How to answer interview questions???

R*Star*RN, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2008

I've always had succeful interviews and it's not because I'm better suited for the position or more intelligent than the next person. I follow these guidelines for interviews:

Always wear something really classy that you feel confident in, like a pantsuit or a skirt and blazer.

Always BE really confident. The person interviewing you will usually put a lot of stock in your posture, ability to maintain eye contact, and the image that you project. Do NOT fidgit, bite your fingernails, play with hair etc. Sit up straight and with a posture/look that says "I'm really interested in what you are saying! I really want to work for you!". You CAN project this without using words.

Never ever put yourself down. If an employer asks you for your faults, turn something positive into a "negative". I always say "I'm too helpful, sometimes I can't say "no" when others ask for hlep" which is true, but it's not the most negative thing about me either.

Make sure to highlight your good points! Outline previous experiance and relate it to the new job you are interviewing for. Even tho you have never worked in a doctor's office, tell them about the skills you have used elsewhere that you might use at this job as well.

As long as you follow these points it doesn't matter what the questions are. When I get an interview, I get the job, and I believe it's because I follow these rules.

Good luck with your interview!

smak60 · Aug 21, 2008

Well,,,I didnt get the job.....not enough experience they said....it figures. nobody gives you a chance to get experience and nobody hires you because you lack it.....I am getting real close to giving it all up...and go back to working in a factory or getting my cdl's...like I should have.

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Aug 21, 2008

Hi,

R*Star*RN gave some really good advice.

I wore a very nice suit to my interviews. I also prepared for potential questions very well. Got hired on the spot for the position I wanted.

I used Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Interview Guide.

They have GREAT resourses including how to make a resume.

Here is the link... http://www.son.jhmi.edu/resources/career/center/services.aspx

You will have to go down and click on interview guide.

Above all, be honest and confident.

Best of luck to you.

shanika1m1 · Aug 21, 2008

Dont quit because someone told you no, keep pushing on, try another doctors office and then another until you are hired. Practice your interview skills with family and friends that will be honest with you. Never quit on yourself so easily!

Guest296136 · Aug 21, 2008

Don't give up, it took me 2 months to find a job.

I wore a nice blue suit, gave a firm hand shake and made eye contact as soon as I met them. I also had a list of questions to ask that I kept out on my lap so they could see I was prepared. I research each hospital before my interview, so I knew how many beds, who the CEO was and any up and coming plans the hospital had and any awards they might have received.

I was honest when asked questions and didn't boost too much, because as a new nurse I can't say I know very much. At the end of each interview I ask if they would be honest and tell me how my interview skills seem and if they would give me any pointers for future interviews. Everyone said that no-one had ever asked that of them before and were impressed. I was offerred positions from 3 different hospitals.

Be professional and clean cut, they like that

MB37 · Aug 22, 2008

I pretty much did what R*Star*RN recommended, and I was just offered my first choice job. I wore a suit even though I was pretty sure it wasn't "required." I had copies of my resume, recommendations, and anything else relevant on me. I was confident, used a firm handshake, and made eye contact (without staring) throughout the interview. I didn't fidget, even though I'm a really annoying foot tapper. I practiced a bunch of questions that I read on various websites, most of them never got asked. However, they helped me to think through my experiences and qualifications making it easier to answer what I was asked and to ask questions of my own. I've never worked a day in health care, and I'll be starting in critical care. I pointed out my 12 years of "customer service" experience in a variety of environments, from telemarketing to working in dive bars - this seemed to set me apart from every other new grad out there. You must have unique experiences too, make sure you play those up. Be confident, but not cocky, and above all be honest.