Advice on Interview!

Sl1011 · Sep 20, 2011

I don't ever discuss pay in an interview unless they bring it up first... many times if you are offered the position, they will make you an offer (pay). And then give you time to decline or accept... there's a possibility you can negotiate as well. With the job I'm currently going to be starting, I negotiated $0.50... not a whole lot, but it's something.

Have you sat down and thought about what's the least you could accept?

Doesn't your hospital outline what kind of nurse position this is... as far as pay scale?

abakrn819 · Sep 20, 2011

I don't ever discuss pay in an interview unless they bring it up first... many times if you are offered the position, they will make you an offer (pay). And then give you time to decline or accept... there's a possibility you can negotiate as well. With the job I'm currently going to be starting, I negotiated $0.50... not a whole lot, but it's something.
Have you sat down and thought about what's the least you could accept?
Doesn't your hospital outline what kind of nurse position this is... as far as pay scale?

No it doesn't. I have thought about asking other nurses, but I really haven't told many people that I am going to leave. There is another hospital in town, and I actually know someone who works on the floor and someone who works in a GI lab there, and obvoiusly because these are the only 2 big hospitals in town, they keep their wages very competitive. But I guess if they offer me the job, I will ask about wages then! Thanks for the advice, I forgot that I can turn the job down once offered!!

Heart 2 serve · Sep 20, 2011

I currently work on a telemetry floor, and have found it to be too stressful for me and just landed an interview with the GI center at the same hospital. The hours are 0900-1730, M-F, no weekends no nights (which was one of my biggest issues with working on the floor!) I am so thankful to get this interview, but am already nervous!
My biggest concern deals with asking about wages in the interview. The reason I ask is because I CANNOT take a pay cut. My husband and I are doing okay right now, but if I take a pay cut we might not have enough to make ends meet. So this is defenitely a big concern of mine, if there is much of a pay cut involved, I cannot take the job. But, I also don't want this to ruin my chances of getting the job!
So, to ask or not to ask about wages, that is my question!

In your situation since you already have a job (although its not something of what you want for now) you can negotiate because it isn't like your that desperate to take it if it is a pay cut. Personally, I wouldn't ask about the wages until they offer it to you. Prepare yourself to negotiate. Look at these websites for some more help:

http://myfootpath.com/mypathfinder/advice-for-college-seniors-how-to-negotiate-your-salary/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/jobs/how-to/negotiate_salary_guidance.html

Knowing what you are worth and what asset you can bring to their company and presenting it appropriately and respectfully will win you the deal. It also depend how much the company wants you and what they see in you. Have you ever prepared a portfolio? This can take you a long way because it demonstrates that you want the job and you went the extra few miles to prepare for you interview. I hope this helps. I used these tips and landed on a win-win negotiation. Let me know how it goes!

abakrn819 · Sep 20, 2011

In your situation since you already have a job (although its not something of what you want for now) you can negotiate because it isn't like your that desperate to take it if it is a pay cut. Personally, I wouldn't ask about the wages until they offer it to you. Prepare yourself to negotiate. Look at these websites for some more help:
http://myfootpath.com/mypathfinder/advice-for-college-seniors-how-to-negotiate-your-salary/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/jobs/how-to/negotiate_salary_guidance.html
Knowing what you are worth and what asset you can bring to their company and presenting it appropriately and respectfully will win you the deal. It also depend how much the company wants you and what they see in you. Have you ever prepared a portfolio? This can take you a long way because it demonstrates that you want the job and you went the extra few miles to prepare for you interview. I hope this helps. I used these tips and landed on a win-win negotiation. Let me know how it goes!

Actually I do have a portfolio I prepared in school, and could probably add to it! Thanks for the great advice, I completely forgot about that!!

L8RRN · Sep 21, 2011

Do you work 3 12's now? You will be 40 hours if you move to the new job. Even a "slight" hourly cut wouldn't be a big deal since you would get 4 extra hours a week. Keep that in mind, too, if you really want to change.

And I agree...wait for the offer to discuss salary unless THEY bring it up.

abakrn819 · Sep 21, 2011

Do you work 3 12's now? You will be 40 hours if you move to the new job. Even a "slight" hourly cut wouldn't be a big deal since you would get 4 extra hours a week. Keep that in mind, too, if you really want to change.
And I agree...wait for the offer to discuss salary unless THEY bring it up.

Yes, I do work 3 12's right now and did think of that. I asked a friend who works in the GI lab in another hospital what the difference was between her and her fiance's wages (he works on the floor and 3 12's) and she said she made $.80 less per hour but they ended up with about the same pay check because of her 8 extra hours! So it does even out, and even if its a tiny bit lower I can handle it. I think I will take everyone's advice and not say anything until I recieve a job offer. Plus, because I am coming in at a higher salary, I think it will work to negotiate a little bit!! Thanks for all the great advice!

Sl1011 · Sep 21, 2011

Good luck!!! Update us after the interview :)

Heart 2 serve · Sep 21, 2011

Yes, I do work 3 12's right now and did think of that. I asked a friend who works in the GI lab in another hospital what the difference was between her and her fiance's wages (he works on the floor and 3 12's) and she said she made $.80 less per hour but they ended up with about the same pay check because of her 8 extra hours! So it does even out, and even if its a tiny bit lower I can handle it. I think I will take everyone's advice and not say anything until I recieve a job offer. Plus, because I am coming in at a higher salary, I think it will work to negotiate a little bit!! Thanks for all the great advice!

Also remember you have over time too! =)

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Sep 21, 2011

I am acquainted with a lot of professionals that have utilized acting coaches to learn how to present themselves better and gain confidence. You could try that. You could go to Toastmasters as well, and that is free.

abakrn819 · Sep 27, 2011

Hey all! Great news! I ended up getting a job with GI center, hours being 9-530 and did not have to take a pay cut at all, it was a lateral move! The interview went great, I went in Thursday morning and they called me Friday afternoon and offered me the position. I still have 5 weeks left on my current floor, but having light at the end of the tunnel sure is nice :) Thanks so much for all your encouraging words and ideas!!