How to NOT interview for your RN/LPN job!

[gswifty]

Intend to delete double post.

[gswifty]

hiring is an opinionated thing. first you have to realize that it is not a "fair" thing.

you will be judged. that is what the hiring process is all about. gone are the days when you could show up with an unblemished license and no criminal record and get hired. it's a buyer's market.

the buyer (hirer) has her/his choice of many qualified applicants. you should show up looking neat, clean, presentable, and not looking like you are a circus freak who just crawled out of bed.

if you don't like it, too bad. as i said, it's a buyers market. you are the seller. you have to make the package resemble what the buyer needs and wants. period.

for me it's all of those things mentioned and shoes. if i see someone come in to interview with nasty shoes it shows a clear lack of attention to detail. not interested, thanks.

i'm reading through your comment and nodding in agreement with all your fine points, until the end. the fact that you would disqualify someone because they have 'nasty' shoes because it show's a lack of attention to detail, hmmm... it's absolutism like that that has me torn between the uber-professionals and those who would make an einstein analogy and allowance about messy hair or some-such foible regarding the interview process. the fact that we're not mind readers and subject to the subjective criteria of each interviewers standards makes navigating these waters even more treacherous in these 'buyer-market' times. i understand that we're supposed to put our best foot forward during an interview but why, in this economy and during these times, does it always seem that we're all just supposed to be 'happy' that we have a j.o.b.??? i still believe it's just as important for the employer to be a good match/right mix for the prospective employee. interviewing should still be a two way street, imo.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Call me odd, but I enjoy interviews. Not to toot my own horn, but I think I interview quite well :) I think that nursing programs should include a discussion about how to interview..some people may not know exactly how to do so. And also how to put together a resume!

[BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN]

Boston is climbing down off his soap box now to add his favorite tips to the bucket now that he has had his little tantrum. Boston totally understands that everyone is entitled to their own opinion-just like a certain body part, and that opinions are sometimes like that part, -that is, . . . when they are aired, people get offended. I am SO GLAD everyone doesn't agree with me on looking AT THE PERSON, and digging if you find something unpleasant, or not P.C. to get to a better understanding of the whole person in front of you. That DIFFERENCE WE SHARE, is what makes systems work, discussion, challenge, and asking questions helps us understand each other a little better.

Okay here goes, you might be surprised.

1. Don't sit down until I have asked you to do so. I have always practiced this in interviews, and expect it back.

2. Don't put anything on my desk, it is my desk, and though you may feel it is common ground, I earned it.

3. Don't finish my sentences, I know you are nervous, but I also know this irritates me thoroughly, and you will continue this after I hire you. Also, don't interupt me, answer my phone while I am making copies of your license-I do have voicemail.

4. I have just interviewed 4 potential people "Dressed really nice" with "no denim" and "natural hair color and good teeth" what makes you more valuable to me as a single mom, who I know will call in with sick kids, and bleach blonde hair (although very well kept), and because of her religion, a denim skirt (very common in this faith group). Oh, I should also add that this religious group doesn't believe in wearing make-up! Oh com'on you know I had to poke a lil' fun at the OP!

5. Give me real examples of real times, you did actual things. Don't just tell me work well under pressure, and stressful situations, because (A.) I am going to ask you to give me an example, and (B.) I am going to evaluate your new answer.

6. When I ask you to tell me who you are, do it in one minute or less with as little hesitation as possible. You should know yourself fairly well. What I want to know is, Why are you here? Strengths/Weaknesses? Past experiences? Basic Learning skills? Why I should hire you?

7. If you left your last job because your boss was a jerk after a month, I am going to assume you will do the same here, at least humor me and tell me you married a coach or pastor, and you move a lot which perfectly explains how and why you kept no post longer than 3 months in 4 years.

8. Body Odor is NO NO and you will have a quickly ending interview.

9. Body Odor to me is any scent I deem as Overwhelming, Did you bath in that stuff, or not bath in 4 days?, both problems!

10. If an Odor you have bothers me, it will make my patients sick, and thats one of the quickest ways to get a patient to compain. I have a NO PERFUME, COLOGNE policy.

