This step of the job application pack explains what to expect from a job interview with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, how to get ready, and the types of questions you might be asked.
Now that you’ve submitted your job application to the recruitment manager, it’s time to focus on preparing for your interview. It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first interview or it’s been a little while since your last interview.
The interview is an important step that allows the panel to get to know you better, understand your strengths, and assess how well you fit the role.
It is designed to bring out the best in you and provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your strengths, and how well you fit into the role.
You will be supported by a First Nations staff or community member at your interview. This is a commitment that is made by the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) to ensure all recruitment and selection processes are culturally safe for all First Nations candidates.
We will contact you before the interview to discuss how we can support you.
The following tips will help you feel more confident and prepared for your interview.
Before your interview
1. Understand the role
Make sure you have a copy of the position description (PD). If you don’t, contact the recruitment manager and ask them to send it to you.
Take time to review the PD:
- read the major duties or responsibilities – these outline the scope of the role
- review the key selection criteria – interview questions often relate directly to these
2. Learn about the RMH
Visit the RMH website to understand who we are and what we stand for. For example, our values and our promise and purpose.
As a First Nations candidate, we encourage you to also explore First Nations health to understand what the RMH is doing to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations people.
3. Practise your answers
Use this guide to think about potential interview questions and prepare your responses using the STAR method:
- Situation – Describe the context
- Task – Explain what you were responsible for
- Action – Share what steps you took
- Result – Describe the outcome
Practise talking about real-life examples. These could come from your work, studies, volunteering or community involvement.
4. Plan what to wear
Many interviews are conducted online (via Microsoft Teams), but if you choose, you can request that the interview be held in person.
Don’t forget, whether the interview is conducted online or in person, a First Nations staff or community member will be there to support you.
Whether the interview is conducted online or in person, choose neat and professional clothing.
Make sure you have organised your clothes for the interview the night before. This will help to reduce any stress you might be feeling and give you one less thing to think about on the day of the interview.
5. Plan your travel
- Check where your interview is and how long it will take to get there.
- Allow extra time for delays (for example, traffic or public transport issues).
- Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early – better early than rushed or late.
Manage nerves on the day
It’s completely normal to feel nervous. To help calm yourself:
- Arrive early
- Dress comfortably and appropriately
- Practise deep breathing before your interview
Be kind to yourself – just showing up is a strength.
What to expect in the interview
As part of the interview, you might be asked some general questions such as:
- Why did you apply for the role?
- What strengths or qualities do you bring?
- What are the main challenges or opportunities you see in this role?
Other types of questions may include:
These relate to the skills or knowledge required for the job and will be based on the position description – in particular the key selection criteria
For example, “What was the most challenging project you’ve worked on?”
If you don’t have past work experience, draw on examples from your personal life, community, or volunteer roles.
These questions ask you to describe how you’ve handled situations in the past, also based on the position description. Use the STAR method to answer.
Here are some areas and sample questions:
- Collaboration – “Tell me about a time you worked with others to solve a problem.”
- Decision making – “Describe a difficult decision you made. What did you consider?”
- Adaptability – “Tell me about a time you had to change how you worked to get better results.”
- Conflict resolution – “Tell me about a time you helped resolve a disagreement.”
- Patient care – “Share an example where you noticed a patient wasn’t responding to a plan of care – what did you do?”
You may be asked how you would support a culturally safe environment.
For example, “How would you contribute to RMH’s commitment to providing a culturally safe space that supports our diverse community and workforce?”
At the RMH, our values guide everything we do.
You may be asked to describe how you demonstrate these values:
- People First – “Tell us about a time you put the needs of a patient, colleague, or team member first, even when it was difficult.”
- Lead with Kindness – “Can you share a time when you supported someone through a tough situation? How did you show kindness?”
- Excellence Together – “Describe a time when you worked with others to achieve a high standard of care or service.”
Ending the interview
At the end of the interview, you’ll have the chance to ask questions. This is a great time to clarify anything about the role, the team, or RMH as an organisation.
Remember, the interview is your opportunity to share your story, your strengths, and your interest in the role. Your unique experiences – both personal and professional – are valuable.
Some examples of questions you might ask at the end of the interview are:
- What support is available for Aboriginal staff development?
- Are there opportunities for Aboriginal staff to connect?
- What do you enjoy most about working at the RMH?
- How would you describe the team culture?
- What are the biggest challenges in this role?
- Is this a new role, or why did the previous person leave?
- What would the starting date be?
- Will I need to complete any training before I start?
You might also ask: “How long will it be before you are able to let me know your final selection decision?”
Next steps
After your interview, the recruitment manager will let you know the outcome. If you are unsuccessful on this occasion, you can ask for feedback on your application and interview.
Visit our jobs portal to browse for another role and revisit the rest of the job application pack for help preparing your next application:
Your CV lists your work experience, education and skills to help potential employers understand what you can do.
Prepare your CV or resumeYour cover letter is where you can introduce yourself and explain why you’re a strong match for the role.
Write your cover letterYour selection criteria responses explain how your skills and experience are what the employer is looking for.
Respond to key selection criteriaSee our step-by-step guide to complete and submit your application through our online jobs portal.
Submit your application635 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Victoria
Our First Nations Workforce Coordinator can help you find roles and pathways at the RMH that align with your interests, skills and experience.
Express your interest in working at the RMH by completing the Expression of Interest (EOI) form and submit to Aboriginal.Workforce@mh.org.au