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This page contains advice on general interview skills, interview techniques, structuring answers, tips on how to prepare and practice, and guidance on how to present yourself on the day.

We also have further advice on sample interview questions, managing interview nerves and video interviews.

The aim of the interview is to gather information to assess whether you have the right skills, experience, knowledge, values, motivation, and personality for the job.

This is your opportunity to show the employer that you are the best person for the job and demonstrate what you could bring to the role or organisation. 

Some of the main factors for succeeding at interview are:

• Your interview technique (understanding how answers are scored, how to answer and structure your answers)
• Preparation and Practice (researching the role/organisation, revising relevant topics, preparing mock answers, practising/rehearsing thoroughly)
• Your demeanour (personality, confidence, communication, delivery, body language, etc.)
• Managing your interview nerves 

Your interviewers will be looking to see how you present yourself, how you come across, and how you handle pressure.

How you interact with your interview panel may also be a good indication of how you would interact with your patients or colleagues.

Dress to impress

Make sure you dress smartly and appropriately for the interview. Employers report that it’s not uncommon for candidates to turn up in casual or dirty clothes, or having neglected their personal hygiene or grooming.

Make sure you are freshly washed, freshly groomed, and wearing smart, clean clothes. Remember that employers may view the way you look after yourself to be indicative of how you might look after your patients.

Create a good first impression

We all know that first impressions are important, so have a think about yours. Some candidates forget basic courtesies such as saying hello. 

Greet your interviewers with a warm smile and open body language. You may want to introduce yourself, say it's nice to meet them, and/or thank them for having you at the interview. You may also want to shake their hands, but only if you feel comfortable to do so.

Interviewers may ask you questions such as ‘How was your journey here today?’ This is a great opportunity to break the ice and try and build some initial rapport.  

Body language

Have a think about your body language. You want to come across as positive, approachable and confident. 

Examples of negative body language can include fidgeting, crossing your arms, biting your lip, or slouching. Examples of positive body language include adopting a good posture, holding your head up and keeping your hands visible.

Hand gestures

Research suggests that open palms are associated with honesty and openness. If you are seated, try resting your hands at 45 degree angles with the tips of your fingers touching each other.

Eye contact

Appropriate use of good eye contact aids rapport building and trust. Make sure you share your eye contact equally among all members of the interview panel when giving your answers, and not just the person you feel the most comfortable with, or the person who's doing the most talking.

Smiling

Smiling aids rapport building, conveys confidence and enthusiasm, and makes you appear more personable and approachable.

You can also smile to indicate you are listening to the interviewers when they are speaking.

Positive attitude

Try to come across as positive and professional at all times. Avoid negative language and never speak negatively about patients, colleagues or previous employers. 

Communication

Think about your communication skills, such as nodding or smiling to convey active listening, and making sure you are responsive and friendly.

Clarify or pause if needed

Don’t be afraid to take a moment to think about a question or ask your interviewer to repeat or rephrase it.

This shows you are considering your answer and that you want to understand; both of which demonstrate good communication skills.

Final impression

Finish the interview with a good final impression. You could thank them for their time and say that you enjoyed the opportunity to meet them and discuss the role.

Everybody gets nervous at interviews. Make sure you have prepared and practiced some strategies for managing any anxiety or interview nerves.

See our advice on managing interview nerves for more in depth information, techniques, ideas and videos on this.