How to be prepared for a clinical job interview: What to bring

Before interviewing for a clinical position, you’ll want to prepare to make the process go more smoothly.  

For example, research the practice or facility ahead of time so you can ask appropriate questions and think about how you’ll respond to common interview questions. You also want to make sure you have everything you need with you the day of the interview.  

The National Healthcareer Association suggests packing a bag ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips, including: 

• Professional clothes (if you’ll be working clinically before the interview). 
• Extra copies of your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). 
• A list of references. 
• A pad and pen to take notes. 
• A water bottle. 
• Breath mints to use before the interview (don’t have anything in your mouth during the interview). 
• A laundry stain pen in case of wardrobe issues. 

More about CVs  

The experts at Glassdoor recommend that job seekers customize their CVs to match the job description. For example, if the description says the job requires experience working in a Level III NICU or on a multidisciplinary obstetrics team, use that language on your CV if it applies to your experience. They suggest bringing copies of your CV to the interview in a professional-looking folder.   

Ann Taggart, a clinical recruiter for Pediatrix Medical Group®, agrees. “Most interviewers will already have your CV in hand, but it’s nice to have extra copies just in case.”  

Research published in the International Journal of Surgery: Oncology expands on this tip, advising clinical applicants to create a portfolio of achievements. Job interview experts recommend pulling together your portfolio as early as possible, so you have ample time to track down certificates, publications and other relevant materials. Color-coded dividers can help organize the portfolio. 

Letters of recommendation  

While not every recruiter will request letters of recommendation during the first interview, you may want to have them on hand if available. If you don’t have letters yet, it’s good to have an idea of who you would request letters from, just in case. This could be your fellowship’s program director, the department chair, an attending or a nurse leader. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offer additional job search tips you may find useful.

No matter where you are in your clinical career, Pediatrix likely has the perfect position for you in women’s and children’s health care. Learn more.