Interview concerns

kvsherry · Apr 10, 2008

Hi,

I just completed a successful ICU interview the other day so I will try and help you.

Keep in mind, these are only suggestions from one person, everyone is a little different...

Now that the disclaimer is out of the way...

1. "Suit?" I wore a suit to my interview. This is mainly because I'm a guy and thought the button down/slacks that I wore for Psych just wasn't enough. I was told by a professor who used to be in HR that a suit or any office worthy attire would work. BTW, I was also at an "Open House" (in Cali) and the ladies there were all wearing office type attire.

2."Make up?" I can't say 100% but it would seem to me that you don't want your "going out" look of lots of make up, although I have to honestly say that I have no clue what qualifies as lots. Something that makes you look nice without looking like you are on a date would probably be best.

3. Finally "standing out" You already have the externship to throw on the resume, thats going to be great! I have found that managers in specialty areas look for externships. Make sure that you talk that up. If you have any other experience (nurses aide etc.) you will want to talk that up as well. Try and show these people that you are have more to offer than just clinicals, and you do, its your externship. Think about why you got that in the first place and try and find a way to bring that up in the interview.

Hope this helps, remember, its one persons view, one thing you should have no shortage of is advice on this topic, and finally, GOOD LUCK!

TRINI_RN · Apr 10, 2008

Hi,
I just completed a successful ICU interview the other day so I will try and help you.
Keep in mind, these are only suggestions from one person, everyone is a little different...
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way...
1. "Suit?" I wore a suit to my interview. This is mainly because I'm a guy and thought the button down/slacks that I wore for Psych just wasn't enough. I was told by a professor who used to be in HR that a suit or any office worthy attire would work. BTW, I was also at an "Open House" (in Cali) and the ladies there were all wearing office type attire.
2."Make up?" I can't say 100% but it would seem to me that you don't want your "going out" look of lots of make up, although I have to honestly say that I have no clue what qualifies as lots. Something that makes you look nice without looking like you are on a date would probably be best.
3. Finally "standing out" You already have the externship to throw on the resume, thats going to be great! I have found that managers in specialty areas look for externships. Make sure that you talk that up. If you have any other experience (nurses aide etc.) you will want to talk that up as well. Try and show these people that you are have more to offer than just clinicals, and you do, its your externship. Think about why you got that in the first place and try and find a way to bring that up in the interview.
Hope this helps, remember, its one persons view, one thing you should have no shortage of is advice on this topic, and finally, GOOD LUCK!

Thank you so much! I love how you put the makeup dilemma into perspective! And, I'll definitely play up my externship. Congrats on your successful ICU interview!!!!!

RN1989 · Apr 10, 2008

If you are going to a mass interview I recommend a suit. Generally I would just wear a nice outfit, something you might go to church in. But this is what lot's of people wear. By putting on a suit, you will stick out from the masses at this interview and be a little memorable. Black, navy blue, grey are good colors and try to add a little splash of color somewhere with a hint of a shirt or if the suit is a "shirtless" type, then a scarf, hankie, or broach pin. Something that matches and looks professional but gives them something extra to remember "that girl with the beatiful scarf". Especially if more people than expected show up in suits. Sometimes it is hard to tell, I've been places where no one wore suits and other times everyone is in a suit. You just never know. But if everyone is in a suit, you will look too casual without a suit but a splash of color helps to stand out from the suit crowd.

Makeup is recommended unless you have a picture perfect complexion without. Don't go too heavy on eyeliner, mascara, or shadow. No blue shadow. Something muted, more skin tone color to add just a hint of glimmer would be ok, otherwise skip it. If you wear glasses, definitely use eyeliner if you are nearsighted as the glasses make your eyes appear too small. Makeup should look as natural as possible while playing up your best features and hiding your worst.

Could you get a recommendation from one of your externship preceptors? That would really do over big. Doesn't have to be too long but that would definitely help with playing up the externship angle. Otherwise, play up any other achievements, certifications, awards you may have gotten in the last few years. Even if they aren't relevant to nursing or OB, they show that you are a high achiever and want to go the extra mile.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2008

Be prepared to play up how your externship helps translate into "real-world" skills...

I was able to deflect a lot of delegation questions, just because I used to be a manager in LTC, and as a CNA, I understand why the nurses ask me what they ask me...

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 10, 2008

Try a thrift store or consignment store for a suit. Sometimes you can find very nice things for very little $$.

Black or dark gray is best. Nice but comfortable shoes, too. (Closed, low heels, pump style). Neutral hose. A little touch of color- blouse or a scarf- is fine as long as it's tasteful. Minimal jewelry, such as stud-type earrings, watch, one ring on each hand, pearls or simple pendant. Make-up yes, I agree with the above, look nice but not ready for a date; same with hair and nails. Neat, well-groomed. Oh, and try your clothes both sitting and standing, for comfort and for how they fit (sometimes a top or jacket wants to gap open when you sit down!) and you don't want a skirt to ride up or have one with a slit that opens up wrong when you sit down. Interviews are nerve-wracking enough without worrying about what your clothes are doing!

No perfume! Giving your interviewer an asthma attack is a really bad idea.

A job interview really isn't the time to "express your personality" so to speak.

Wendy_RN · Apr 10, 2008

You have received some excellent advice thus far. I agree that a suit would be best. You will look professional and like you really want the position. Make-up is definitely fine. You don't want to look like you are going out to a bar, but neutral tones work well. Take copies of your resume and references with you in a portfolio. Remember, this is your chance to ask questions and interview them as well. Know what you want to ask before you go to the interview. I think it really helps to show your interest and knowlege when you ask questions. Good luck!

TNNurse92 · Apr 11, 2008

The above suggestions are great. Do you have a briefcase. I typically carry one to interviews. I keep a few copies of my resume' and offer a copy to the interviewer. (If it is a group interview plan to have a few- so that each individual can have a copy). The interviewers have always seemed to appreciate this practice.

Good Luck,

A

TRINI_RN · Apr 11, 2008

Thank you all so much for the wonderful advice:bowingpur:bowingpur. I'll be going out tomorrow to hunt for a suit. I've got recommendations from 2 clinical instructors (including my OB instructor) and my current preceptor. I don't have a breifcase, but I do have a really nice black leather portfolio that I plan to carry. I'm going to write down 5-6 pertinent questions to ask and have them on a little notepad ready to go. I've also been reading about the hospital's new OB saftey initiatives. I am so elated, and yet terrified at the same time. Thanks again for everything.