1. Research the Company Thoroughly
Before any interview, spend time researching the company’s website, social media, news articles, and employee reviews. Look for insights into their values, recent initiatives, and future goals. For health and wellness professionals, understanding the company’s approach to wellness and sustainability is key. Mention any company-specific details during your interview to show genuine interest.
2. Understand the Job Description
Review the job description to identify key responsibilities and skills. Match them to your past experiences, including coursework or volunteer work. If a skill is missing, highlight your willingness to learn, such as how your ACHS education has built a strong foundation in holistic health practices.
3. Review Common Interview Questions and Practice
Review typical interview questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice answering them with someone else, in front of a mirror, or by recording yourself. Practice sharing stories that demonstrate:
- Your strengths in holistic health, nutrition, or wellness
- Willingness to work and flexibility in adapting to new environments
- Leadership skills you’ve gained during group projects or volunteer work
- Creativity in solving problems related to wellness solutions for clients or groups
- Contributions to organizations where you’ve interned, volunteered, or worked in areas related to the position.
Practicing these stories ahead of time will make you sound more confident and prepared during your interview. You can also schedule a time with Placement Services to do a “mock interview”. Click here to schedule a time with Placement Services.
4. Prepare the STAR Method for Behavioral Questions
For questions like "Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge," use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
- Situation: Describe a specific situation or challenge you faced.
- Task: Explain your role and what was required of you.
- Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation.
- Result: Share the outcome, emphasizing the positive impact or lessons learned.
For instance, describe a wellness challenge you faced during an internship and how you used your knowledge of herbal medicine or holistic nutrition to solve it. Demonstrating specific skills related to integrative health will be key for positions in this field.
5. Dress Professionally and Arrive Early
Plan your schedule so you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for an in-person interview. For virtual interviews, log in early to test your technology. Make sure you’re dressed professionally, even for online interviews, and that your background is clear of clutter and professional. Professional attire should be clean and simple.
6. Prepare Thoughtful Questions for the Interviewer
Asking insightful questions shows you are genuinely interested in the role and the company. Make sure your questions are thoughtful and related to the job, such as:
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
- How will my responsibilities and performance be measured, and by whom?
- Could you explain the organizational structure?
- What are the company’s long-term goals in the wellness or sustainability space?
Pro Tip: Tailor your questions to reflect your background by asking about the company’s initiatives, client care models, or community outreach programs.
7. Track Where You Are Applying
Use a spreadsheet or application tracker to record details about where and when you’ve applied, the status of each application, and any follow-up actions. For ACHS students and alumni, this can help you stay organized, especially when applying to multiple wellness-focused roles. This will also allow you to follow up with employers in a timely manner and stay on top of the process without duplicating efforts.
8. Bring the Right Materials to the Interview
On the day of the interview, remember to bring:
- A notebook and pen to take notes.
- Extra copies of your resume.
- Any necessary certifications or documents related to your holistic health education (if applicable).
Leave your coffee, water bottle, or backpack at home or in the car. Turn off your phone before you enter the interview space. Being organized and prepared shows professionalism.
9. Display Positive Body Language
During the interview, use confident body language:
- Shake hands firmly if offered.
- Maintain eye contact to convey sincerity and attentiveness.
- Smile and nod to show you’re engaged.
- Sit up straight with a calm posture, which is especially important for positions in wellness, where conveying a sense of calm and professionalism is key.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to breathe!
10. Give Honest and Thoughtful Answers
Take your time answering questions. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. Honesty is important, so if you lack a certain skill, acknowledge it and explain how you are willing to learn. For example, if the job requires experience with business management but you have focused on client care, talk about your eagerness to build that skill through further education or mentorship.
11. Follow Up with a Thank-You Email
After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention something specific from your conversation, such as an interesting detail about the company’s approach to wellness. Reiterate your excitement for the role and how your skills and education align with the company’s goals.
For example, “I’m excited about the chance to contribute to your team’s wellness initiatives, drawing on my experience in herbal medicine and holistic nutrition.”
12. End the Interview with a Positive Impression
End the interview by summarizing your strengths and experiences, especially those that align with the job requirements. For instance, mention a key accomplishment or project from your education or previous job demonstrating your readiness for the position.
If you want the job, say so clearly. Ask about the next steps in the hiring process and when you can expect to hear back.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact ACHS Admissions at admissions@achs.edu or 800-487-8839 for additional information and to apply for admission. Graduation from any ACHS program does not confer a license to practice medicine. ACHS graduates do not claim to treat, diagnose, cure, or prescribe. Please note that professional success is achieved by a number of factors beyond education and experience, including soft skills, work ethic, integrity, and other skills that may not be developed through education and training alone. Not all graduates will achieve the career outcomes provided as examples in this article and other ACHS marketing materials.
