In need of interview tips

[mick33]

I had my baby the day before graduation and have stayed home with her. It's been a year and I have decided to get back into the swing of things, so I've made a resume and have been brushing up on my studying. I am worried about applying because it has been so long and I have not been on an interview since I was 19. What types of questions do they ask and do you have any advice for me? Thanks for any replies!

[labcat01, BSN, RN]

I stayed home for 6 months before going to work so I can kind of relate. You will get the normal interview questions ("describe a time when....."). Also, be prepared to explain why you waited so long between graduating and applying for a job. The interviewers cannot ask you about your family so unless you bring it up they won't know that you have a child.

If you tell them about your bebe, be prepared to discuss child care (they want to know you have reliable child care and won't be calling in all the time). They are also going to want some assurance from you that you've been keeping current with nursing. When I interviewed, I told them that I'd been reading nursing journals and reviewing ekgs while on "maternity leave". I also raved about my child care and mentioned that my husband's job was flexible and he could leave in the middle of the day if one of our kids was sick. I think they really just wanted some assurance that I had thought everything through before applying.

You can do it- just come up with a strategy for how you will explain the weak parts of your resume and you will be fine. Good luck!!!

[mick33]

thank you so much, that really helped me. I haven't started applying yet, but i did my resume and have gone to look at a few daycares. last night i was taking notes on the most important things to start studying again. i'm excited and TERRIFIED all at the same time! i appreciate your help.