[BlueJune]

Hi everybody,

I have to complete a phone interview with UPenn for the accelerated BSN program... any tips? I've never had a phone interview before. How formal/flowing is the content? Will it be an informational interview (ie Penn will tell me about its great programs, hospitals, & research...) Any tips for phone interviews in general?

I'd appreciate your help!

[arciedee]

I can't speak specifically for that program, but I would probably expect to be asked why you are interested in nursing, why you want to earn your RN through their program, what type of learning environment do you enjoy best, what are your strengths and weaknesses, etc. They will probably also give you an opportunity to ask questions and I think it's best if you can ask questions that are unique and not something that could be found on their website or whatever.

As for tips on phone interviewing, I would suggest taking the call in an environment free from distractions and background noise (i.e. not in front of the computer, or with the newspaper open in front of you) so that you are sure that you are giving the interviewer your full attention. Have a notepad in front of you and jot down the gist of the question so you can refer to it... I find that sometimes I start to answer a question and then get sidetracked about what it was I was supposed to be answering. If you can schedule the time, try to schedule it when you will be most alert and calm (not at 8am if you have a tendency to oversleep, not at 4pm if you know that you'll be stressing over it all day). Try to speak with a "smile in your voice" since the interviewer can't see your facial expressions. And, of course, thank the interviewer for his or her time.

Good luck!

[gogatsby]

I'm also applying to Penn's accelerated BSN program...I'm a bit nervous about the interview as well. I actually still need to schedule it, which I should do soon! Good luck to you, and let us know how it goes!