Interview Tips and Tactics
These are some tips I have gleaned from various sources that a designed for job interviews but are equally valid for applying to university......
Towards the end of the page there are a list of questions (and some sample answers) that I was asked at interview.
The continuing recruitment crisis means it is still a 'sellers' market for midwives in many parts of the country when it comes to job hunting, but if you want your interview to go smoothly, it is important to be well prepared. You need to convince your potential new employer that you are the one he or she is looking for.
The first thing that an employer sees is your application form, but many people miss the chance to make a favourable first impression. 'Some people say nothing about what they've been doing for the past three years - it's a case of "I'd like a job witth you - these are my hobbies." What we want to hear are the personal qualities they can offer: have they done anything outside work that has made an impact on their practice? 'And people can be very slapdash. It's all very well if it's one of your own students - you might make allowances if you know they are excellent in other respects. But if it's an outside application, then that form is all you have to judge them on.'
The next stage is the interview, and although you can't predict what questions you will be asked, the chances are the job description will form the basis of at least some of them. Those who regularly recruit newly qualified nurses report that one of the most common mistakes by candidates is turning up for interview with no idea what the job they are going for involves. Reading the job description is the very least people should do. And an informal visit beforehand is highly recommended. 'It demonstrates people have a genuine interest.'
Another issue is how people handle stress. 'I always ask about this in interview and people say things such as: "I switch off and go home," but that's not how it works. You have to go out and maybe have a drink with your friends, or go home and kick the dog. Poor dog, yes, but you have to do something.
A major consideration these days is whether an interview candidate will stay in the job for at least a year or 18 months. 'Fly-by-nights are a problem, you want them to demonstrate some sort of commitment to the job. I know when you're 22 or 23, committing yourself for two years seems like a lifetime, but it's not.'
Talk about what you have to offer rather than coming into the interview with a long personal agenda. 'Nothing is more of a turn-off than hearing people reel off their academic aspirations. It's not that we're anti-academic - it's just that in a newly qualified midwife you are looking for someone who has a burning desire to be with women. If you get someone who wants a quick exit from the clinical area you wonder what went wrong.
Dressing smartly is important. People who come for interview with metalwork attached to every part of their anatomy are doing themselves no favours. You get men coming in unshaven and there was one woman I interviewed recently who seemed to have just come off the plane from a Greek holiday. She was wearing a short sundress with bare legs and I think both of us felt uncomfortable.
'The public expects midwives to be smart. We want people who are creative, but we want professionalism too. An important point to remember is that an interview is not a cosy chat - it's your introduction to the workplace. There's always a danger that when people ask you banal questions you end up giving banal answers. What really impresses at interview is when you talk about your achievements but in a way that relates them to your practice.'
Communication skills at the top of her list of the attributes she is seeking among new recruits. 'It's often a question of whether you warm to somebody during an interview. That's important in this profession as often midwives need to be able to build up a rapport relatively rapidly.
'You also want good references from their school, particularly with the clinical placement. And on a practical level you want a good sickness record.' Even when it's the trust's own students coming for interview she expects them to know about the directorate to which they are applying. 'I would also expect them to know about what's going on in the trust as a whole. We tend to have more applicants than vacancies so there is a sifting process.
If people have taken the trouble to visit the ward where they are applying then it really can make the difference between getting the job and being turned down.'
Interview tips
•Arrive in good time so you can relax and collect your thoughts before being called in
•Do some research into the organisation and re-read the job description, employer's literature and your own application
•Find out if you can apply to go on an informal visit to the place where you're applying
•Dress smartly for the interview
•Read the job description carefully and think through what the role will involve
•Consider some possible scenarios you might face in the new role and how you would handle them •Think of some of the difficult situations you faced as a student and how you dealt with them
•Give clear answers - don't waffle
•Allow plenty of time to get to the interview
•Make sure you're well prepared but don't 'over-rehearse' your answers as it will sound stilted
•Think of some questions to ask at the end of the interview
•Sound as though you genuinely want the job/place
•If you change your mind, or if something has come up and you cannot make the interview, telephone and let the organisation know. Never just leave it - you never know, you might want to apply there at a later date
Prepare answers for the following questions:
Why do you want to do this course?
