Advice for first interview

First off, congratulations on getting an interview!!! That's no easy feat. I would start by checking out some of the threads about interviews here on allnurses.com, as well as on the internet. Below are some tips that I was given before my first interview and I got the job!

1. Look and speak professionally. Make sure you present yourself as a professional in every way. Your clothes should be appropriate and fit well, don't chew gum, don't use slang, etc. Be polite, friendly, humble, enthusiastic about the job, and offer the interviewer(s) a firm handshake. Also, bring copies of your resume, cover letter, letters of reference, etc.

2. You should do your homework on the organization. Show them that you know what they are all about and come prepared with questions to ask. The manager who hired me said she was impressed that I came with my own note pad and had notes prepared for myself. I would suggest writing down their mission statement, key words you will use to describe yourself (ie: respectful, compassionate, proactive, etc.), and key phrases you want to remember to use (ie: patient safety is a big one).

3. Remember to be humble and patient focused. Some interviewees are so anxious about being unemployed and focused on getting a job that they lose sight of why they went into nursing to begin with (to help people). As new grads, we have a lot to learn. Hiring managers understand that we don't have all the answers so they are mostly looking for someone that is enthusiastic about learning but also knows their limitations as a new RN. The manager I talked to said one person she interviewed (during a panel interview) had the best qualifications and resume but came accross as arrogant and entitled. Needless to say, that person didn't get called for a second interview.

4. Look up commonly asked interview questions and figure out how you will answer them. You don't need to reheorifice word for word but you should have an idea of what you will say when the interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself or to identify your strengths. Tailor your responses to whatever unit/facility you are applying to. For example, if you are interviewing with a community hospital you will want to stress your desire to work with a diverse patient population.

5. Check out behavioral interview questions. These are becoming more and more popular. These questions sound something like, "Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a really stressful situation. What was the situation, what did you do about it and what was the result?" I would go through every meaningful clinical experience you've had and write it down (ie: rude MD during such and such rotation). Next to the experience write what type of behavioral question(s) it could correspond to (ie: stressful situation, bad teamwork, etc.). This will make more sense when you look up behavioral interviews. Your answers don't have to be clinically based it's generally best to go with ones that are. If you can't think of one quickly enough, talk about an experience you had when you were volunteering or at a previous job.

6. Make sure you are answering the questions concisely and completely. Don't get nervous and start rambling. It is perfectly acceptable to take 5-10 seconds to think before answering. You can also ask them to repeat the question if needed. A manager I know said she hates when she asks a question and the interviewee never addresses it in the answer. I would suggest practicing answering questions with a friend (especially the behavioral type questions). Have them critique your answers by making sure they have a beginning, middle, and end.

7. Last but not least, find out the next steps in the hiring process and ask for a business card so you can send a thank you card. I would send it the same day if possible so they get it the next day. I would also mail a hand written card rather than a typed letter. When I went for my second interview with the hiring manager (who was on the panel for my 1st interview), I saw the card I sent sitting on her desk. A typed letter on white paper will probably get thrown in the trash.

I hope this helps. If I think of more I'll post again. Good luck!!!

Wow.... thanks for your help! Those are some really good suggestions. I really like the idea of a notepad with notes for myself. When I'm nervous it's very easy for me to lose my train of thought. A few keywords will definitely help! No wonder you got the job! Thanks again!!!!!!

I agree the above post 100%. I also never drank caffiene on the day on an interview since I knew I would be nervous. When you get asked that dreaded questions, "Tell me about yourself," make sure you keep it job/medical related. Also, I know some managers who would make potential employees wait for an interview to see how they acted while waiting. If so, I would just sit and smile. I have seen some people text, use their cell phones, look unhappy while waiting and who would want to hire that??

I did everything that Meemer recommended while I was interviewing as well. I went on 6 interviews and was offered 4 of the 6 positions. So something must have worked! Good luck and I wish you the best.