1. Time and place

Choose a time & place that will help you perform at an optimal level. If you are a morning person, record it in the morning. If you peak in the evening – choose the evening. It is a good strategy to book in a time with yourself as if you were doing a live online interview and complete it then. Choose a space in which you are comfortable, that is private, professional, with good light and where you cannot be disturbed.
 

2. Technology and connectivity

Have all other applications on your computer closed and make sure your mobile phone or any other devices are silent and out of sight. The last thing you need are notifications or other distractions popping up on your screen during the interview. Make sure your Wi-Fi connectivity is optimal. Tell anyone else in the house to get off their devices or the Wi-Fi for the duration of the interview. As a backup, have your phone handy as a hotspot. It is always good to have a back-up plan!
 

3. Dress for an interview

While you may not be interviewing with someone, you still need to present as if you are turning up for an interview in person. Dress as you wish to present – if you want to appear as a professional, then present in professional attire. Dressing the part will also help you get into the right zone mentally for an interview.
 

4. Use the reading time effectively!

As you know, the questions asked will be situational/scenario type questions. Therefore, ask yourself, what are they trying to find out? What is the focus of this question? Based on this, what are the two or three key things I need to prioritise in responding to this situation and why? In attending to these priority areas, what do I need to do and what actions would I take to manage them in my role as an ‘intern.’
 

5. Smile and be yourself

Hospitals will use these interviews to try and get a sense of the person behind the resume, the cover letter, and the online questions. So please try to relax, smile, and let your personality shine through during the interview. We know ‘FIT’ and alignment with an organisation’s culture is essential to reaching your potential. Therefore, you want to join a health service that likes you for who you are.
 

6. Look at the camera not the screen

The people who will view your interview are not on the screen. They are behind the camera. Therefore, to make eye contact with them direct your responses to the camera on your laptop, PC, or tablet.Do not talk to the screen where the question is.
 

7. Go offline!

It would be our recommendation that you go offline until after you have completed your interview, or even for the whole weekend! Finding out information about questions as well as your peers’ experiences completing the interview will not necessarily assist you with your preparation or performance. In fact, it could be a distraction and have the negative effect of psyching you out. So, focus on your preparation, keep calm and relaxed and tune out the online chatter.