[LV_ORnurse]

I am a new grad and I had my first interview as an RN for the OR NEW GRAD training program. I was interviewed with a panel of clinical directors and managers in the OR program. I knew everything what I wanted to say but I was sick. I have suffy nose, sinus headaches, coughing and I felt weak. I thought of trying to redeem myself with a THANK YOU letter. Any advice for my future OR interview? thanks!

[brewerpaul]

A letter is a great idea. Don't try to make excuses for yourself. Just tell them how much you enjoyed the chance to interview with them, your impressions of their OR (if you had a chance to visit it), and how much you would look forward to working there. Good luck on the job.

[ewattsjt]

I agree with Paul, don’t make excuses just thank them. If you are second or third choice, it may move you up. Don’t loose faith because they may think you are just not a good fit for their facility. Apply elsewhere and see what it may bring.

I am currently a CST but believe that this applies to all healthcare workers.

This is too late for you but it may help others. Try to applicate and do initial interviews with managers, etc… a couple of months prior to graduation. Remember that most the time, all the surrounding nursing programs will complete at about the same time. If you haven’t marketed yourself, you will be competing against your class and the other programs. Market yourself early and get your foot in the door.

Always remember that in an interview you are selling yourself so don’t be afraid of saying what you are good at. Don’t sell yourself short!!! Dress the professional part but do not overkill. Have ready and accessible any information they could ask for. I used a briefcase. It was organized in a manner that I could give them any information they wanted in just a couple of seconds. Prior to my graduation, I had over six job offers between three hospital networks. It wasn’t because I was great; it was because I marketed myself right and before the rest of my class or other programs had.

Hope this helps! Keep your head up and you will do fine.

[mikethern]

Originally Posted by ewattsjt

Always remember that in an interview you are selling yourself so don’t be afraid of saying what you are good at. Don’t sell yourself short!!! Dress the professional part but do not overkill.

Also, make sure you smile a lot during the interview. It shows confidence and professionalism.

[brewerpaul]

BTW-- it doesn't hurt to follow up a week or so later with a phone call or letter, reiterating how much you enjoyed the interview, how much you'd like to work there and expressing interest in touring the ER, supplying them with any other information that they might need to arrive at a decision etc. Showing interest and enthusiasm is a good thing.