First impression happens once in a lifetime and in an interview, you have just one opportunity too. So, whatever you say or do affects the overall outcome of the interview. Hence, the way you introduce yourself during your interview, even as a healthcare practitioner, will either make or mar your chances.
Although the healthcare sector is a very lucrative field, it is highly competitive. Therefore, employers look out for the best candidates during interviews to give the best care required by patients.
Hence, to stand a chance in your next interview, it’s important you practice more healthcare interview questions, particularly your introduction question.
In this article, you will find the different ways to introduce yourself in a healthcare interview and pro tips to help ace your next interview.
Different Ways Recruiters Say “Introduce Yourself” in an Interview
Note that in an interview, this question can be asked in different ways. You should be able to understand the context of the question being asked. However, regardless of the approach used, the answer to the question always follows the same format.
Here are some common ways recruiters ask “Please can we meet you?’
- Tell me about yourself.
- Walk me through your resume.
- Tell me a little more about your background.
- Describe yourself.
- Tell me something about yourself that’s not on your resume.
- What made you interested in a career in healthcare?
No matter how the interviewer asks, the goal is to get to know you better and to assess your fit for the position and organization. So ensure you follow the format discussed above to tailor your response accordingly.
How Do You Introduce Yourself in a Healthcare Interview?
When introducing yourself, be sure to describe your journey by briefly explaining your educational background, work experience, and achievements. This must follow a well-structured order.
Also, ensure you talk about your personal life experience that has shaped your choices and (or) passions that made you choose the healthcare sector.
More so, when introducing yourself, ensure you highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Also, freely explain or describe why you are interested in the specific position and organization you are interviewing with.
In perspective, follow this format when you are asked in your interview to “introduce yourself”
- First, begin with a greeting and then mention your name. Please ensure your eye contact during your introduction with a smile.
- Next, as though you are sliding in, briefly mention your educational background and work experience. You can tell a little story about how you developed your passion in healthcare, but don’t go overboard. Do not forget to highlight any skills and experience that you have that are relevant to the position.
- Then, state why you are interested in the position and organization. Here, be as specific as possible. But ensure you are linking whatever you say to the goal of the organization.
- Lastly, talk about your passion for healthcare. Explain why you want to work in healthcare and what you hope to achieve in your career.
Read Also:
Find out the top 20 NHS Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers
Sample Introduction: How Do You Introduce Yourself in a Healthcare Interview?
So, let’s say you are set for your interview, either virtual or in-person. After the initial pleasantries that followers, usually initiated by the interviewer (HR, Manager, etc.) it’s time to answer the question “Tell me about yourself “
Sample Introduction 1:
Good afternoon, (name of the interviewer). My name is Michael Williams, and I am a fourth-year medical student at Harvard Medical School. I am here today to interview for the position of Resident Physician in your Pediatrics department.
Ever since my early teens, I’ve always loved to care for children. I remember playing the role of a doctor in the yard back in the day. then I would put some bandages around the children with injuries and act like the hero. This birthed the desire to become a pediatrician. More so, I am interested in your program because of its focus on community health and its commitment to serving underserved populations.
In my clinical rotations, I have gained experience in all aspects of pediatric care, from well-child visits to acute illnesses. I am also proficient in different pediatric procedures, such as immunizations and laceration repair.
Therefore, I am eager to learn from your experienced team and to contribute to your program’s mission of providing high-quality care. This has triggered my desire to work with your team.
Explanation
This response is concise and follows a structured outline. It starts with a reminiscence of past memories, educational background, and other experiences. Then it proceeds with an excellent linking to the required skills for the job.
Lastly, the concluding statement expresses enthusiasm in the role and this is essential to reinforce in the mind of the recruiter that you are interested in the role.
Sample Introduction 2
Hello, I’m [Your Name], a recent graduate from [Name of Healthcare Program] at [Name of University].
I’ve always been drawn to the caregiving field due to my interest in helping vulnerable people find their feet again. Even as a child, I would help my ground parents move around and even feed them.
So, it was not hard to find my place in college, then I proceeded to the university where I studied Nursing Sciences.
During my clinical rotations, I was opportune to work in different healthcare settings, including hospitals, Hospice, and caregiving homes for older adults.
My experience in these clinical rotations helped me develop a strong bond with patients and also improved my communication and teamwork skills, as well as a passion for working with patients from different populations.
I graduated from Oxford University last summer and I am excited to start my career with you.
Explanation:
This response is best if you are a recent graduate or are applying for an entry-level job. First, it starts with an introduction that highlights the candidate’s educational background. Then, it further discusses relevant clinical experience that emphasizes the candidate’s core skills. More so, this response shows the candidate’s excitement and desire to join the healthcare sector.
Sample Introduction 3
Good morning, Dr. Smith. My name is Jessica Jones, and I am excited to be here today to interview for the position of dental hygienist at your practice.
I have always been passionate about healthcare, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the dental field. Also, I received my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of California, Davis, where I graduated with honors.
During my time at UCD, I gained valuable experience in all aspects of dental hygiene, including preventive care, restorative dentistry, and periodontology. I also completed an externship at a local pediatric dental practice, where I developed a strong rapport with young patients and their parents.
After graduating from UCD, I began my career as a dental hygienist at a large dental practice in Sacramento. In this role, I have gained experience working with a wide range of patients, from children to adults to seniors. I have also developed expertise in a variety of dental procedures, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
Hence, I am interested in working at your practice because of your commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care to your patients. I believe that preventive care is important to maintaining good oral health, and I am interested in educating patients about how to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Also, I am confident that my skills, experience, and passion for dentistry would be a valuable asset to your team. I am eager to learn more about the position and contribute to your firm.
Explanation
This introduction is a perfect format if you are pursuing a middle or entry-level role. Let’s analyze this sample.
First, Jessica addresses the interviewer by name and mentions that she is specifically interested in working at their practice. It is personalized.
Also, She clearly states her name, the position she is interviewing for, and why she is interested in the position and organization.
And lastly, she highlights her skills and maintains an enthusiastic flow all through her speech.
Poor Introduction Format
Poor Format Response 1: “Hi, I’m Jude. I’m here for the interview. I have a degree in nursing and worked at a hospital before.”
Explanation:
This response is vague and lacks any specific details. It fails to provide information about the candidate’s experience, certifications, or passion for healthcare. Hence, this is a terrible response and will immediately send a negative signal to your interviewers. When giving your introduction, you have it best you follow the right format as discussed above.
Conclusion on How to introduce yourself in a healthcare interview
In this article, we have discussed the best steps and structure to take when posed the question “Please introduce yourself” This serves as the introduction of your interview. If you desire to create a great first impression, here is a simple format you can follow:
- Greet the interviewer and then mention your name.
- Next, briefly mention your educational background and work experience.
- Highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the position
- State why you are interested in the position and organization.
- Talk about your passion for healthcare.
With this format, you will certainly stand out in your next healthcare interview.
