Are care and nursing professionals jeopardising themselves during interviews?

It goes without saying that interviews are an important part of the job hunting process. Not only are they a chance to impress a potential employer, but they also offer you the opportunity to expand upon key points on your CV and explain why you’re the right fit for the job. For many, it can be quite a daunting process, especially as there’s so much pressure to say the right things, in a short period of time.

In fact, a recent study from CV-Library revealed that 74.5% of hiring professionals say that there are certain areas that would put them off a candidate during an interview, so it’s important to ensure you’re coming across in the right way.  Below, we’ve highlighted some of the pet peeves highlighted in our research, and explain how you can avoid these to ensure interview success.

Having an arrogant or rude personality

The majority of hiring professionals (84.9%) said that they understandably don’t like candidates with a rude or arrogant personality. This is particularly true in the care and nursing profession, where the nature of the job means that individuals need to have a great deal of compassion.

Knowing the difference between being confident and being arrogant is vital. Though this can often tread a fine line, it’s clear that recruiters don’t appreciate this kind of behaviour, so it’s important to differentiate. Not only this, but ensure that you’re polite throughout the meeting. Rudeness has no place in an interview any way, especially when you’re trying to make a good impression.

Not preparing efficiently for the interview

Preparation is the key to interview success! And for three quarters (73%) of recruiters, poor preparation is a no-no. Before the interview be sure that you know plenty about the company by looking them up online, and read over the job description a few times so you know what to expect from the role.

It’s also worth preparing some practical examples of your experience to meet the requirements in the job description. For example, any instances where you’ve gone above and beyond to help a patient. Furthermore, take some time to prepare some questions to ask them at the end of the interview, this will help to show that you’re enthusiastic about the role. 

Dressing inappropriately

In the care and nursing industry dress codes can range from casual and comfy to issued uniform, but remember in an interview it’s vital that you dress appropriately. For over half of hiring professionals (52.6%) this could be a deal breaker. The best approach to take is to always dress smart unless the interviewer has specified otherwise. If you’re unsure about the dress code, get in touch beforehand to find out what they typically expect. 

Turning up too early or too late

Turning up at the incorrect time is a pet peeve for 29.6% of recruiters. Punctuality is important, especially in this line of work, but this means not turning up too late, or too early. Recruiters have a job to do and if you arrive too early this can hinder their day-to-day work. You should also avoid being late by ensuring that you know where it is you’re going, and leaving with plenty of time to get there. If you’re running late due to reasons beyond your control (public transport for example), then call ahead to let them know so they aren’t waiting around for you.

Being excessively shy

Confidence (but remember, not arrogance) will help you to get a good dialogue going during an interview. Though they are nerve-wracking, 13.2% of recruiters said they don’t like having to struggle to draw information from you because you’re shy. Speaking clearly and confidently is important. Even if you’re feeling nervous on the inside, try not to let it show on the outside. Preparing effectively beforehand will help to relieve these nerves and keep you talking.

In conclusion, all these faux pas can be avoided if you ensure that you prepare properly, including sorting your route and transport with plenty of time. Feeling and looking smart will also help to supress those nerves and ensure a smooth and impressive interview.

For more tips on interview success, check out our career advice guide, here.