Tips for Nailing Your Health IT Contractor Interview

You’ve written a stand-out CV, completed your Abra profile and are now being matched with a steady pipeline of the most relevant healthcare IT contracting opportunities. Next up is the interview process. As a contractor, interview success is key to securing the opportunities that best help you achieve your career goals. Read on for some tips to help you nail your next contracting interview.
April 20, 2023
5
min read
Tips for Nailing Your IT Contractor Interview

You’ve written a stand-out CV, completed your Abra profile and are now being matched with a steady pipeline of the most relevant healthcare IT contracting opportunities. Next up is the interview process. As a contractor, interview success is key to securing the opportunities that best help you achieve your career goals.

Read on for some tips to help you nail your next contracting interview.

General tips

Look the part

Dressing appropriately for an interview in most cases might mean a suit or business casual attire. The aim is to present yourself in a professional way that is most appropriate for the contract role you are applying for. Dressing for the part can boost your confidence and shows the interviewer that you are taking the process seriously.

Do your homework

Research is important for contract interviews. Doing your homework on the client will better help you address how your skills and experience specifically translate to helping the client overcome challenges and achieve goals. This due diligence can also help you formulate questions to ask during the interview.

Be mindful of body language

Being mindful of your body language is one of the basics of good interviewing. Always make eye contact with your interviewer, and smile when appropriate. Avoid fidgeting and slouching. As your interviewer is talking, be sure to use nonverbal cues such as nodding and smiling to show that you are listening and engaged.

Be confident in your ability

IT contractors must be experts in their fields and be able to show the hiring manager they have the required qualifications. Convey belief in your strengths. Confidently talk about the projects you’ve worked on, the technologies you know, the processes you’ve implemented and the ways you’ve added value to your clients. Be sure to not only share your successes but how you overcame obstacles.

Match skills to the opportunity

In the interview process, the company will be trying to determine if you are a good fit for the role and you will be trying to determine if the role meets your specific requirements. Talent and healthcare companies using Abra’s platform know this before going into the interview. Abra’s platform matches you to relevant opportunities based on your skills, expertise and availability and matches companies with talent who meet their requirements. With that part of the process out of the way, you can focus on articulating how your problem-solving abilities, leadership skills and track record of results delivery set you apart from other candidates competing for the same engagement.

Virtual interview tips

Test the interview platform in advance

Be sure to do a test run with the video conferencing software specified for the interview. Whether it is Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime or Google Hangouts, download the application several days before the interview and conduct a test call with a friend or family member to confirm the video is clear and the audio sounds good.

Choose a professional background

Choose a clean, clutter free professional looking background. While virtual backgrounds can be selected, setting up in front of a real background is recommended. When in doubt opt for a simple, white background.

Use the mute button

The mute button is a great feature to use when your interviewer is speaking for a lengthy period of time or when loud sounds such as a siren or a dog barking might disrupt the interview. The mute button ensures that distractions are kept to a minimum, allowing the interviewer to focus on what they need to say.

Pick a quiet, brightly lit space

Set up in a quiet and distraction free area for the interview. A room where you can shut the door is ideal. Keep noises to a minimum by closing windows and making sure no children or pets are in the room during the interview.

You want to present yourself in the best light literally and figuratively during interviews. For virtual interviews, choose a room with good lighting so your interviewer can easily see you. Avoid setting up with a window behind you which can cast shadows across your face and make it difficult to see your expressions.

Silence your phone and turn off notifications

Before virtual interviews silence your phone and put it away. This way, you are not distracted by incoming text messages or phone calls. You should also turn off any notifications on your computer and sign out of any social media websites that could become a distraction.

While these tips can help you nail your next contractor interview, joining Abra can give you an interview advantage. As Abra matches you to best-fit opportunities, you gain the advantage of knowing that your unique skills and qualifications are exactly what the hiring manager is looking for.

Join Abra today to gain an interview advantage!

Get started today to find Health IT work on your terms with Abra.

Download the app and create your free profile in minutes, then we’ll take care of the rest!

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