It is unlikely that you will receive a job offer in medical physics without first attending an interview. The secret of a successful interview lies in preparation, so it’s worth spending a little time doing your homework.

Good employers understand the pitfalls of interviewing, such as the tendency of managers to recruit in their own image, but the process is slowly becoming more structured, sophisticated and fair. If you stick to a few guidelines, you'll have a good chance at your next job interview.

Before the interview
Sound preparation is essential. It may sound like common sense but many people, especially the less experienced ones amongst us, make the fatal mistake of not doing their homework before walking into an interview.

• Research the department – look at its website and find out what machines they use, what planning system, are they looking to expand etc...
• Prepare answers to the standard questions that form the basis of most interviews .
• Be ready with a few questions for the interviewer. This shows you’re keen and confident.
• Check the format of the interview and find out who will be interviewing you – expect to have to face an interview panel of up to six people.
• Make sure you dress smartly and look the part.
• Re-read your CV and application letter and take additional copies.
• Plan your journey and check for any potential delays.

At the interview
You must make a good impression in the crucial first few moments, so be sure not to damage your chances before you begin:

• Get to your interview at least five minutes early. If you are going to be unavoidably delayed, make sure you let your interviewer know.
• Always switch off your mobile phone/pager before you enter the interview room.

Some interviewers try to provoke a reaction, often drawing candidates into an argument, or simply turning them into the proverbial rabbit in the headlights. Expect interviewers to throw a few trick questions your way. Some common ones include:

• What are your weaknesses?
• What would your colleagues say are your weaknesses?
• Describe a situation when your work was criticised.

Remember, success here depends more on not getting flustered and thinking on your feet than having the right answer. Above all, be honest – and give reasons for your past behaviour or responses. Medical Physics Departments want to hire scientists, not robots.

The style of interviews varies dramatically, but here are a few key points to remember:

• Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet from the receptionist onwards – you never know who might have a say in your appointment.
• Use positive body language.
• When answering questions, relate parts of the job description to relevant experience on your CV.
• Make the most of your research and quote it where appropriate.
• If you face a panel interview, make sure you talk to everyone rather than directing your answers at one person.
• Find out as much as you can about the job. For example, who would the employee report to and why is the situation vacant.
• No need to discuss salary - this will have been made clear on the job advertisement.
• Always let the interviewer finish speaking before giving your response.
• When the interview is over, remember to ask when you can expect to hear back.

After the interview
Take stock of your overall interview performance, learn from the experience and prepare for the next step.

• Try to remember the questions, write them down and note how you answered them. They could crop up again in future!
• If you feel it’s appropriate, email the interviewer to say thank you for the interview, but be careful not to be too pushy for a response.
• Remember to use any criticism constructively to improve your chances next time.
• Relax, if you don't get this one there'll be others.