Advice needed!!! New graduate....1st interview!!!

[OBGYN*RN]

hello all, just wanted to make a post because i graduate in 4 weeks from a bsn program and have my first interview soon. this job is my first choice of a place to work and im hoping i get the job. basically the job will start once i pass nclex and is a nursing internship where you get paid full rn salary to work with a preceptor/mentor for 16 weeks in various areas of the hospital. they float you to different areas to give you some good experiences and give you a quick taste of alot of units. then after the 16 week orientation is finished you take a full time job on a unit. at this hospital they no longer take new grads right into a unit..you have to go through this 16 week intenship/orientation in order to work there. so i said all that to ask, is there anything that you experienced nurses can tell me that i should make sure i do or dont do to do well in the interview. in my management class we learned alot of what to do on interviews i.e. know the hospitals vision/mission statement etc. but i know sometimes hearing advice from nurses might get me better info. any questions they always ask? anything i should make sure i say? any info would be helpful!

[diane227, LPN, RN]

First of all, write a resume that should be no longer than one page. Outline any volunteer work that you have done or any special courses that you have taken in school in addition to your required nursing courses. If you have worked a part time job in a hospital while going to school, make sure you include that. Write a cover letter stating why you feel that this organization would be a great place to start your career and a great fit for your nursing career objectives. It should be short and professional. SPELL CHECK OVER AND OVER and check your grammar. I never hired anyone who could not spell.

PLEASE go professionally dressed. By this, if you are female, wear a slacks or skirt and a jacket. It should be navy blue or black. Minimize jewelry and wear hose and professional shoes, not three inch heels. If you have any tats, make sure they are covered up. If you have multiple earrings, make sure they are professional in appearance. Make sure your shoes are shined.

For males, wear a suit or slacks and a jacket. You can forego the tie.

PLEASE no wild hair colors or cuts.

I may be old fashioned but I have had to interview and hire a lot of people in my time. If people take the time to present themselves in a professional manner, it gives the impression that they really want to work for you.

I believe if you reference any on line information regarding how to dress for a job interview, you would hear the same thing.

Smile, and for God sake, have a firm handshake. If you don't know what that is or you feel uncomfortable doing it, practice with a friend.

DO NOT as questions about salary and benefits unless the person doing the interview brings it up. Keep your questions focused on what orientation will be like, your areas of interest etc. Don't be afraid to say good, positive things about yourself. If you have any special talents or like certain areas, say so. Let them know that you are flexible and there to learn. Read up about the hospital where you are applying and ask questions about the organization. You might start by saying "I read so and so on your web site. I would like to know about _____. Act very interested in the hospital and knowing what their expectations of you are. DON'T act negative and if they want to give you a rectal exam as part of your pre employment requirement, just say yes. There are different requirements in terms of blood work, urine drug screen etc that they may require.

Good luck. You can reference how to write a resume or a cover letter on line. And another thing, use white or cream colored paper for your resume. Not some wild color or paper that had any type of print on it.

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

Just be yourself. Fake people can be spotted a mile away. Remember that they are going to try to find a good fit to that floor. So just think to yourself what would a prefect team player be. those qualities need to always be stressed. Also usually one of the questions they ask what are your weaknesses. I learned this trick from a manager, when they ask you that question, spin it into a positive. For example: My weakness is that this is still new to me but I am ready and willing to learn and do everything I can to make this a wonderful experience.

One manager that I did that to, she was kind of shocked and hired me on the spot. ^_^

PS: Listen to your gut. If your gut after the interview says there is something seriously wrong with the manager. There is something seriously wrong with the manager. I know in these times its hard to find a job but trust me for your first nursing job you want a good experience; (you don't want to be overly picky either. =D) but I have seen friends that after the interview were like that manager was harsh or it doesn't sound like a safe place and guess what? they were right and now don't want to do back to a nursing job.

[SWEnfermera]

I found this AWESOME site and have been sharing it with the new grads I know. It has some real good advice. Once you're on the site, scroll down to "Nurse Interview" on the tabs on the Left.

GOOD LUCK!!

http://www.best-job-interview.com/

[cassrn28]

On an interview they like to know a little bit about you and will ask. Have a plan of what you would like to be doing in 5 years as far as nursing is concerned. Even though you are a grad still sell yourself. Speak highly of you graduating GPA and how well you picked up certain skills, and you patient satisfaction skills. Just be pleasant, outgoing, and relaxed. You'll do great. BTW all jobs pay you nursing pay while you follow and do nothing in orientation....LOL

[nopainNurse]

I have interviewed a variety of nurses, new grads and students, and I have a few suggestions:

1) Prepare!!! Make a list of all of your accomplishments, strengths, examples from clinical/ school that show how you are a patient advocate or go above and beyond. The list doesn't have to be written ( a mental list is fine), but you want to have the ideas in mind so you can easily talk about them. Also think about what areas you need the most learning, support in and what your weaknesses are. Don't start with weaknesses, but if asked be clear what they are and how you are working to improve this area.

2) Give as many concrete examples. If you have a great school project, or clinical scenario that would demonstrate the answer to a question, use it.

3) Don't worry about being nervous. Everyone is nervous, not an issue, just deep breathe and do your best.

4) Sell yourself. Don't consider it bragging. You need to show your strengths and why they should want to hire you. My personal biggest pet peeve / disappointment is when I am listening to someone and thinking that I could "sell" them better than they are selling themselves.

5) Come up for a reason as to why you want this particular job. Why do you want to work at X hospital, or on X unit. Be specific. Make it about the hospital or unit or area, not about yourself. Saying.... i want to work at X because I want to be challenged... or because I want to grow.... Neither of these tell me very much, perhaps they imply you are keen, but it doesn't tell me about why I should hire you for this particular job.

Okay that is it. If you prepare, dress professionally, and remember to breathe, you should do really well!

Good Luck :)