Possible Phone Interview

NeoPediRN · Jan 8, 2009

Hey there Zoobyli, I just had a phone interview yesterday for the NICU. I spoke with the clinical coordinator. The first thing she said to me was she received my resume from HR and they (she and the NM) could see I truly wanted to work there. It went very well and she couldn't have been any nicer. She told me about the unit structure, the nurse/patient ratios, how orientation works, what they are looking for in a candidate. I didn't know she was going to call so I didn't have time to prepare, but the conversation was so casual I felt instantly comfortable. I asked her a few questions and the whole thing lasted about a half hour. I have a face-to-face interview on Monday morning!

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2009

That is so cool. I hope you get it. I just hope the manager isn't against doing a phone interview since I'm out of state. I really hate the questions pertaining to "how have you handled a difficult situation in the past?" or "tell me about a conflict you had and how you dealt with it". I know they have to be asked, but they are very hard to answer at least IMHO.

How do you sell yourself without sounding desperate for a job?

NeoNurseTX, RN · Jan 8, 2009

Be sure to ask lots of questions!

I've never had a phone interview; just wanted to say good luck!!

Race Mom, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2009

My NICU interview was over the phone. If I remember correctly...

I was asked what word my friends would use to describe me (I used the word anal and still got the job :)

Tell me about a difficult situation with a co-worker and how you handled it.

Well...I was in nursing school (dig deep)...

Why do you want to work here (did I even need to type this one?)

What do you imagine our patient/family majority to be? (basically, what family dynamics do you imagine we have here?) I answered young couples..blah blah. She said it's mostly single women...drugs...blah, blah.

Good luck on your interview and the move!

Jolie, BSN · Jan 11, 2009

Just as with a face to face interview, listen to the question and take a minute to gather your thoughts before answering. If you need a moment to formulate your answer, say so. With phone interviews, it is easy to "ramble" because you feel like you need to fill the dead space on the phone line. That's a little less likely to happen face to face where you are able to use visual clues to let the interviewer know that you're phrasing your answer before you speak. You may also have to consciously think to speak slowly and clearly.

Be certain you are ready for the phone call 15 minutes in advance. Lock the dog in the basement, hang a do not disturb sign on the front door, use the bathroom, get yourself a glass of water, set out your notes and be prepared for 30-60 minutes of undisturbed time. It probably won't take that long, but if you hit it off with the manager or recruiter, it might be a lengthy phone call. You don't have the opportunity to impress the interviewer with a professional appearance, so you have to do so with a professional voice and organization.

You can do it!

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

I haven't heard anything back yet as IF the manager is willing to do a phone interview. I did call back Friday to remind of my desire to go through with an interview. I hope I didn't blow it asking for a phone interview. With money as tight as it is, I can't just go to an out of state interview...unless it is a second interview. Most places I've applied to out of state understand this about their out of state applicants.

I hope they call me back. I'll call again Monday.

scrabblern, RN · Jan 15, 2009

dear zoob

i doubt it that you blew it by asking for a phone interview. phone interviews are conducted regularly across the states and it would be impractical and unreasonable for them to request of you to fly/drive to another state to do it. you called again - thus you are showing your interest. i wish you best of luck

j

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2009

I hope not. I think I will call them again. It couldn't hurt could it?

Preemienurse23 · Jan 16, 2009

I had my phone interview (today actually!) and it was much less structured than the phone interview I did with the recruiter. The questions were basically the same as a face to face interview. I find them a little less stressful because you can sit in your PJ's on your couch!!!

littleneoRN · Jan 17, 2009

I really hate the questions pertaining to "how have you handled a difficult situation in the past?" or "tell me about a conflict you had and how you dealt with it". I know they have to be asked, but they are very hard to answer at least IMHO.
How do you sell yourself without sounding desperate for a job?

I think that if you feel like these are hard questions, I would spend some time thinking about them and preparing some possible answers. In addition to having had many interviews of course, I've also interviewed people for positions.

The interviewers want to see that you a person who can look at various situations in your life and analyze them a little bit. They want to know things like how you view conflict, and how you talk about a conflict can be very telling. Just have some past situations in your mind. Speak frankly, but also keep in mind how your words might be percieved. Don't speak negatively about people or institutions in the stories. Don't let them know you're desperate for a position. Instead make it clear that you're eager to learn and work in a unit/hospital that provides excellent patient care. Ask them questions about the care they provide for families. Ask about opportunities for continuing education and roles within the unit.

I know you're really eager to get a good position, so I think it's worth the time and effort to spend some time preparing ideas for answers. Even though you don't know exactly what they'll ask, I think your ideas and thoughts will come in handy no matter what. Good luck!

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2009

The one I had for an ER position went well I think. It was just like a face to face, except I was able to channel my nervousness into doodling on a piece of paper while talking to the manager lol. I have another interview Thursday, same hospital system, different unit. And yet another for the 26th for a hospital in SC. It's something at least. After months of nothing.