Stop Saying These 9 Things in Your Job Interview

When you’re in the hot seat for an allied health role, what you say matters as much as your resume. Your words shape how employers see your professionalism, empathy, and patient-focused mindset — all crucial qualities in healthcare. Avoid these nine common mistakes in a job interview to ensure you put forward your best self and boost your chances of landing the role.

1. “I’m open to anything, really.”?

Vague answers in a job interview suggest a lack of focus and can signal to employers that you’re not clear on what you’re after. Instead, be specific about why you’re drawn to this role with this company, specifically. Talk about your passion for delivering quality care and how your skills match the position.?

2. “I’m not very familiar with [specific therapy or patient group].”?

As an allied health professional, you’re expected to have a well-rounded skill set and the flexibility to grow. Rather than highlighting a gap, share how you’re actively working to broaden your expertise or have a strong interest in learning more about that area. Show you’re ready to rise to the occasion.?

3. “My previous role was just too stressful.”?

Allied health can be high-pressure, so framing past roles as overwhelmingly negative can be a red flag. Instead, share how you managed challenges effectively, what techniques you employed to overcome these challenges and what you learnt from that experience. Employers want to see resilience, not burnout.?

4. “I don’t have any specific career goals right now.”?

In allied health, employers value professionals who are focused on continuous improvement, be it through upskilling, clinical specializations, or patient-centered innovation. In your interview, show you’re proactive by discussing how you’re planning to grow in the field, whether that’s through further training or contributing to practice development.?

5. “I prefer to work alone.”?

While independence is valuable, allied health is a highly collaborative field. Emphasize your ability to thrive in a team, support colleagues, and value input from multidisciplinary perspectives. You’ll stand out as someone who contributes positively to a cohesive care team.?

6. “Can I get more flexible hours straight away?”?

Flexibility is important, but leading with this question can signal a lack of commitment. Allied health roles often come with the need to adapt to patients’ schedules. Show you’re dedicated by expressing enthusiasm for the role first; once you have an offer, you’ll be in a better position to discuss flexibility.?

7. “I’m not that familiar with new patient management software.”?

Digital literacy is increasingly essential in allied health, as more practices rely on advanced software to enhance patient care. If you have a learning gap, acknowledge it, but reassure them you’re eager to learn and adapt. A quick mention of any self-study efforts or online courses can go a long way.?

?8. “I’m not great with feedback.”?

A willingness to learn and grow is critical in healthcare. If feedback has been challenging in the past, frame it positively by saying you’re learning to value feedback as a tool for professional growth. Employers will appreciate your self-awareness and commitment to personal and professional development.?

9. “How soon can I specialise?”?

Allied health is full of specialisation opportunities, but showing eagerness for a role before asking about progression shows your genuine interest. Speak about your desire to contribute to the team and help patients in the present role, then mention any specific long-term goals. This shows both ambition and dedication to patient care.?

Final Thoughts

Every conversation in a job interview is a chance to showcase your professionalism, adaptability, and passion for allied health. With a patient-centered approach and a growth mindset, you’ll come across as the standout candidate that any healthcare team would be excited to have! If you’re considering a career move, MediRecruit offers free and expert career advice and we can match you with job opportunities to suit your skillset and interests. Please?contact us?for a confidential discussion.