Preparing to Interview

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident going into your interview. Explore tips for preparing ahead of time, sharing your experience, and making a strong impression during your conversation with our team.


Set Yourself Up for Success

What to Do Before and During Your Interview

Prepare

Research NHA®, the school or department, and the role you’re interviewing for. Familiarize yourself with their names and roles of who you will be meeting with.

Practice

Practice answering common interview questions and review your resume. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate the skills and qualifications listed in the job description.

Be Ready Early

For an in-person interview, plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early. For a virtual interview, join a few minutes ahead of time to make sure your technology is working.

Be Professional

Choose professional attire and be polite and courteous to everyone you meet throughout the interview process.

Have Your Resume Ready

Keep a copy of your resume nearby during your interview. For an in-person interview, consider bringing a few printed copies along with a notepad for taking notes.

Be Positive

Keep the conversation positive and professional, especially when discussing past employers or experiences.

Silence Your Phone

Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and keep it stored away during your interview.

Be Aware

Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice. Stay engaged and give the interviewer your full attention.

Listen

Listen carefully to each question and take a moment to think before answering when needed. Allow the conversation to flow naturally without interrupting.

The SAR Method

Behavioral Interview Questions

NHA uses behavioral interview questions to learn how you’ve handled real situations in the past. The SAR method can help you organize your answers by describing the Situation, the Action you took, and the Result. Learn how to use the SAR method to prepare clear, specific examples to share during your interview.

Explore the SAR Method

Interviews Go Both Ways

Smart Questions to Ask

An interview is also your opportunity to learn more about the role, the team, and NHA. Come prepared with questions that will help you decide whether the position is a good fit for you.

Come Prepared With Questions

Avoid ending the interview without asking any questions. Even if many of your questions were answered during the conversation, use this opportunity to learn more about the role or organization.

Be Flexible

It’s helpful to prepare a few questions before your interview, but you don’t have to stick to your list. If your questions are answered during the conversation, ask about something else you discussed or a new question that came to mind.

Make Your Questions Specific

Show that you’ve been engaged in the conversation by asking questions specific to the position, school or department, and team.

Ask What Matters to You

Don’t choose questions simply because you think they’ll impress your interviewer. Ask about the things that will help you better understand the position and decide whether it’s the right opportunity for you.

Questions You Could Ask

Choose questions that are meaningful to you and personalize them for the position and your conversation.

  • What are your expectations for someone in this role?
  • What is the most important thing you would like this person to accomplish in the first 90 days?
  • What do you enjoy most about working at NHA?
  • Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
  • What growth opportunities are available in this position?
  • What strengths help someone succeed in this position?
  • How does NHA support continuous learning and skill development?
  • Is there anything about my experience or qualifications I can clarify or expand on as you make your decision?