Interview skills and tips..

germanshep · Feb 23, 2011

Congrats :) It is great you are preparing now.

I have not heard about the physical fitness...that should be discrimination but HR always finds a way to legally skirt around the issue.

I am not sure if this will help you but...arrive 10-15 minutes early. I bring multiple copies of my resume and cover letter even though I know they already have it. I bring a nice leather covered binder with a built in note pad and a pen (I like the binder to cover up what I write because I write short hand). Wear a suit, minimal jewelry, no nail polish (or minimal nail polish) since we cannot have it on the job (in my neck of the woods). Have a firm handshake. Bring a set of scrubs in case you can shadow that day-I always ask about volunteering on a particular unit. I had to make a portfolio for my capstone class-I recreated my own portfolio for interviews (CL, resume, a few class samples, nursing assessment write ups, etc). I briefly talk about benefits with HR-not the unit manager. Write up questions ahead of time to ask the nurse manager.

Good luck!!

TheMrsRN · Feb 23, 2011

I assume you already have interviews set up. If not, I suggest applying for anything and everything you come across. Nursing jobs for new nurses are harder and harder to come by.

With that being said, you need to be sure you look professional. Invest in a well tailored suit. It was the best 300 dollars I ever spent. Out of the 8 interviews I have had in nursing, I had 7 job offers! Also, bring extra copies of your resume. Even if you sent it in with the application, you should always be prepared with extra copies. You should also come prepared with answers to common questions. Ex. What are your strengths? weaknesses? Why do you want this job? Why do you want to work for our facility? Why did you choose nursing? etc.

Always be early!! You can always sit in your car if you get their too early. You never want to end up stuck in traffic or lost on the day of an interview. Allow more than enough time to get there. Remain calm and confident! Good luck!

dragn2623 · Feb 23, 2011

Good luck... I just went on my first interview and I see that pretty much the above posts have said the same thing. Also bring a copy of your references, be prepared to ask questions of your own. I had the opportunity to talk to one of the floor nurses in private and tour the floor. So perhaps you can ask to have that opportunity if time and resources allow.

Be prepared to talk about yourself, what made you chose nursing, why did you chose that facility to applied too, your strenghts and weaknesses.

Remember to turn your cell phone off or better yet leave it in the car. You do not want it buzzing or beeping while you are on an interview.

Be honest, do not embellish, be confident, and you will be all right.. good luck..

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 23, 2011

op: read articles on the job websites. the big and popular ones have very helpful tips on how to act and what to wear for job interviews. also, be sure to ask the nurse recruiter or the person who set up the interview how many copies of your resume/cv will be required the day of the interview. usually you will need a copy for everyone who attends. last but not least, be prepared to answer the typical kind of interview questions related to customer service as well as why you wish to work for that company and that unit.