Advice on job interview, please!!

Nurses New Nurse

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After months of job searching I finally got a call from a hospital, which specialized in LTAC and trauma care, for an interview. I am so excited and pumped, but in mean time very nervous and anxious.:uhoh3:

I did an interview for an internship program when I was still student about 6 months ago, and it didn't go very well and I didn't get it. I think at that time I didn't have enough confident in myself and was too nervous to face the interviewers. And sure enough after the interview, they told me that the reason why I didn't get was that I seemed to be too timid.

After my graduation I passed NCLEX at my first attempt and got ACLS certified. I am getting more confident to be in this profession now. But just because of the first interview experience I am so nervous about this coming interview next week. The HR person told me that I will have 3 steps of interviews: HR interview, peer interview, and manager interview. 3 different interviews!!?? Can anyone give me some advice/ insight about the questions what they may ask on the table? What is peer interview? What kind of questions will I be thrown at?

I really really need this job. My entire household financial is on my shoulders. Please help....

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You'll do fine because you know what not to do. Do not hold back and behave timidly and show that you are not confident of your skills.

They know how much experience you have so there is no expectation that you will race into the job the first day like Mighty Mouse to save the day. Just be yourself - confident in your new skills (even if you are not sure what you will face) and enthusiastic to start a new job. Be open and happy in the interview. Smile and be relaxed and be ready to assure them that you are happy with your chosen profession and that you will be able to work well with others. Here's what to expect:

HR interview - to be sure the paperwork is in order (license, etc.) This is just business. They will give you details of salary, benefits, etc (usually after you are offered the job).

Peer interview - to be sure that you can work well with others on the team. Are you open to advice, friendly and willing to work on the team. Behave as the kind of person you hope they will be.

Manager interview - The manager wants to know if you are likely to be a good employee. Are you healthy or are you going to be calling in sick. (Hint: DO NOT ASK ABOUT SICK TIME!) The manager wants to see someone who is going to be coming in every day and will not be hard to manage (no feelings of entitlement or expectations). Don't ask any questions about time off, benefits, etc. You will get all that AFTER you are offered the job. Then you can refuse if there is something terribly wrong. Don't even ask the salary. Just talk about how happy you would be to work there and learn to work in that environment. If the manager asks where you see yourself in 3 years say "Here!"

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Thank you soooooo much for your warm advice, NY Lady! I almost gave up on any response after two days of no response. Then, there you were with the good advises and all. I was so grateful.

So I went in the interview on Monday morning having your advise in mind. When the nursing manager asked me where would I be in 5 years from now question, I said "Here :D."

She told me that she still had a few more people to interview as I was leaving. So I just like (oh.. now the agony waiting starts). But then the very next day- yesterday, the HR called and told me that I got the job!!!!!! Yaaaayyyy!!! I got the job! I got the job!!

So Thank youuuuuuu to NY Lady! I wish I could give you a big bear hug! Thank you for your kind guidance! I really appreciated!

And to those of you, the new graduates who are still out there looking for their first jobs, don't give up! You will find something! I didn't have anybody, any leads to help me out my job hunting but I got one! So keep your chin up! Keep smiling! It will be your turn next!! Good luck to you all :D:yeah:

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Congratulations!!!

Thank you for letting me know what happened. Hugs all around!

Now, when you start working don't panic when you feel overwhelmed (you will - because we all do at some points). I will give you the best advice I ever received:

Whenever you are about to start something new (task, meeting a patient, writing notes, etc) begin with a deep breath, feel your feet on the floor to feel "grounded" and find your center (that is, a sense of balance). That will give you an immediate focus to start the new activity. It's also a very effective Holistic Nursing technique.

I know you will be a great nurse because you are not afraid to ask for help and you are not afraid to give hugs.

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Congratulations on your new job and great advice NYlady! :)

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