At De Vore Recruiting —one of the top healthcare recruiters operating nationwide— we find the most qualified nursing and healthcare professionals to fill the important public service positions that are so vital to our nation’s wellbeing.
Of course, to discover the best, you have to help us by being the best “you” via our phone and video interviews.
We believe in the authentic self.
We find not only the skilled professionals with solid experience, but also the compassionate, vocational workers with the personalities that would complement their possible future workplace.
Generally speaking, those fairly common sense interview tips that you can find everywhere on the internet, like here and here, also apply to a healthcare-specific interview. But there are a few things we, as healthcare recruiting specialists, look for in particular to ensure that we find the right fit for a healthcare facility so that later on you may evaluate the factors of the job offer.
Whether you’ve received a call from one of our healthcare recruiters, or you are gearing up for a slew of interviews in your new job search, here are a few things to keep in mind as you attend your healthcare interview:
Consideration No. 1: Genuinely enjoy the process
Interviewing is typically seen as a nerve-wracking, rather contrived process. You have a lot of interest in a new position. And you have to sell yourself — a you-in-a-stiff-new-business-suit-and-acutely-aware-of-your-hand-movements self. It can feel unnatural, and a lot is at stake. Also, you never really know what’s going to happen entirely, do you?
But what if it wasn’t like that? What if it could be fun?
At De Vore, we’re looking for the natural, friendly, easy-to-talk-to candidate. If you can keep nerves hidden and come off as a stress- and negativity-free interviewee, you have a good chance of getting De Vore’s stamp of approval.
It can seem simple enough — throw in a bit of witty humor, relax and maintain a friendly, approachable demeanor. But this is usually pretty difficult for a lot of people. While we can coach potential candidates with the right experience to a certain extent, you have to exhibit a healthy spark of this ability to start. That friendliness also will need to stay consistent throughout our two phone or video interviews, as well as the two to five interviews you will complete with the healthcare facility. Ultimately, just be you … the best you.
Consideration No. 2: When we ask you why you want this new healthcare position,
have a thoughtful answer prepared.
“I need a job as soon as possible.” “I was looking for a higher-paying position.” These responses actually still occur with some frequency, believe it or not. What are we looking for?
“I believe in my abilities and experience to help elevate the quality of (specific healthcare facility).
My goal will be to raise (facility)’s current 3-star ranking to 5 stars.”
Better answers also include that you’re looking for improved quality of life (i.e. shorter commute, more challenges). Maybe you want to express how you want to work for a company whose values and goals align better with yours. Perhaps you’re not happy with the quality of care being offered at your current facility.
We want to know your motivation for a career change, because we eventually have to sell that change to employers.
With the healthcare field especially, candidates should emphasis their compassion and earnestness in helping people and contributing to a greater good. We’re not looking to discuss how your goal was a higher salary.
Consideration No. 3: Provide good eye contact even when doing a Skype/video interview.
It’s important to looks us in the eye, even if it’s via the lens of your PC’s webcam. We’re looking to build a level of confidence with you. And that’s hard to establish when you seem distracted.
If you have an in-person interview, shake our hand firmly while maintaining eye contact. “Limp fish” handshakes are not a good start.
Consideration No. 4: Keep negativity to a minimum.
Try not to disparage your current employer. Merely state that it is not the right fit. Harping on negatives always comes off poorly to healthcare recruiters. Think carefully about how you’re phrasing any thoughts that may need to touch on sensitive topics.
Consideration No. 5: Be current.
Technology is a huge part of the healthcare field. Demonstrate that you’re aware of its importance and have a good handle on the latest technological processes aiding your particular healthcare industry.
As with any interview in any industry, it’s important to:
- Come prepared and well-rested.
- Research the facility to which you are applying in order to show awareness of their needs. How equipped are you to fill those needs?
- Be aware of inflections in your voice during phone interviews.
- Be prepared to answer specific questions regarding facility ratings and surveys as they relate to your current employer.
- Focus on the customer service aspect of your job.
- Not show up smelling of alcohol or cigarettes for an in-person interview.
- Not to chew gum during your interviewing with the hiring manager.
- Arrive early for a scheduled in-person interview.
- Avoid wearing perfume or cologne, especially heavy amounts, as either can be a scent that might not be appealing to your hiring manager. She/he also could be allergic.
- Be patient with the hiring process.
- Show appreciation to your recruiter for her/his time and send a thank-you note.
To submit your resume as a potential candidate for current or future job openings through De Vore, click here. View the latest career opportunities through De Vore here.
Our healthcare recruiters are excited to speak with you. You’ll hear the smile in our voice. We honestly hope to hear yours, too.
