First Nursing Job Interview Do's and Don'ts

redwinggirlie · May 23, 2005

I think that would do fine. Don't wear cologne/perfume though.

When you interview, be prepared for questions you've probably never been asked before, such as, "If you are having a problem with one of your coworkers, what would you do?" "Why do you want to work here?"

Answer honestly and take your time. It's hard, but do your best to stay away from pat answers and saying what you think they want to hear. Be yourself. They are hiring you, not themselves!

Realize the person interviewing you does this all the time. It is just new to you. Try your best not to be too nervous. Have some questions of your own to ask - and not just how much and how many days off..... think about the unit/place and ask about it's strong points, etc.

I'm excited for you! Be well and let us know how it turns out.

P.S. make sure your shoes are comfy and your socks are dark!

Jolie, BSN · May 23, 2005

Dress conservatively. Wear light make-up and a neutral shade of nail polish, if desired. No gum or candy. If your mouth gets dry, it's OK to ask for a glass of water.

Arrive a few minutes early, and have your application filled out, if possible. Bring along a notebook with paper and pen for notes, and at least 3 copies of your resume. Have a reference list ready.

Take your time answering questions. If you are unsure about something, just say so, and ask to come back to the question later. We are not all quick thinkers! Ask about orientation, preceptors, availability of continuing education courses, and any relevant specialty certifications such as ACLS, fetal monitoring, etc.

At the conclusion of the interview, ask what you can expect next. When will you be contacted and by whom? May you contact the interviewer if you have further questions? If things go well, inquire about setting up a shadow day.

Don't linger once the interview is over. The interviewer has other duties to attend to, and has to stick to a schedule. Send a short thank-you note after you get home.

Relax! You'll do fine!

mtngrl, ASN, RN · May 24, 2005

Please Help I just graduated and I've never done a "real" job interview before. Also - I don't own a suit and really can't afford one - would black slacks, a white button-down, and black dress shoes be ok?
Thanks Seren

I think your oufit sounds fine. It's a nursing position after all, not an executive position, so I don't think you need a suit at all. For my first nursing interview I wore grey dress pants and a pink conservative sweater. I was very nervous about the questions I'd be asked. But instead the interviewer just explained the position and asked if I wanted it! Now that's a nice interview, and it was the only one I went on, since I took the job. Good luck!

Nancy2 · May 24, 2005

Please Help I just graduated and I've never done a "real" job interview before. Also - I don't own a suit and really can't afford one - would black slacks, a white button-down, and black dress shoes be ok?
Thanks Seren

Your outfit sounds fine, but it is also appropriate to wear a nursing uniform or scrubs, just be sure they are neat and pressed. This shows them how you'd look at work.

The most uncomfortable question in my first interview was "what do you perceive as your greatest weakness" It's actually a great question and shows an ability to acurately self assess and an openness to self improvement. I wish someone would have prepared me for that one.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do fine. :)

pfitz1079 · May 24, 2005

Obviously the rules for women are different. Men should have at least one business suit, and it should be worn for any job interview.

I'd say get a smart business suit. No, nursing is not a "suit" profession, but it is a profession and you're trying to put your best foot forward. It shows the interviewer that you're serious about wanting this job, and you can conduct yourself in a matter becoming a professional.

Ask yourself this: Would the doctors, with whom you will be working, and whose equal you want to be considered, show up for an interview in anything less than a business suit? Probably not.

Good luck with your interview.

Pete Fitzpatrick

RN, CCRN, CFRN, EMT-P

mstigerlily · May 24, 2005

I would wear a suit, or as close to it as I could.

Hair up, neutral professional makeup, clear nail polish or maybe french manicure. No open toed shoes, no tattoos or piercings except maybe tiny studs in your ears.

Send a handwritten note afterward thanking the interviewer for his/her time and letting them know what you will do to follow up and say you hope to hear from them. Hand deliver this note if necessary to make sure it gets there. Then follow up by phone several days to a week later. I did this on all three of my interviews and I got all three. Maybe they were just desperate for nurses out here in CA but I figure it helped.

Melissa

Please Help I just graduated and I've never done a "real" job interview before. Also - I don't own a suit and really can't afford one - would black slacks, a white button-down, and black dress shoes be ok?
Thanks Seren

Mulan · May 24, 2005

Please Help I just graduated and I've never done a "real" job interview before. Also - I don't own a suit and really can't afford one - would black slacks, a white button-down, and black dress shoes be ok?
Thanks Seren

I think that would be fine. I have never worn a suit for any interview.