Interviewing Resources
Research the Position
- Network with people within KP to learn about the department and its work culture as well as the employees and their roles.
- If you have names of people within the department, look up their profiles on LinkedIn.com.
- Thoroughly review the position description.
- Use internal KP resources such as Hank, LMP (lmpartnership.org), Nursing Pathways, KP BRGs (Business Resource Groups), and MyHR.
- Identify professional associations and review their websites for career information and current trends.
Top 5 Common Interview Questions
Note: Work with a Career Development Coach to come up with answers to these questions.
- Tell me about yourself. (Hint: Give information about your strengths for the position.)
- What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Hint: Be prepared to talk about at least three strengths and two weaknesses. Use the SAR Method to communicate your strengths. Choose weaknesses that are true, but that would not eliminate you from consideration for the position. Include steps you are taking to work on each weakness.)
- Why do you want to work in this department and why are you right for this job? (Hint: Communicate what you have learned through your research on the position and the department that make you want to have this job. Describe your top 3-5 “selling points” on how your experience and skills match with the position.)
- What is the greatest obstacle that you have overcome? (Hint: Tell a story that either ends well or demonstrates what you have learned.)
- What do your coworkers rely on you for or ask for your assistance or guidance? (Hint: Give an example that shows expertise and teamwork.)
Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication are Both Important to Your Success
- When interviewing, it is important to be aware of both what you say and how you say it.
- Studies show that non-verbal communication has more of an impact on how your message is received and interpreted than your verbal communication. The impact of the message you communicate is 7% spoken word, 38% tone of voice, and 55% body language.
- These statistics mean that expressing interest through your enthusiastic and positive tone of voice and energy level, is even more important than what you say. You can say all the right things and still not be seen as a good candidate if your nonverbal communication indicates low energy, lack of enthusiasm or excitement for the opportunity, or if you seem to feel entitled to be chosen or to be just going through the motions.
- Dress appropriately and be well-groomed to make a positive impression on the interviewer.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer
- Be prepared with questions you can ask during and/or at the end of the interview. Remember that the best interviews are a conversation between you and the interviewer, with both of you asking and answering questions.
- Here are some sample questions:
- Can you describe to me what a typical day would be like for someone in this position?
- What qualifications are most important to you in the candidate you choose for this position?
- What is the key to succeeding in this role?
- What are the biggest challenges in this role?
- What are the most important goals in this department currently?
- What is the next step in the interview process?
- Can you tell me when I can expect to hear from you about this position?
Send a Thank You Email or Written Note After the Interview
Note: Work with a Career Development Coach to develop a thank you note.
- One way to stand out from other candidates is to send a thank you note or email after your interview.
- Include the following in your thank you note:
- Express appreciation for the opportunity to interview.
- Reinforce your interest in the position by describing things you learned in the interview that have increased your belief that this job/department would be a good fit for you.
- Emphasize why you believe you are an excellent candidate for the position by restating your qualifications which match the job responsibilities.
- Add any relevant information about yourself that you may have left out during the interview.