Why this particular course?
Why should we choose you rather than another candidate?
I’m committed, academically prepared for the course, a good communicator. I have the skills gained from a psychology degree, seen a bit of life. I bring listening skills a knowledge of different types of client, I’ve worked with the learning disabled etc. not judgemental would feel comfortable working with a teenage pregnancy, or disabled feel I could empathise with any kind of person and provide the best care and advise possible.
How do you deal with stress?
If I have a lot on my mind I would write it all down and prioritise it then work through it .
if I’m just stressed because I’ve had a crazy day id probably have a bath with candles and relax if I’m annoyed I usually have a drink with some friends and have a good moan, and if I’m upset then id talk about it with my partner or a good friend and probably have a good cry.
How do you see yourself in 5 years time?
As a Midwife, I’d like to continue to train and learn new things after I qualify but I never want to loose the client contact or stop being a Midwife. I’m quite interested in alternative medicine and would like to see how that could be incorporated into Midwifery practice.
What motivates you to become a Midwife?
Without wishing to sound corny it is the greatest profession in the world, to witness the miracle of life to be present at one of the most intimate and important experiences in a woman’s life, is a privileged position. And to be respected within such a position to be able to help and do good is such an achievement such a worthwhile job, I can’t imagine doing anything else and enjoying it as much.
Who, or what has most inspired you?
Ina May Gaskin ‘Spiritual Midwifery’ because it gave me a whole new perspective of Childbirth and how fulfilling it can be with the right attitude and knowledge. My Mom and the other women I have heard talk about their birth experiences, its a topic I always seem to get onto
What do you know about the NMC’s PREP Requirements?
I have read the UKCC guidelines for PREP and understand what it involves, there is so much to learn and to continue learning as the profession progresses that I understand the need for PREP and don’t think I will have any problems fulfilling the requirements because I am a seeker of knowledge I always have to be learning new things, to satisfy my curiosity.
5 days of study every 3 years
What do you understand by the term ‘Clinical Supervision’? find out
Each supervisor should supervise no more than 40 practising midwives to regulate practice promote excellence and protect mother and baby supervisors must be trained in supervision. I would like to be a mentor
Do you read a journal? Which one and why?
British Journal of Midwifery, practicing midwife
Recent articles??
What piece of research has interested you?
Alternative medicine and childbirth
How do you perceive the role of the midwife?
A very varied role, As an educator and in the supportive role primarily to teach on health issues, and encourage healthy informed pregnancy to prepare for childbirth and parenthood and for labour, listening to concerns and allaying fears giving confidence to the woman, identifying any potential problems referring what cannot be dealt with by the midwife
To be knowledgeable about related issues such as family planning and gynaecology and in the worst case scenario to be able to provide support and information on bereavement still birth and miscarriage
How do you think Midwifery will change?
I hope it will become less medicalised and invasive and revert to a more natural approach with less women giving birth in hospitals, and feeling able to try non-drug oriented methods of pain relief such as yoga and complimentary medicines and generally just feeling more in control and coming away with a positive birth experience, not like they have been treated like cattle. I think midwifes are in the best position to advocate these changes, through education and by simply giving women more choices and support to go through with the kind of birth they desire.
Changing Childbirth DOH 1993 find and read
What do you have to offer to your fellow students?
I understand what a demanding and potentially stressful profession midwifery is, and I realise I am in an easier position than others not having a family to look after, so I hope I will be able to provide my fellow students with support, by being a listening ear, shoulder to cry on or a baby-sitter or just sharing books and information. I know how difficult studying can be and I understand the importance of forming a cohesive group and supporting each other I believe I can play a part in that. I’ve been in situations before such as Nightline where supporting others was a vital role. I think I am a good listener and am empathetic to peoples feelings. It is what I enjoy doing the most and part of the reason why I want to be a midwife.
Another good thing you can do is go to http://www.nmc-uk.org/cms/content/home/ click on practitioner then publications and order yourself copies of anything you need, they are free and invaluable. Get hard copies of anything that has Midwives in the title, PREP, admin of medicines, record keeping. Midwives rules and code of practice you are supposed to know so well you can quote it!!! But I don’t know anyone you can do that apart from the lecturers!!!
