Small Talk - Interview

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Okay, so I'm well aware that a small amount of small talk breaks the ice and in some instances may be a deciding factor for employment.

I'm told I am well spoken. Here's the thing, I'm well spoken when I'm delivering a speech or expressing an idea.

I don't enjoy small talk that much. I just don't.

So help me? How can I at least pretend? This is a little stressful for me and I realize it is my weakness and I really want to change it.

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I'm not into small talk either, but do you really think it could be a deciding factor? I'm there to discuss the job, not chit chat. I don't think I've had many interviews where small talk went beyond a comment on the weather or "did you find us ok?" Maybe you're overthinking it? I think a friendly demeanor and smile can be just as effective as being chatty. Make them feel you will be easy to get along with and competent to do the job. Not everyone has to be a social butterfly.

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"Thank you for seeing me."

"Thank you for the interview. Can you tell me a little more about the position?"

"That's a nice painting/photograph/poster on your wall. Did you choose it?"

"I was impressed by how nice the volunteers are here when I asked for directions."

How's that to get you started?

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I'm not all that great with small talk either, especially with a stranger during a job interview. Without being rude about it, try and move the conversation back in the direction of the position for which you are interviewing.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I am well spoken. I also don't know how to engage in small talk (I am an extreme introvert and just don't see value or benefit of chit chat just for the sake of making noises). Honestly, that's never really come up in an interview situation, other than "gee, great weather!" Most small talk revolves around family, children, spouses, all things which are verboten in an interview anyway.

Just be friendly, smile naturally, make eye contact, and answer the questions.

When I feel like I'm expected to ask questions, I will ask things about the job, such as "can you tell me why the position is vacant?" "Does your hospital/company offer any kind of clinical ladder for nurses?" "What types of certifications are you hoping that someone in this role would have or obtain?"

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Y'all rock! Thanks =) definitely more at ease. I guess being interviewed is just like any other skill. Being a recent high school graduate (2011) and nursing graduate (2014) I really have little to no experience. I've been participating in mock interviews - helps tremendously.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Keep doing the mock interviews, especially with people who are experienced with interviews! It'll help "break you in."

Good luck!

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

You can learn that skill if it doesn't come naturally. I know because I did! I agree with klone that a natural smile and eye contact are what people will remember. Never hurts to have a few ideas for conversation pre-planned mostly because you'll fear the small talk less going into the interview. Let us know how things go!

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Makes sense. I will definitely practice. I was an actor for about five years during middle and high school and if I think reheorifice and practice with friends and even strangers at stores like Walmart and restaurants it helps!

I've started making small talk with employees like cashiers and waiters and so on.

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