Interview Checklist

Candidates who do well in interview normally come across as confident, enthusiastic and lacking anxiety. They have probably prepared well to avoid some of the common pitfalls.  

• Early days

• When you have received your interview date

• On the day before the interview

• On the day of the interview
  

Early days

Request the job description and application form.

Research the hospital and decide if it is where you want to work. Travelling and car parking will affect you every working day, so be certain that these are acceptable.

Research the department. Is it right for you? Is it stuck in the past or is it at the cutting edge of new ideas? For example, do they have a pharmacy intranet site, well developed Medicines Information Centre, automated (robotic) dispensing, checking technicians, ward technicians, pneumatic tube delivery systems, reuse of patients own drugs?

Research the job that you are applying for. Is it what you are looking for? Try to find out a bit more than the actual job specification. What extra is there to consider, e.g. weekend and late night working, frequency of on call and how many calls per night?

Make sure you have read and understood the job specification and how it relates to your skills and experience.

Fill in the application form. Take a photocopy of it to read through just before the interview as you may be asked questions based on what you have written.

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When you have received your interview date

If possible arrange to visit the hospital to have a look round. Phone or email the chief pharmacist (or another key contact) to arrange this. If this is not possible, make sure that you will be shown round on the day of the interview. A dummy run in advance will also help you get your travel timings right on the day. Traffic delays and difficult parking are best discovered in advance. Plan to get there no earlier than twenty minutes before the interview time, anticipate delays and build in contingency plans. 

Prepare any presentation you have been asked to give. These always take longer than expected. Check you know what facilities are available in the interview room, e.g. data projector/laptop, overhead projector.

Prepare a few questions in advance for the end of the interview.

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On the day before the interview

Check the time, date and location of the interview and name of interviewer(s) if possible. Keep the phone number of the department handy so if any problems arise you can call.

Plan travel arrangements and timing.

Check that what you are going to wear is clean and ready.   

If you are asked to bring certificates, references, etc., then get them ready before the day.  

Check that your presentation is finalised and of the correct duration.

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On the day of the interview

The worst situation for an interviewee is rushing around at the last minute, arriving late, hot and bothered for an interview. This is confidence shaking and your mind will not be on the interview and your personal presentation will suffer. Allow plenty of time for traffic and parking.

Check change for fares, parking, etc. if required.

Ensure that you have read through your CV and application form, so that you are able to answer any questions relating to it.

Do not go to the interview laden down with baggage - psychological as well as physical. Take the bare minimum of belongings necessary.

Take your interview letter and any other information related to this.

On arrival, ensure that the receptionist knows that you are there.

Visit the toilets to tidy and freshen up.

Be well-groomed and clean.

Look calm and confident.

Finally, ask what the follow up procedure is, and when you could expect to hear from them. Thank them for their time.

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