You’re graduating from nursing school and now you need to get out there and interview for that dream job. It may be intimidating, but everyone has to do it. The key is to be prepared – here’s a list of things to remember to help you ace your interview and get that nursing job:
1 . Before you apply, read job description carefully and be sure that you have all the qualifications for the job. If you do, you’ll feel all the more confident going in.
2. Prepare for the interview by doing some research on the hospital, clinic or other organization that you’re applying to. If you know something about the doctors, research or other pertinent details, the interviewer will see that you’re genuinely interested in working there.
4. Be on time – arrive at least fifteen minutes before your interview. If you’re running late, call and let your interviewer know.
5. Dress well – research shows that your clothes make a big first impression, and that will color the whole interview. Dress like a serious professional, and you’ll be treated like one.
6. Breathe deep, calm down, and relax as much as possible. Remember to just be yourself, speak slowly, smile and make a lot of eye contact.
7. Be upbeat and enthusiastic, and remember to ask questions during the interview – you want to encourage a conversation with the interviewer so they can get to know you.
8. Answer every question honestly. If you lie and they hire you, they’ll probably find out eventually – and then you’ll get fired.
9. Be sure to express yourself in a straightforward, clear and concise manner. Don’t ramble on – just answer the questions, and ask your own questions where appropriate.
10. Be prepared to spend two hours. It may not take that long – but if the interviewer likes you and wants to show you around, you want to be able to take them up on it and not rush off.
Be ready to ask questions about the facilities, pay, benefits and working conditions – after all, you want to know if you want to work there. You should ask questions about orientation and training, the general working environment and the employer’s management and administration. Ask about scheduling, overtime, how shifts are organized, and about the model of nursing care.
After the interview, write a thank-you note to the person who interviewed you. Summarize your conversation and re-emphasize the skills you would bring to their nursing staff. Thank them for their time, and ask if it's all right to call later in the week to see how their search for a candidate is going. Soon you’ll find yourself with a great nursing job.
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