Interview Tips Please!?

Nurses Job Hunt

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I passed my NCLEX in June and like everyone else, have sent out more resumes than I can count. I actually got 4 job offers, none of which were what I wanted. One school nurse job, one home health care in the geriatric sector, one private duty in peds (more of what I wanted) and a tech job. Like everyone else, I want to work in a hospital and like a lot of people, I want L&D. Because I didn't feel I could afford to wait for my dream job, I took two of the jobs I was offered on a part time basis. Not very part time, I am working 60 hour weeks, and am totally exhausted with two day shift and 3 graveyards every week, and I still make less than a hospital RN. Seems like all I do is work and sleep, so I don't have time to spend any money anyway :-)

Out of the blue, I got an interview for my dream job, in L&D at my favorite hospital. I applied 3 weeks ago and had given up on ever getting the call. I did some clinicals there and a couple of nurses and a Dr. went to bat for me. I am so excited and so nervous!! I am being interviewed by a panel consisting of the NM and 5 nurses from the unit this week. Since it is my first interview for a hospital job, I am really concerned about what it will be like. Because it is with so many people, I feel like I am going to be on stage. All of my interviews for the other jobs were with one person.

Can anyone who has gone through this give me any advise? Any words of wisdom on what to expect? I know how to dress for the interview. I have 6 copies of my resume printed to hand out at the interview with my references, and I know to be on time, professional, etc. I am nervous about what kind of questions they may ask and how to respond. Any advise at all would be appreciated!!

Thanks!

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Be sure to research the hospital prior to going, know how many beds they have, their mission, values, and a little history. The more you know, the better.

Prepare for behavioral type questions:

https://allnurses.com/california-nursing/panel-interview-question-401577.html

Also TheCommuter (a user) has a great interview thread/article here on the site. You might go to their page and find it or search for it. It helped me a lot preparing for interviews.

My last interview was a panel interview, I actually felt more comfortable than 1:1. It's not as frightening as it sounds. :)

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Ortho-Neuro Rehab, CRRN.

Good Luck to you. Be aware of your body language and make eye contact with everyone. Maybe bring a few extra copies of your resume in case you need them. Think of your past clinical experiences (especially noting being at their hospital for clinical). Make it clear how much you would like to work at this hospital on this unit and your eagerness to learn and be a part of their team. RN403 mentioned some great resources too!

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Thank you both the responses!! Interview is today, everyone please pray for me!

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Thank you to everyone again. I GOT THE JOB! Couldn't have done it without all the advice on AN. You guys helped me pass NCLEX, and the interview tips were golden.

Thank you!

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Wonderful news! CONGRATS! :)

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Specializes in Ortho-Neuro Rehab, CRRN.

Yippee!!!!!! Congrats :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

YESSSSSS! :up:

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CONGRATULATIONS!:cat:

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