Interviewing

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Jul 25, 2007

I bought a book called Interview Magic and found it extremely helpful. There is another in the same series called Resume Magic.

Good luck with your interview!

jamonit · Jul 25, 2007

Hi there!

i suggest going to monster.com and reading their interviewing tips. know your strengths, weaknesses, and have a story that answers the question "why did you want to be a nurse?" those are usually asked. they'll ask you about how you multitask/stay organized. they'll want to know how you have dealt with confrontation in the workplace in the past (or in school, whichever is applicable).

what i do before each interview is this: i go to the hospital's website, read their mission statement (print it out), and also read the exact job description (print it out).

i take those in the car with me and try to think of the usual questions they ask at interviews but tailor it to fit what the hospital mission statement says. for instance, at a children's hospital in town, their mission statement emphasized "family-centered care" so when it was appropriate, i stated that family centered care was important.

do a little homework, come up with an applicable situation for each question, state an example of when you did what the person asked, and state the positive outcome. always, always be able to give them examples of when you used your nursing critical thinking or whatever.

another thing to keep in mind: they need you. make sure to have some questions for them written down. ask if they self-schedule, ask about nurse-patient ratio, ask why this job was vacant and for how long, ask how long orientation is. also, i always ask if the hospital uses phlebotomists for lab draws, how many CNAs per patient (what their ratio is), if they use hospital unit coordinators (secretaries), and i ask how they chart. you should interview them as much as they interview you.

eye contact is important. shake hands firmly. dress professionally. and i always say thank you at the end and shake hands again. when i get home, i shoot off a thank you email (ask for a business card before you go so you know where to email). this stuff has worked in the past.

remember, deep breaths. everyone is nervous. just do your best!

good luck!

Rita_RN_BSN · Jul 25, 2007

When I was in nursing school, we had a career services rep come talk to us who used to work in the HR at a hospital, & the following things he suggested really stuck: he said that you have about the 1st 5 mins to really "sell yourself", as the interviewer can make his/her decision in about that time, do some research on the hospital (i.e. it's history, majority of patients seen, etc) - because that I found from personal experience HR interviewers ask, know a personal strength & weakness & be able to elaborate & give examples.

I've spoken to a HR employee on a personal level about 1 yr. after employment at a particular hospital, & I asked her what's her biggest pet peeve during interviews, & she told me appearance. She said her pet peeve & what she doesn't understand is how some people can come to an interview in jeans & flip flops. She said it doesn't matter how extensive & impressive your resume is, if you come to an interview in jeans & flip flops, it says a lot you hands down (in a bad way).

Good luck! (I'm sure you'll be fine - just stay away from jeans & flip flops, no matter how hot the weather is - haha)...

Rita L., RN, BSN

leslie :-D · Jul 25, 2007

i've had this link for the longest time.

it's wonderful!

best of luck to you!

leslie

http://www.deed.state.mn.us/cjs/index.htm