I suck at interviews.

[kolabee]

I've had the opportunity to interview for 2 great jobs at a Children's Hospital as a PCA. Just to get the interview is amazing. They are so kind an gracious listening to me babble. In the moment I think I'm doing good. Then through introspection I realize, THAT WAS STUPID AND WASN'T WHAT I MEANT! Or horrible example or unintentionally saying something negative....

I hate it. All I've ever been is a mom and work odd jobs. How I do in interviews is NOT a reflection of who I am as an employee or person. I'm great with people. People love me because I just have a compassionate tender personality. I'm amazing with kids because I have 7 of my own. I've had a hard crappy life and can relate to people on so many hard deep levels.

I don't know how to say it in an interview. Or even if those qualities are even what they want.

It's so discouraging. I wish I could say please give me a week to show you how hard I work. But there are "so many qualified candidates". (I do have hospital experience) I wish I was one of those people who always seem to know the right thing to say.

Anyway. Advice for if I get a next time, would greatly be appreciated.

[NightNurseRN13]

Try some mock interviews with friends/family/strangers

[Ayvah, RN]

As NightNurseRN13 said, you need to practice. Before sending a resume to a place, research the place and position, and customize your cover letter. Before going to an interview, write down the answers to commonly asked questions (i.e. what are 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses, what would your last boss say about you, tell me a time when you had a difficult interaction with a coworker, how would you handle a difficult patient, how would you handle an order from a doc you don't agree with, etc). You can google common nurse interview questions for more. Write down some memorable patient moments you've had, as they may be applicable to a question you hadn't prepared for. Study until you are comfortable answering these questions. Interviewers usually ask if you have additional questions for them. Make sure you have at least 1 question for them, such as nurse-patient ratio, cna ratio, what are some of the challenges the unit faces, etc.

On the day of the interview what I usually do is drive to the place 30 minutes early. I spend 10-15 minutes in my car re-reviewing these common interview questions, then I walk inside so I arrive at HR early. That will really up your confidence level and allow you to answer questions fluidly.

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

sent you a PM Kolabee