How to rock that phone interview...

[nursehelman]

Hello everyone!

I am currently a nursing student in my last semester of an associate degree nursing program with a pending graduation date in May. I'm so excited, yet anxious! I have begun to apply to surrounding hospitals and even one out of state. I have a phone interview coming up (with the out of state hospital) for a position at their children's/women's hospital. I was just hoping to get some pointers to make this phone interview an enlightening and hopefully, successful experience.

FYI: I have job experience in a group home working with intellectually disabled consumers, had the awesome opportunity of a student nurse internship, and currently work as a nursing assistant in a local hospital.

Thank you in advance!

[LessValuableNinja]

Research the hospital heavily. Know why you want to work there, and believe it.

Read articles on common nursing interview questions and have answers.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Phone interviews are generally preliminary to determine if you are articulate, likeable and really who you say you are. They also are meant to gauge how seriously you are looking. Show enthusiasm for the employer and the specific position and answer questions in a straight-forward manner, keeping friendliness in your voice. You will do fine.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I strongly agree about keeping some energy/friendliness in your voice. Don't drone on and on. Don't speak in a monotone. I conduct a lot of phone interviews and when there is low energy or a lot of quiet on the other end of the line, it appears that the applicant does't care very much. Unless you are a terrific actress, you should be actually smiling physically, nodding your head, etc. as you interview on the phone so that you will sound as if you are doing these things.

I did a phone interview as part of my application to grad school -- with a glass of wine in my hand. Just sayin'