Interviewing for a new job is your chance to make a good first impression and sell yourself to a potential employer or recruitment agency. You want to be professionally dressed, speak in a clear, confident tone, and ask questions about the position. Several interview preparation tips can help you prepare for an interview and increase your chances of getting a callback. Practice makes perfect when it comes to interviewing for a new job, and you should spend several hours practicing your interviewing skills with a friend or someone in the same industry.
At Behavioral Health Jobs, our website is dedicated to the healthcare industry and helping job seekers find the best jobs for their career goals. Our database is updated daily with new administrative, technical, and clinical positions at a number of healthcare organizations. You can filter your job search by job title or specific keywords, education, experience, and other search criteria. We also provide a number of helpful tips to increase your chances of making a great first impression. When you are ready to find jobs in behavioral health, check out all of the available jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website.
How Much Should You Prepare For an Interview?
If this is your first time stepping into the job market, it’s OK to feel nervous. You may worry about making an excellent first impression, how many interview questions to ask, or whether you should dress business casual or in a full suit. Being nervous in an interview is normal, but if you prepare ahead of time, you can reduce those butterflies in the stomach and show them your true, confident self.
When you get an interview scheduled, it’s time to prepare yourself by doing the following:
- Research the company you are applying for. If you are interviewing with a recruiting company, look into their placement rates and any online reviews from past candidates.
- Study the job requirements and be prepared to answer questions about the role.
- For in-person interviews, know the office’s location and how long it will take to get there in traffic.
- Make sure you have appropriate clothes for the interview.
- If you are doing a virtual interview, test your video and audio equipment 24 hours before the interview. Use your full name as your display name, keep your background clean and simple, and make sure you will not be disturbed during the interview.
How much should you prepare for an interview? The more you practice and prepare yourself ahead of time, the less nervous you will feel. You should plan on at least 5-10 hours to fully prepare for an interview and feel confident in responding to any questions they may ask.
5 Interview Preparation Tips
When preparing for an interview, follow these tips to improve your chances of getting a second interview or a job offer:
- Know the job requirements – Research the role you are applying for and the specific job duties and responsibilities. Be prepared to answer specific questions about the job and how your experience relates to the position.
- Set up a mock interview – Selling yourself to a potential employer can be a nerve-wracking experience. Set up a mock interview with a trusted friend and have them play the role of interviewer. Give them specific questions to ask so you can practice responding and sounding confident.
- Ask plenty of questions – How many interview questions should you ask? The more, the merrier. Employers want you to ask questions because that shows you are interested in the job and are proactive in learning all you can. You can ask about the company culture, advancement opportunities, retention rates, and other information about the company.
- Research salary range – Healthcare salaries can range from $35,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the position. Go online and find the salary range for the position you are applying for. You have the right to negotiate for a better salary if they offer you lower than the average in your state.
- Get plenty of rest – The night before the interview, be sure you are fully rested. Job interviews can be stressful, and if you are tired, you may struggle to respond and get frustrated and make a bad impression.
These are just a few of the interview preparation tips that you use to prepare for your job interview. Use what works best for making a good first impression and increase your chances of getting a job offer.
Find Jobs in Behavioral Health at Behavioral Health Jobs
The Behavioral Health Jobs website is dedicated to helping job seekers find exciting new careers in the behavioral health industry. If you are hitting the job market for the first time, be sure to check out our career advice section for tips on building your resume, how to deal with difficult bosses, and other beneficial information.
To start a new career search in the healthcare industry, visit the Behavioral Health Jobs website today to find an exciting new opportunity to help people heal and thrive.
