Interviewing
Tips
Own your interview
Whether you’re going for a new job at Kaiser Permanente or aiming for a role in another department, a strong interview matters. Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust can help you prepare.
Make a winning first impression
- Be on time. Arrive 10–15 minutes early or log in a few minutes ahead of schedule.
- Dress appropriately. Even for virtual interviews, professional attire matters. Dress professionally and be well-groomed.
- Listen actively. Show engagement by nodding, smiling and asking thoughtful questions.
- Show enthusiasm. Sit up straight, smile, speak clearly and make eye contact. Even in video interviews, energy and positivity come through.
Need help?
BHMT offers career development coaching, mock interviews and resume assistance to help you succeed professionally. Schedule a BHMT Career Development Coaching appointment today.
Here are some practical tips to help you prepare, practice and shine during your next job interview.
Understand the role
- Read the job description carefully. Note all the required qualifications, preferred skills and key responsibilities.
- Research the department or team. Learn about their goals, challenges and how they fit into the larger Kaiser Permanente mission.
- Speak with people who work in the department. Ask about the team, the culture and the work they do.
- Prepare examples. Think of specific situations where you demonstrated the skills and qualities listed in the job description.
Research the culture
- Every department has its own values, priorities and workplace culture. Take time to research the department before your interview so you understand what they stand for.
- Search LinkedIn to find out more about department leaders or staff.
- Visit relevant professional associations online to learn about industry trends and common job duties.
- Be ready to share examples from your experience. Stories about collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability and respect for diverse perspectives often resonate with interviewers.
Interview the interviewer
Interviews go both ways. Asking questions of your interviewer shows interest and helps you learn about the role and team. Here are some questions you can ask your interviewer:
- What does a typical day look like?
- What skills matter most in this position?
- What does success look like in the first 90 days?
- What are the team’s current priorities or challenges?
What’s the next step in the hiring process?
Make your skills shine using the STAR Method
Kaiser Permanente often asks behavioral interview questions to understand how you handle real work situations.
Use this STAR method to help you answer clearly:
- Situation: What was the challenge that needed to be resolved?
- Task: What was your goal or responsibility in finding the solution?
- Action: What specific steps did you take?
- Result: What happened because of your actions? What changed or improved?
Example interview question: “Tell me about a time you improved a process.”
- Situation: In our unit, we noticed delays in discharging patients, which sometimes led to backups in admitting new patients.
- Task: I was tasked with identifying ways to streamline the discharge process.
- Action: I worked with nurses, case managers and environmental services to map out the current steps, identify the common delays and create a checklist to improve communications and ensure hospital rooms were turned over more quickly.
- Result: We reduced the average discharge time by over an hour, which improved patient flow and decreased stress on the team during peak times.
Master your interview
- Conduct a mock interview. Ask a colleague, friend, or BHMT career coach to practice with you.
- Practice your answers to common questions. A Career Development Coach can help you get ready and feel confident.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Focus on your strengths and experience relevant to the role.
Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
A: Choose 2–3 strengths and 1–2 real shortcomings you’re actively improving.
Q: Why do you want this job? Why this department?
A: Show what you’ve learned about the team and how your skills are a great match.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you handle it?
A: Choose a story that shows resilience or problem-solving.
Q: What do your coworkers count on you for?
A: Give an example that shows teamwork, reliability or initiative.
- Record yourself. Listening to how you sound and how you appear on video can help you conduct more effective interviews. Make eye contact with the camera. Good lighting, sound, and body language matter.
Always follow up after an interview. Writing a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time and reaffirming your interest in the job can leave a positive impression. Don’t forget to:
- Mention what you liked or learned about the role.
- Remind your interviewer why you’re a strong fit for the job.
- Include anything in your note that you forgot to mention during the interview.
- Check for spelling and grammar errors before you send the note.
Reach out to your Career Development Coach to help you with your note if you’re not sure how to write it.
Next Steps
Am I Eligible?
To use BHMT programs and services, you need to be a KP employee and a member of one of our partner unions.
Complete the Career Profile on MyBHMT
Book a First-time Client Appointment if you have not previously met with a coach or Resume / KP Profile / Interviewing appointment with a CDC.
