Attending and Preparing for Interview

hand holding a pen ticking a box on an application form

Attending for interview

The length of the interview will depend on the position applied for. You will usually be interviewed by a panel of two or more interviewers. The interviewers will ask you questions which relate to the job and the requirements needed. Feel free to ask questions about the position at the end of the interview. The interview is your chance to find out as much as possible about working for NHS Tayside and about the job. This will enable you to decide whether it is the right for you.

In addition to an interview, other methods may be used to help us select the right person for the job. These could include work related exercises, maybe using a computer, testing written or numerical skills, giving a presentation or undertaking a practical task. You will be advised in advance if the selection process includes other selection methods.

Prepare for the interview

Be sure you know the following information about your interview:

the time
the date
the location
the name of the person chairing the interview
ensure you have all the documents you have been asked to bring with you to the interview

Tips for your interview

Reread the job description as the questions will relate to this
Try to predict some of the questions and practice your answers
Do some research if there are gaps in your knowledge
Think about any questions you might want to ask and write them down
Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to compose yourself
All candidates are nervous at interview and the interviews will make allowance for this
Give details and examples of how you meet the person specification and take every opportunity to sell yourself, even if this feels artificial
Don't worry if you get stuck at any point in the interview, ask if you can leave the question for the moment and come back to it later
Maintain regular eye contact
Try to adopt and open, honest and confident attitude
Listen to the questions and if necessary, pause for a few seconds to think about what you are going to say
Speak clearly and with confidence
Keep to the point but ensure you answer the question and avoid 'yes' and 'no' answers