Graduating soon...how are you preparing for your interviews?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 4, 2015

Congratulations! I still have a year left in nursing school, but I do have an interview for a position as an aide for the summer.

Yes, oh my gosh, yes, you should prepare for your interview! It makes it a lot less stressful if you know what you're going to say rather than trying to pull out answers out of thin air. I like to make a list of typical questions that are asked, such as "what are your strengths and weaknesses?", and prepare some examples for those questions. Additionally, I'll provide a few past experiences or situations that are examples of some of my assets that could make me more appealing to the hiring manager. I like to have a friend or someone go through the questions with me and ask a few random questions so that I'm not caught off guard when the hiring manager asks me unexpected questions.

And you should absolutely do research on the facility you're applying for, as well as have a few questions prepared for them. Good luck!

MissChloe · May 4, 2015

I am about to graduate and have a job lined up. I did prepare for my interview by looking up common interview questions and preparing a few answers. I focused on those behavioral type questions ("tell me about a time when you showed leadership" for example). I was able to answer all their questions without um-ing and ah-ing, and even when I got a behavioral question that I hadn't prepared for I was able to use something I had prepared and just change it around a bit. I would also have a list of questions to ask them when they ask if you have any questions. Make a long list so even if most of it is already covered you'll have a few. Honestly, even if you already know or don't care about the answer, ask a question or two.

kitkats4breakfs · May 4, 2015

It's funny I've been on over 8 interviews for RN positions. Non have been formal. I remember my very first interview, about 2 months ago, I practiced three days in advance for the interview, I went over tough screening questions, only to have my interview complete in 5 minutes.

I always make it a point to ask them if they have a high turnover rate. What are the current issues your facility faces: customer service, management...

PapaBearRN, BSN · May 4, 2015

It's funny I've been on over 8 interviews for RN positions. Non have been formal. I remember my very first interview, about 2 months ago, I practiced three days in advance for the interview, I went over tough screening questions, only to have my interview complete in 5 minutes.
I always make it a point to ask them if they have a high turnover rate. What are the current issues your facility faces: customer service, management...

Just curious why you question the facility about problems they're facing? Couldn't that come off as negative? Like I said, just curious.

WakeYourMindUp · May 4, 2015

I think it's important to talk about the challenges the facility/unit is facing, as it gives you a glimpse of how to sell yourself at that moment or in a 2nd interview or peer interview. If I was given specific information regarding the units challenges, I would use that in my follow up letter to the hospital to better position myself as a candidate.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 4, 2015

Just another thing I would like to add, you should send a thank you letter post-interview. I think it is a courtesy and can cement your interest in the facility. You should address the specific person who interviewed with you, so be sure to remember his/her name. Good luck with those interviews!