How do I prep for a job interview?

[Jhirschmann]

I have my first job interview after graduating. YAY!! I really want this job, but do not know what to expect or how to prepare. Its in hospital, as a part of their nurse recruit program. I had to apply and I got an interview! Does anyone have suggestions?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Do some prep work by finding out as much as you can about that organization. What's their mission statement? What type of patients do they serve? Do they have any noteworthy accomplishments?

It really impresses an interviewer if you reveal some knowledge about the organization during your interview. For instance, a phrase such as "I would be very proud to work in the hospital that performed the first successful fingernail transplant" or some such thing.

Take the time to review basic nursing care standards for the patient population that is cared for in that unit. If it's telemetry, you need to do a review of cardiac meds. Make sure you're familiar with current protocols for all areas - like triggering Rapid Response, signs & symptoms of sepsis, etc. Also review the regulatory issues that are relevant to bedside care such as Core Measures, National Patient Safety Goals, HCAHPS and such.

Best of luck! You can do this.

[sassyBSN]

I also suggest to start thinking about clinical experiences that really stuck out to you. I got asked a lot of questions about times where I went above and beyond, used critical thinking, relied on teamwork, etc.

[L&DinOregon]

Look into if your school has a career services (or something along those lines) department. They can look over resumes and often have mock interview services. Even if you don't live nearby you may be able to access these services via phone, email, or Skype.

[thinwildmercury]

Practice behavioral questions. "Tell me about a time..." Think of patients whose stuck out to you for good or bad reasons and how you made a difference for them/what you learned from it. Also think of conflicts you have had in work or school. That question comes up a lot. If you come across a behavioral question where you can't think of situation, you can make something up or say "I haven't been in that situation, but what I would do is..." It is just good to be prepared so you're not thinking about it for two minutes which is an ETERNITY in interview time lol. Have loved ones ask you questions/do a mock interview at you school or county employment office. Glassdoor is a good website to utilize as well for interview questions asked at your institution. If you don't know the answer to a clinical or scenario question, say so and say you would like to look that up.

Many people put a portfolio together complete with resume, cover letter, letter os rec, transcripts, awards, projects, etc. I did this and have had two interviews so far and have not used it haha but I still feel more comfortable having it with me.