Interview Best Practices
Preparing for Your Interview
We recommend taking some time to prepare for your interview, so you're ready to put your best foot forward. Consider these helpful tips:
- Pre-Interview tasks: Please complete required tasks or assessments promptly to help us assess your suitability for the role.
- Check your email frequently: Read your emails regularly for new communications regarding your application.
- Think about the "why": Reflect on why you are applying to Memorial Hermann and for this specific position.
Our Interview Process
We hope you advance to the interview process. During this stage, you will likely meet with a number of individuals including the recruiter, hiring manager and fellow department leaders or colleagues. For onsite interviews, please ensure you arrive 30 minutes early. There may be unforeseen circumstances that occur before or on the day of the interview. If you are running late or need to reschedule, please notify the hiring manager or recruiter before the interview. Similarly, if you accept another offer before your interview, please notify the hiring manager or recruiter that you want to withdraw from the process.
Prior to your interview, it's a good idea to research Memorial Hermann and specifics about the position for which you are interviewing. During the interview, make eye contact with the interviewer and ask questions. Remember, this is an opportunity to get to know the team, and for them to get to know you.
As part of our interview process, you may encounter an interviewer using the STAR model:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Consider different situations that have occurred at your current or previous company. Based on those situations, think about what action you took and what was the final resolution for each situation. Conduct a practice interview with a family member or friend and have them provide you with feedback on possible improvements. This will help ensure you are fully prepared for the interview.
Here are a few additional best practices to consider as you embark on the interview process with Memorial Hermann:
- First impressions are important. Be sure to dress professionally and present a neat, well-groomed appearance.
- Bring several copies of your resume.
- An interview is a conversation about your work experience and career goals. Being nervous during an interview is natural. Relax, focus and do your best.
- The interviewer will ask you a series of questions. Give specific examples related to your work experience. It's okay to pause during an interview to think about your response.
- It is also very important to ask questions once the interviewer has completed their interview questions. Prior to the interview, draft the questions that you want to ask and write or type them so you can bring them with you and refer to them on interview day.
- It is good practice to send the interviewer a thank you note after your interview.
Virtual Interviews
Memorial Hermann uses Zoom to conduct our virtual interviews. Prior to your Zoom interview, click on the Zoom link to confirm that the link works. Make sure your camera is on and the audio is working properly. Choose a quiet room with no distractions to complete your interview.
Additional tips include:
- Test your internet connection and computer set up prior to your virtual interview.
- Use your camera to make the interview more personal. The camera lens should be eye level, clean and capture only your face and shoulders.
- Be on time, preferably logging in a few minutes early.
- Conduct the interview in a well-lit and quiet space.
- After introductions, offer a plan if connectivity is lost. For instance, agree to call the interviewer on your mobile phone if you get disconnected. Confirm the interviewer's call back phone number.
- Check your volume to make sure you can properly hear the interviewer.
- Avoid a virtual background that could be a distraction.
- Have your resume available to email to the interviewer if needed.
- Eliminate distractions such as email, chats and other interruptions in your area.
- Keep notes and your resume in front of you.
Good luck! We're always looking for talented individuals, and if you still have questions about the hiring process, please contact your recruiter.