11. Don't ask me more questions than I am asking you, it shows me a lack of respect for authority.

12. ALWAYS HAVE A RESUME, COVER LETTER, with your application, EVEN CNA/ASSIST POSITIONS!!!!!!!!!

13. A portfolio of your time spent in nursing is a sure fire way to get in the head of the line, it shows me you really care about what you have done, and what you will do. Making things MATTER to me is a plus.

14. Nurses that are active members in extracurricular activites are ALWAYS well rounded, sharp, caring nurses. So the fact that volunteer at free clinic, or are in the nat. or St. Nursing Associations matter to me.

15. If you are LATE, NO INTERVIEW and NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!!!! Unless you phoned me in a reasonable manner before.

Thanks for dropping by, and Thank each of you for what you do everyday to keep this Profession Professional!!!!!

Kyle RN

[BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN]

By the way, did anyone watch "The Pursuit of Happiness" with Will Smith (It was an Assignment from Page 3)!!!!

Not a movie critic, but while not the greatest cinematic experience, IT WILL BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY AND OUTLOOK!!!!

[DixieRedHead, ASN, RN]

i'm reading through your comment and nodding in agreement with all your fine points, until the end. the fact that you would disqualify someone because they have 'nasty' shoes because it show's a lack of attention to detail, hmmm... it's absolutism like that that has me torn between the uber-professionals and those who would make an einstein analogy and allowance about messy hair or some-such foible regarding the interview process. the fact that we're not mind readers and subject to the subjective criteria of each interviewers standards makes navigating these waters even more treacherous in these 'buyer-market' times. i understand that we're supposed to put our best foot forward during an interview but why, in this economy and during these times, does it always seem that we're all just supposed to be 'happy' that we have a j.o.b.??? i still believe it's just as important for the employer to be a good match/right mix for the prospective employee. interviewing should still be a two way street, imo.

thank you for the nice words. maybe i didn't exactly say what i meant. i didn't mean ugly shoes, or shoes that didn't match the outfit, or were even weather appropriate. in fact the shoes i was talking about probably wouldn't even be worn to an interview at all.

i was talking about when i see nurses in tennis shoes with red mud (is my southern showing?) caked up on them. still makes me crings.

[mikala3]

I have been required to wear scrubs to an interview before. I ironed them (which I dont typically do). I was not really comfortable interviewing in scrubs, but it made the shadowing part easy. I didnt have to change clothes.

[Rick68fl]

[N.U.R.S.E.]

I agree that one should look professional on a job interview and just basically in life. We are being judged all the time and it is not fair at all but it is what it is. makeup really and the one not mentioned is good credit score what that have to do with being a good employee I do not know. But since I have to dance to your tune like Tina Turner said" Im your private dancer and and since I need the money any old music will do"

[guest563546]

The only tip I don't agree with is don't come in without makeup. Makeup is NOT a necessity in order to look polished and professional. Sometimes it's a plus, at certain times we all need it, but I hardly think it's required in order to prove yourself worthy of a responsible position in which you are required to look clean and tidy.

[g!RN]

[color=#b22222]a couple of additions:

don't bring your pets (gal came with an itty bitty dog in her purse) or children. seriously.

don't chew gum . . . no matter how dry your mouth gets, chewing gum during an interview is just not professional.

please don't start off the interview with a litany of things you won't do . . . such as work nights, touch poop or look at old people.

lmao !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BD-RN, BSN, RN]

I actually disagree with many posters on here and agree with the manager regarding the makeup comment. Maybe my mother was old fashioned, and perhaps all my instructors throughout high school and college were as well, but I was always taught that a professional woman ALWAYS wears tasteful, minimal, looks like you don't have any on makeup. I'll always remember the military recruiter who came to my high school careers class who told us that even in the army women are taught how to apply tasteful makeup.

This doesn't mean wear stage foundation, or the new colors from MAC and cherry red lips. It means a neutral foundation that matches your skin tone and evens it out, a very neutral eyeshadow, and maybe not even lip color but lip balm. Yes even if you have a "perfect" complexion a touch of makeup enhances it, makes you look put together and adds a finishing touch to your look. Interviews are first impressions. Dressing the part makes you look like you spent time this morning thinking about this interview, and that you care about the job. It has nothing to do with looking expensive, nor does it mean the manager is shallow in expecting you to come in looking professional.