How to be interviewed

Being successful at interview depends as much on thorough preparation as it does on your performance on the day. However confident you are, "winging it" is unlikely to pay off and will be obvious to any discerning interview panel. Here are some tips on what it takes to make an interview a positive experience.

How to prepare

Do your homework on the post, the hospital or practice, and the people who would be your future colleagues. If available look at their website and any documents, for example, the trust's strategy or a recent report from the Healthcare Commission. Arrange an informal visit. Talk to as many people there as possible. Then list what appeals to you and why, and any concerns or questions. Take these to the interview

• Make sure you are well informed about any current issues (for example, the Shipman inquiry, revalidation, foundation trusts, healthcare commissioning, etc). Read the health press (journals and popular press) for the weeks preceding the interview
• Anticipate the questions you will be asked and plan (but don’t over-prepare) your answers. Be prepared for the more difficult questions such as "How would you add value?" "What are your biggest accomplishments?" Describe themost difficult problemyou have had to solve" "How would others describe your strengths and limitations?" Be neither arrogant nor too modest—show that you are aware of the impact you have on people rather than simply describing your personality (for example, "I am a perfectionist—people know they can rely on me for quality work, but it also means they might find me a little demanding at times. I get round this by making sure they understand what I am trying to do.")

During the interview

• Most importantly, be yourself. Don't use words you would not normally use or express beliefs that are not your own. If you don't normally use humour, don't experiment here. If you like jokes, use them sparingly. If in doubt, leave it out
• Your posture should be open (no crossed limbs), facing the panel. Vary your position—if you are enthusiastic about a topic, lean forward—when the panel is talking, lean back. Look at all panel members when you are talking, not just the person who asked the question. Vary your tone of voice (monotonous answers lose the panel's attention very fast)
• Keep your answers concise and to the point. Choose your examples well, and if unsure whether to embellish your point ask the panel if they would like a further example
• Be careful when asked about why you want to live in X Town. "Because I like hill walking" is not a wise answer. "Because I enjoy working with rural populations" is likely to be more acceptable
• When talking about your personality, highlight those areas that you feel match you best to the job and talk about these. "I thrive on pressure—I need to be in an environment that would stretch me constantly." Choose a couple of examples that give a clear sense of what you would be like to work with and what motivates you. Keep your answers work related
• If you don't understand the question, ask for a few moments to reflect—and make some notes to help you
• Always have some questions for the panel at the end. It may help to list your questions (no more than three) and then leave it to the panel to decide the order in which they take them.

Good luck.