Nail Your Next Interview

The interview process can be a daunting experience and, similar to other experiences, the first one is the hardest because you don't know what to expect. Use these 4 tips from The Nurse Professional to help you nail the interview the first time around.

Be sure to arrive early, be courteous, shake hands, allow the interviewer to speak without interruption, and thank everyone at the end of the interview. This will make you stand against those that were not as prompt or polite. Don't forget eye contact!

Make sure you have all the required documents and other information with you such as dates of employment, names of your direct supervisor, and his or her contact information. You should also follow-up with a thank-you note by e-mail. You should be knowledgeable about the organization—the philosophy, type of unit, patient population, and orientation program are all important. Most organizations have websites where you can locate all the vital information you require.

Develop a list of potential questions and responses that might be posed to you during the interview. You should also develop a list of questions you would like to ask the recruiter/interviewer.

Performance-based interviews are often conducted in nursing so you need to be prepared to answer situational questions that involve different clinical scenarios. Try to respond with examples that demonstrate your knowledge, caring, passion, and professionalism. Although you should be able to answer these types of questions without looking at your notes you may want to have a notebook handy for when it is your turn to ask some questions.

Recruiters realize you may be nervous and will allow for that, nevertheless they do expect you to be prepared. Therefore, you need to do your homework, seek expert help, and participate in mock interviews.

You should be prepared to share your strengths and weaknesses. This is the perfect opportunity for you to shine. Shape your weaknesses to actually be strengths and use real scenarios in which you've used your strengths in a clinical or educational sense. If you are prepared you should be fine, no one expects you to be perfect, especially as a new graduate.

Like these tips? Learn more about leveraging your education for transitioning into practice with The Nurse Professional.