First job interview ever. Very intimidated......

[kikwon89]

First I want to say that people on allnurses.com need to have a better attitude and some optimistic view towards job shortage in United States. My journey to search for a job as a LPN was a little less than 2 weeks. I had no weapons, no specialty, no experience with me as a new grad. Surprisingly, I got a call from Spectrum 2 days after I submitted an application and a resume. They wanted me to come in for an interview as soon as possible. I took this very lightly and unrealistic so I did not prepare myself for the interview at all. I walked into the human resources office and had to wait for the nurse manager for about a half an hour. A very professional and stocky looking african american with long dreadlocks came in and introduced himself as Joseph. I was intimidated by how serious he was taking this interview and by the fact that he was a very professional, manly, huge man. He led me to a little library that they have in this facility and it was going to be a one-on-one interview. My mouth was dry and my brain was blank. He had this thick pages of papers filled with questions and as soon as we got all set up facing each other across a little table, he started shooting questions. No personal conversation was necessary for this guy and he did not want to waste any time. First few questions, I choked. the answers were short and stupid sounding. I regretted over and over again throughout the interview, saying to myself, "you could have answered this better if you were ready" There were so many scenario questions like "what would you do in this and this kind of situation????" What??? I thought nursing school was over when I graduated??? hahaha. Luckily, I prayed before the interview that may God be with me and speak through me throughout the whole process and I feel that he did. After I choked the first few questions, I regrouped and fired back answers that he would nod to, he would respond in such a manner "that's good, that's great....." and so on. The interview was almost 2 hour long and I got to shake his big hand at the end appreciating him for meeting with me that day. He said that he is pretty sure he will be calling me for the open LPN position next week. My very first interview ever in a healthcare setting went so much better than what I expected it to be and I might even get the job next week!!

So all the new grads that are struggling to get a job. Don't stress yourself out over it because there are jobs out there that are willing to train new grads, young people without experience. Opportunities will come and you just have to take that and appreciate it and make the best out of it. Good luck!!!!