard skills: Provide examples of specific medical procedures or technologies you’re proficient in. Mention certifications and ongoing education.
• Soft skills: Share examples of how you communicate effectively with patients, collaborate with teams and demonstrate empathy in patient care.

Questions you should and shouldn't ask the interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization. For example, when asked what’s most important when hiring staff, 69% of respondents in a poll by the Medical Group Management Association responded, ‘cultural fit’.

Because workplace culture is known to be a top priority for many employers — and is a leading factor in employee happiness at work — it’s perfectly appropriate to ask about an organization’s culture in an interview.

“I love when candidates ask about what sets Banner apart from other organizations or if they ask what keeps me here personally,” says Vargas. “It provides an organic opportunity to talk about the amazing culture we've built and our many programs that promote balance for our providers.”

Tailoring your questions to reflect how your values align with the organization can give you a competitive edge. However, some questions are better left for later stages in the process or are worth avoiding completely. Learn more about interviewing red flags, here.

Interview follow-up

Following up after a medical interview is an important step in the hiring process. A well-timed and thoughtful follow-up shows professionalism, gratitude and continued interest in the position.  

Here are some tips to help you stand apart from other candidates:

1. Send a thank-you email: Within 24 hours, send a brief, sincere note to each interviewer.
2. Keep it specific: Reference key points from the interview that resonated with you.
3. Reiterate your interest: Confirm that you’re excited about the opportunity. 
4. Follow up if necessary: If you don’t hear back within 1–2 weeks, a polite inquiry is acceptable.

Final thoughts

Mastering these interview tips for healthcare job seekers is your key to standing out and securing your ideal role. Regardless of where you are in your career, presenting yourself effectively can make all the difference in securing your next position. For residents and early-career providers, don’t forget to download DocCafe's free Resident Career Guide for tailored advice to help you navigate your journey. Additionally, we offer resources on how optimize your medical CV for ATS, including our customizable CV template, to help you make a great first impression.

When you're ready to take the next step, DocCafe is here to help — search thousands of opportunities for physicians and APPs, with more added weekly. If you're considering locum work, you can also explore assignments through our trusted partners at Aya Locums. Whatever your career path, follow these interview tips for healthcare job seekers to be well on your way to landing your perfect role.

Acing interviews for healthcare jobs FAQs

How should I prepare for a healthcare job interview?

Prepare by researching the organization, practicing your elevator pitch and anticipating common interview questions. Review your clinical experience and skills so you can discuss them with confidence.

How can I stand out in a healthcare job interview?

Show passion for patient care and your enthusiasm for the role. Emphasize your unique skills and align your experience with the job's specific requirements. Maintain appropriate body language and be mindful of nonverbal communication.

How do I handle questions about salary expectations?

Be prepared to tactfully discuss your expectations. It might be helpful to research salary ranges for similar roles beforehand.

What should I do if I don’t know the answer to a question?

Be honest and upfront if you don’t know how to respond. However, also be prepared to follow up with how you would approach finding the answer or solving the problem.

Should I follow up after the interview?

Yes, always send a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest.

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