Need advice on interviews...

AfloydRN, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2006

Start off by telling them you get nervous during interviews. This does break the ice and you can relax and know if you say something you did not want to say tell them you are sorry... nerves

tx esrun · Oct 11, 2006

I've interviwed alot of nurses and have seen all levels of nervousness. Some nervousness is always expected from an interviewers standpoint. I agree with the previous posting that you should just be up front and explain that you get really nervous during interviews. Are you generally a nervous person or is it because you're applying for a new job and meeting someone new?

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Oct 11, 2006

Thanks for the advice so far. :) I tend to be a calm person but during interviews....I kinda choke because when they ask me questions like "Why would you be a good candidate for this job" or "what are you weaknesses or strengths" I always worry that I'm not so great at selling myself and I try to be as honest as I can. I smile and I'm polite, but normally I'm nervous during interviews.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Oct 11, 2006

Do you have a friend that can give you a practice interview? That way you'd get more practice thinking on your feet.

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Oct 11, 2006

Thanks Eric! Yes I do, and I will definitely do that. I guess practice makes perfect.

tx esrun · Oct 11, 2006

I think you should start with the basics and ask yourself the same questions you know an interviewer is going to ask. For example.......

Why are you a good candidate for this position?

Because you've reviewed the job requirements and or qualifications needed and meet that criteria may not be enough. A VA setting means working with older people...do you have a special interest in this area? If so, talk about it.

What are your weaknesses and strengths? (I've never liked this question.)

Your weakness would be that you are a new nurse that has no clinical history. Your strength is that you are a new nurse with a wealth of current knowledge of nursing and a desire to put your skills and training to use in the VA setting.

augigi, CNS · Oct 11, 2006

The best advice I ever got about interviews was that they are a 2 way street. Yes, the employer is assessing if you'll be a good fit (not how good you are, but how good you are for their organization), but this is also your chance to work out if the place is a good fit for you.

Know your CV backwards. Know yourself backwards. Use examples when describing personality traits, such as repeating feedback you received in your last job, or school etc. Instead of reeling off things you've memorized, the employer wants to see how you've used your skills in the past to benefit the patients/institution.

It's really a skill like anything else - practice, practice, practice. The better prepared I am in anything, the less nervous I am.

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Oct 11, 2006

Thank you all. I really appreciate the advice. :)

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Oct 12, 2006

Hi all. Got a call for another interview at another hospital next Thursday. I have a feel to what kinds of questions they are going to ask. I thought about also taking some notes (e.g. my strengths, weaknesses, why I would be a good candidate etc.) since one reason I get nervous is I'm afraid about answering a question wrong or I don't know the answer to a question. I thought it would help to take some notes and then practice with someone. Thanks all.

tx esrun · Oct 20, 2006

How did your interview go? Wasn't it yesterday?

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Oct 20, 2006

Hi. Yes my interview was yesterday and it went really really well. I was much calmer than before, and the nurse manager I interviewed with later said I was a really good applicant. I should hear by next week at the earliest...so hopefully I get an offer there. Thanks for all your advice. I didn't really practice but I just kept myself calm and professional. Thanks everyone.