If you’re applying for a job with a healthcare organization, you probably have prepared a resume with your professional credentials, such as a degree or certificate.  You may have many years of professional experience as a nurse, phlebotomist, laboratory technician or therapist - or you might be a newcomer to the field.  But regardless of your background, you should also take a few minutes to think about your intangible job skills and how to present them in your interview.

For example, you might be a perfectionist at heart, trying to get everything done exactly right.  That could be translated as a quest for excellence and a desire to perform the job to the best of your abilities.  On the other hand, you might be a great listener - an ideal quality for any position involving interaction with patients and families.  Other intangible skills might include an ability to explain complex medical concepts in simple language or an intuitive understanding of the meaning behind the numbers in a spreadsheet.

During the interview, the recruiter will also looking for indications of your ability to work well with others.  Since healthcare services are delivered by a team of professionals and support staffers, it’s important for you to fit into that team.  Therefore, you should look for examples from the past - as a professional or student - that demonstrate your team spirit.

Finally, remember that your resume is just the starting point for your conversation with the recruiter.  Strong professional credentials will get you into the interview, but you will need to highlight your intangible skills and what they mean to your potential employer in order to receive a job offer.  So, be prepared to discuss the “total package” with the recruiter in order to keep your job quest moving forward.  Good luck!