Whether you're fresh out of nursing school or a seasoned nurse looking for a career change, these interview tips are sure to put a fresh perspective in your mind about how to prepare and be yourself.
Be Yourself
This is the most important part of the interview. Let your personality shine! Laugh, tell a joke, share a personal story, and smile. This should help you feel more relaxed and calm during the interview. Remember, the people interviewing you were in your position at one point. They want someone who is authentic and that will be compatible with their patients and team members. So, just be you!
Do Your Research
Research the organization and unit you are applying for. You should have a basic understanding of the organization’s history, mission, and vision. You should also be familiar with the unit or department. Find out if they are known for anything or have received any types of awards or certifications.
Make a Portfolio
Don’t just have a resume. Have a portfolio! This will help you stand out from the other candidates and will show that you are prepared and organized. Be sure to leave them with a portfolio after the interview. This will allow the decision makers to share your portfolio with the team and will leave them with something to remember you by.
What to include in your portfolio:
Resume
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Certifications (CPR, ALCS, PALS, CCRN, etc.)
Research or Papers
Volunteer / Community Service
Participation in Professional Associations
Remember Keywords
Have a list of keywords that you want to bring up during your interview. Here is a list of my recommendations:
Teamwork
Collaboration
Effective
Efficient
Patient Centered
Culturally Competent
Responsible
Practice Interview Questions
-Each answer should have a beginning, middle, and end
-Always end each question with something positive
-Silence is OK. Feel free to pause and think about your answer. Don’t rush.
-Be prepared for specific questions relating to the unit you are applying for. (ie. Oncology, pediatrics, OB, surgery, ER, etc.)
Examples of interview questions:
Tell me about yourself.
What made you choose nursing and why did you choose this department?
Describe a time when you disagreed with a co-worker. How was the issue resolved?
Explain a time when you went above and beyond your basic responsibilities?
Collaboration is key in healthcare. Explain a time when you collaborated with others. What was the situation and outcome?
Mistakes happen. Explain a time when you made an error and how you handled it?
Here, we inspire innovation. Describe a time when you had to be innovative.
What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?
Ask Questions
This is your chance to ask questions. And please do!! This will show that you are engaged and interested in learning more about the position.
Examples:
What is the patient to nurse ratio?
What is the orientation process?
Any opportunities to participate in a unit practice council?
When should I expect to hear from you?
Always Follow-Up
Send an email to the HR coordinator and interviewer within a few hours after your interview. Thank them for taking time out of their day to learn about your past experience and career goals. This will also give you chance to tell them anything important you may have left out during your interview.
Another reason to follow-up is if you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe about the status of your interview. Send the HR coordinator or person who interviewed you a friendly email asking about the status. Don’t feel bad about this, especially if there was a time expectation that was set.
Practice!!!
This is KEY! Always practice before each and every interview. Rehearse with a family member or friend. Practice your introduction, answering questions, asking questions, and using your keywords. Do not over practice because you don’t want to sound stiff or over rehearsed. You are not trying to memorize a script. Instead, you should practice to get comfortable.
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