We all want to present the best version of our professional self and get a job offer after an interview. However, having a job interview and being offered the job are two very different things. I stress this to candidates and our healthcare recruiters will agree with it. There’s a difference between how an average and top job candidate approaches job interviews. This is often the difference in who lands the job. 

Want to level up and secure that high-paying job you’ve always wanted? You need to do more than display the basic skillset that all candidates vying for the job have. You need to hit the next gear in your interview if you want to land the job. So, how do you do this?

If you want to land a job and beat out other highly qualified individuals, you need to do more than the basics. You need to show these skillsets: 

A Drive To Succeed

Demonstrating a strong drive is a quality interviewers recognize as innate and invaluable. Employers actively seek candidates who possess it. It’s essential to convey your thoughts with enthusiasm. When discussing the possibility of joining the company, highlight the aspects of the role that resonate with you the most and express genuine excitement. Employers are eager to hire people who genuinely embrace the opportunity to contribute to their team.

Don’t hold back in expressing your genuine excitement for the role and how it aligns with your aspirations. Employers are not just looking for skills; they’re seeking individuals who are genuinely passionate about making meaningful contributions to their team and the organization.

Context And Application

It’s not what you know, it’s how it applies. Stating your skills and experience is one thing, but discussing it in the context of the role you’re interviewing for will make it easier for the interviewer to envision you in the position. It shows you’ve put careful thought into your answers and have given a lot of consideration to how you could help the company. 

An effective strategy to provide further context is by asking insightful questions towards the conclusion of the interview. Craft questions that enable you to elaborate on your key skills, offering additional insights that might not have been fully explored during the formal portion of the interview.

Consider asking questions such as:

  • “Could you provide more insight into the day-to-day challenges someone in this role might face, and how my skills could help address them?”
  • “Given the company’s growth trajectory, what are the key priorities for this role in the first six months, and how can I ensure I’m exceeding expectations in those areas?”
  • “Could you share a specific project or initiative the team is currently working on, and how my background could add value to its success?”

These questions not only demonstrate your interest in the role and the company but also provide opportunities for you to showcase how your skills and experiences align with their needs.

You Look At Things With A Broad Perspective

Having the capacity to perceive matters from a wider viewpoint is a valuable skill that enriches your approach to job interviews. Embracing a broader perspective aids in comprehensively analyzing and responding to interview questions while understanding the employer’s viewpoint. By adopting a panoramic view, you can distance yourself from the emotional intensity of the interview, discern the overarching scenario, and identify potential avenues, opportunities, and decisions. 

You Exude Self-confidence 

Confidence greatly influences the impression you make on interviewers. Enter the interview prepared to confidently discuss your experiences, achievements, and capabilities, reflecting your belief in your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Aim to project a confident demeanor that is both self-assured and considerate, rather than simply emphasizing your qualifications through boasting. Maintain good posture and facial expressions to non-verbally communicate your confidence in your abilities. 

Confidence not only leaves a positive impression on interviewers but also reflects your readiness to tackle the responsibilities of the position.

A Final Word On Skillsets To Display In Interviews

The above are not the typical skill sets you see people talk about. And this is the point. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to do things that other candidates are not. So, show your drive, provide answers within the context of the potential employer, look at things from a broad perspective and display your self-confidence. This will help you land the job. 

In addition, to further enhance your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach to the specific needs and culture of the potential employer. Researching the company thoroughly and understanding its values, goals, and industry landscape can provide invaluable insights into how you can align your skills and experiences with their requirements.

 

More Advice From Our Healthcare Recruiters

4 Things You Should Never Hear in a Job Interview

Nervous About Losing Your Job to AI? Consider These Skills AI Can’t Replicate

What Are The Most In-Demand Career Skills for 2024?

Kayla Vangorkum Healthcare Recruiter author

Kayla Vangorkum

Kayla Vangorkum is a Director, Client Services within the Healthcare and Life Sciences team at IQ PARTNERS. She has helped connect thousands of candidates and hiring leaders over her 7+ years in the recruitment industry and is fluent in both English and French. Kayla specializes in executive search and recruitment for all roles across the health sciences industry; her areas of expertise include Healthcare, Digital Health, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Device, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dental, and Sciences. She has experience with recruiting across a range of environments, including CSO, Corporate, Start-up and Consulting.

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