Had my 1st interview, How do you control your nerves?

NewNursiegrad · Aug 30, 2010

I've gone on a couple of interviews now too. And definately feel some went better than others. I think nerves are natural, but just like in nursing school....coming in prepared helps a little so I can think back and elaborate more on what they ask me.

I do my research early before even going on the interview about the company, by going onto their website if they have one. Read their mission statement, the services they offer....that way I can determine aspects of the organization's values in which I can identify with similiar to my values in practice and it can be a reason why I would want to join their team if they ask. Also by learning about the company I can formulate questions I'd like to ask, so it shows I know about their organization and am interested.

I believe thinking about you're strengths and weaknesses is a helpful exercise too. Interviews are meant to show that you know yourself, and what you bring to a team. So naturally, reflection on your work experience and nursing school experience will help. Think about times you have contributed to your team, what you've been proud of yourself for during nursing school or work. When you reflect for yourself, I think it helps to build confidence in how you have been successful and how you will be a great nurse. Rather than trying to think "what could they ask me" and "how can i respond".

wishNhopeNdreamN · Aug 31, 2010

thanks so much that was a great response and helped a lot!

i did try to prepare but, i think i fell short a little bit.

"when you reflect for yourself, i think it helps to build confidence in how you have been successful and how you will be a great nurse. rather than trying to think "what could they ask me" and "how can i respond"."

great advice, i will take it to heart.

metricalpound · Aug 31, 2010

I haven't been on a Nursing interview (I'm in my first year of school) but I've been on plenty of job interviews from clerical work to teaching jobs to supermarket store clerks.

The first thing that you have to remember is that they chose to call you back. Out of all the resumes that they see - they chose yours. So something in your resume popped out to them.

Second - don't let the fact that you're new to nursing bother you during the interview. They've seen your resume - they know that you are new but the chose to interview anyway.

Third - Research the place before hand and develop questions that you can ask them about the potential job. This shows that you have genuine interest in the position and knowing that they know that you have a genuine interest in the position will give you more confidence.

Fourth - you passed the nclex, been through nursing school and are a RN. You know your stuff! Every new RN went through this process - you're not the first and you won't be the last. Even the person sitting right in front of you had to interview at least one time in her/his life to finally get into that position.

Fifth - Being a little nervous isn't a bad thing - use it to fuel yourself.

Gluck =D

Leelee2 · Sep 1, 2010

Be Confident. If you are really interested and want the position ask for it at the end of the interview. something like "I think that this position would be a great fit, and I really want this. If you hire me, you won't be sorry. Being a new grad I have fresh eyes and a passion for.... It was great meeting with you, and I hope to hear from you soon." Confidence helps, sell yourself. As with any interview, make sure you send a thank you note as soon as possible (within a day or so) That can also help (shows respect/ follow thru, etc) I hear that it is acceptable to do that by email these days. From what you described, I think overall it sounds like it went well. Best of luck to you!

Saf1, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, APRN, NP · Sep 3, 2010

I'm in your exact same boat. Had my first job interview as a nurse on Monday...seemed to go well but I'm trying not to pick it apart too much or I'll drive myself crazy :bugeyes: . They said I should hear this week sometime...nothing so far...tomorrow is Friday, so...

Anyhow, the best advice I've gotten so far is that if they call and I didn't get it, to try to network the recruiter for future openings...you're very interested in their facility, could they please keep you in mind...that sort of thing. At least that way it isn't a total loss. It's really hard waiting on the big decision. Good luck!!

detectivepoynter · Sep 7, 2010

Hi. I've been on three interviews so far and I was able to get the job I really really really wanted. Definitely look over a list of interview questions and answer them. I would carry the questions/answers with you so you can "reheorifice." I usually go in about 15 min early just to sit and take some deep breaths (DON'T LOOK AT THE QUESTIONS/ANSWERS ANYMORE AT THIS POINT). As cliche as this sounds, it works. I think it's cuz i get bored 5 minutes into just sitting that I stop and nerves from getting to me. Of course, once the interviewer comes out to introduce himself/herself, i get antsy all over again. Just know that you already know the answers to the questions they have for you. It's a simply recall and throwing your personality in. It's like taking a test. you know everything but you're still nervous... just take your time and do the best you can. I like to throw some sense of humor in the interview. It puts your mood at ease and the interviewer becomes more open and relaxed too. As dumb as this sounds, after the first 5 minutes of an interview, I start to have fun with the interviewer. In fact, one of my interviews resulted in a discussion of pirogies and another with stalking human resources.

relax, have fun... this is when your personality has to shine through! Good luck with future interviews (but i hope you get this job!!)!!!

gymmom125 · Sep 8, 2010

Well I havent had alot of interviewing experience, It had been almost 17 yrs since my last job interview... I did get the first job i interviewed for after nursing school.. My advice is to be honest, and sincere, practicing questions is fine, however dont sound reheorificed... I know that I am naturally a talker, so I dont really get nervous, but years back i used to do pre interviews for our office manager and I could always tell those who were so reheorificed, and honestly usually didnt pass them through... You need to be confident in yourself as another poster stated, you have made it through the hard part, nursing school was hell, and the nclex sucked!!! now you are a RN be confident and proud of yourself, tell them your strong points, and also let them know your weakness, and that you are bound and determined to overcome it!! Another thing, VERY important, a day or two after your interview always call and thank the person that you interviewed with and let them know you are interested in the position, tell them how much you really want to start your nursing career in the facility with such a great reputation!! Good Luck I hope you get this job!!!