How to stand out?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Mar 19, 2016

Practice interviews! Don't memorize your answers because it can come off as scripted. I did some mock interviews with my friends for practice. I also prep a few situations that demonstrate my leadership skills, ability to be a team leader, critical thinking skills, etc. You could also record yourself and see if there's any nervous tics you have (e.g. bouncing your knee, brushing your hair, saying "um"). Good luck!

elppaym, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 19, 2016

I would have to agree, practice. If you don't have experience with interviews, then like kraken suggested practice. Research what the company is about, the missions and values so if it is brought up you can effectively discuss it. Know the company that your going to interview with. It does get easier with practice and as you gain more experience with interviews.

Good luck!

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Mar 19, 2016

Also, I would like to add to prepare a few questions for the interviewer. Highlight your strengths and, if you're feeling bold, one of the questions you can ask is, "Do you have any hesitations about my qualifications?" or something along those lines. It will require a bit of improverisation on your part, but you can directly address these issues.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Mar 19, 2016

As a fellow introvert, I can so identify with this! Just remember that because of your introversion, you will bring a lot of strengths with you to the job related specifically to that character trait. I've had a lot of patients tell me that the fact that I'm very quiet and calm allowed them to relax and gave them room to disclose concerns and fears that they may otherwise have kept hidden.

I think it would be worth thinking of several scenarios that show off your strengths (both as an introvert and in general) and how you've overcome your weaknesses, and use those to answer questions. It does help to practice answers to some of the more common questions in interviews, but it also gave me direction to know, "OK, I want to definitely highlight these situations and characteristics and accomplishments." I even kept a list in my portfolio, just a couple words per line, to prompt me when I got stuck. Might seem goofy, but it kept me organized and on track, both of which are positive in an interview.

I agree with the poster who said to have your own list of questions about the job, unit, etc. It's great to show that you're interested in what to expect and what would help you succeed in this position. Two questions that I found invaluable were, "What happens if I make a small mistake while training?" and, "What will my orientation involve? How long will it be? Who will train me? Can it be extended by a week or two if needed?" Those questions led me to end the application process with a unit that was going to give a new grad three weeks of orientation and had no room to extend it. By contrast, the job I have now was all about getting me comfortable and helping me learn what I needed to do well.

Finally, I think it's okay to admit right from the start that you're a little nervous, especially if it's because you're really excited about the job. That little bit of disclosure bizarrely puts me at ease since they now know I'm nervous and not just stupid. :) And having some enthusiasm about the job you're applying for is always a positive.

Good luck!

__patiently_waiting · Mar 21, 2016

Thanks for taking the time out to respond! I have been preparing and practicing as much as possible. The bottom line is I just have to go in knowing that position is mine! I'm excited, yet very nervous. It has literally been on my mind all week.

I'll be sure to update whether the outcome is good or bad.

OlivetheRN, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2016

Prepare by knowing your audience. By that I mean do your research. Know the values of the hospital and what they are about as a company. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the job. It also gives you material to work with when they ask why you want to work for them; you can give them an answer that's tailored to that specific unit in that specific hospital, rather than just that specialty.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2016

Check out your school's career center; I bet they have people who will do mock interviews with you. It's good to do mock interviews with people you don't know.

Pat_Pat RN · Mar 21, 2016

Dye your hair pink and purple and get a big nose ring. You'll stand out, for sure.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 21, 2016

I also recommend asking a few questions about the patients and the services available for them. Don't make the interview all about you and you alone. Show them you care about the patients and that you want to provide care for that type of population. Most hiring managers want to hire someone who really cares about their patients and who will to provide excellent care for them. So show that you care about the patients by asking about them ... common diagnoses, common treatments, services available to them, etc.

When a candidate asks too many "What's in it for me?" questions, that's a turn-off. It's also not a good idea to ask too many questions of a "What happens if I screw up?" nature. Ask about orientation, education provided, etc., but do so in a way that shows you have confidence in your ability to good job if given a reasonable orientation.