Preparing to Interview
Preparing for an interview can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can walk in feeling confident and ready. This page is here to help you make the best impression by providing essential tips on what to do before and during your interview. From researching our organization to practicing your responses and showcasing your skills, these strategies will ensure you present yourself as a strong candidate.
What to Do
Prepare:
Do your research on the department/school and the role you are interviewing for. Know the names and roles of your interviewers.
Practice:
Practice your responses to potential questions and review your resume in support of specific information targeted in the job description.
Arrive Early:
Give yourself 10-15 minutes.
Be Professional:
Dress for success and be polite and courteous.
Bring Your Resume:
Bring a hard copy of your resume and a notepad for taking notes.
Be Positive:
Avoid speaking negatively about past employers.
Silence Your Phone:
Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and leave it in your bag or pocket.
Be Aware:
Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice. Stay engaged and give your full attention to the interviewers.
Listen:
Listen carefully to the questions and pause/take a breath before answering a question if needed. Don't dominate or interrupt the conversation.
The SAR Method: Behavioral Based Interview Questions
NHA® employs behavior-based interview questions using the SAR (Situation, Action, Result) method. This technique allows you to provide clear, specific examples from your past experiences, demonstrating your skills and problem-solving abilities in a structured way. Learn more about the SAR method below!
Smart Questions to Ask
Don't say you have no questions.
Whether you think you fumbled the conversation through the interview or you have the job in the bag, the worst thing you can say is "nope, I'm good."
Be flexible.
It is okay to jot down a few questions prior to the interview, but is also okay to deviate from your list if your questions were answered throughout the interview and/or the discussion prompted a few new questions.
Ask a few specific questions.
Show you have been paying attention by customizing your questions to the specific position and company.
Ask questions you really want to know the answers to.
Do not only ask questions you think will impress your interviewer. This is your chance to ask about the topics you are curious about and how it will affect whether you even want the job.
Sample Questions: personalize these to you and the position you are interviewing for.
- What are your expectations for me in this role?
- What is the most important thing I should accomplish in the first 90 days?
- What do you love about working here?
- Can you tell me about the team I will be working with?
- What are some growth opportunities in this position?
- What are some strengths you think would make someone successful in this position?
- How does the company/leadership team support continuous learning and/or skill development?
- Is there anything I can do or further explain to help your decision-making process?