If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you’re considering a career change—and we’re glad you’re here! Before you click “submit,” check out these insider tips from Providence recruiters and hiring managers who’ve spent decades helping people find careers here. Their advice can help you put your best foot forward from application to interview.

Getting ready to apply: How to stand out

When you find a job listing that matches your skills and experience, use these three tips to stand out from the jump.

1. Take your time. We get it: You’re excited, you can’t wait to get started! But don’t rush through the application process just to check it off your list. One hiring manager explains, “Don’t apply just because you’re looking for a job; apply because you’re looking for the right opportunity. Take time to understand the organization, its values, and how your strengths align with the role. A thoughtful application stands out.”   

2. Submit a resume even when it’s optional. With online applications that closely mimic resumes, you may not think one is needed. But our hiring managers stress that it can set you apart. One manager recommends, “Submit a resume. Not everyone does, because they enter their experience in the electronic application. It matters; it shows a level of professionalism, of pride, and can be the deciding factor when everything else is equal.”

3. Customize your application and resume. A generic submission is easy to spot. “Tailor your application and resume to the position you’re applying for instead of submitting the same resume everywhere,” one manager advises. When a candidate has clearly read the job description and connected their experience to it, that effort signals genuine interest—and hiring managers notice.

The interview: How to prepare for success

When you secure an interview for the role you’re coveting (congrats!), review these six tips for making the most of your time with us.

1. Do a deep dive on what matters. Prepare questions by researching the organization—but not like you’re submitting a term paper or getting quizzed on the names of every executive. Research what matters to the role you seek and yourself as a contributor. For example:
   • If you’re applying to be a medical assistant, you could read blogs featuring MAs and familiarize yourself with the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program.
   • If you’re a parent, you may want to learn about our backup care benefit.
   • If your vision board has yourself as a team leader someday, you could read about the Providence Leadership Academy.
   • As you research, create a list of questions to ask during your interview.
2. Write out specific examples. No matter what role you’re applying for, you’ll likely be asked about times you excelled at critical skills like problem-solving, teamwork and communication. Vague answers leave hiring managers with little to work with, while using clear, structured stories helps hiring managers understand how you’ve handled real situations. So think through specific examples beforehand and take notes you can reference as needed. The STAR method can also help you structure your responses.

3. Treat virtual interviews exactly like in-person ones. Many interviews happen virtually these days, but they deserve the same level of care and planning as in-person conversations. Be prepared to speak to your resume and present yourself professionally. One hiring manager offers, “Dress professionally, be on time, make eye contact, know where your camera is facing, and blur your screen or put a background on.” The format may be different, but the standard is the same.

4. Be yourself and bring enthusiasm. Our differences make us stronger, and authenticity isn’t just welcomed at Providence—it’s sincerely valued. Hiring managers want to know why you’re excited about this opportunity, this team and this department—not just any job. Bring positive energy. It signals the kind of teammate you’d be on a difficult shift or a challenging day.

5. Demonstrate curiosity. Remember that an interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. “Take a moment to breathe and remember, this is a two-way conversation,” says one hiring manager. “We’re looking for the right fit, and you should be too.” A great way to find out if we’re a fit for you is to ask questions. “Demonstrate curiosity by learning about the organization and its mission, and asking thoughtful questions during the interview,” another manager recommends.

6. Ask for clarification. Another manager says, “Don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated. I’d rather have you ask to hear it again—and better yet, see you taking notes on what we’re asking.”

Great questions to ask during your interview

For inspiration in creating your own list of questions, we asked hiring managers to share their favorite candidate questions, and the answers reflect our Providence values.

1. “Why have you stayed at Providence?” One manager explains why this question lands so well: “I love this question because it shifts the conversation beyond the job itself. It tells me the candidate is looking for more than a paycheck—they’re trying to understand the culture, the people, and whether this is a place where they can build a career. It also gives me the opportunity to share my own experience and what has kept me at Providence over the years.”

2. “Why did you choose to become a leader in your department?” This question invites the interviewer to reflect on their own journey—and gives you a real window into the culture of that specific team.

3. “What qualities do your most successful team members have?” This is a practical, insightful question that tells you what’s valued and gives you an opportunity to connect your own strengths to those qualities.

4. “How does the department measure success?” Role-specific questions like this one signal that a candidate has done their homework and is thinking seriously about contributing, not just getting hired.

After the interview: What happens next?

The hiring timeline varies by role, location and department. Multiple hiring managers advise candidates to be patient, as the process may take longer than expected. You can stay updated by monitoring your application status through your Providence applicant profile.

Start something meaningful at Providence

The hiring managers we spoke with are all looking for the same thing: a person who shows up prepared, curious and genuinely themselves. Not the version of yourself that you think they want to see, but the one who asks thoughtful questions, shares real experiences and cares about the work ahead.

To our recruiters and hiring managers, every job offer is the start of something meaningful: the potential for a fulfilling career, a place in a collaborative and supportive community, and the opportunity to answer a call to care.

If you find a role that intrigues you and matches your skills and experience, go forth and apply! If you’re still looking, browse our current openings to find your next opportunity.