Interview tips, PLEASE!!!!

Cute_CNA, CNA · Aug 19, 2005

Go to your local library, and check out some books on being interviewed. They should help with many of your questions.

BamaBound2bRN · Aug 19, 2005

As a former "Business Executive" I did a great deal of hiring. Here are a few things I looked for and at:

1. Always dress professionally- Suit and Tie; Skirt and Jacket; etc.

2. Groom- clean, brushed teeth,etc.- and NO HEAVY PERFUME/Cologne.

3. Be 20 minutes early- any earlier you look desperate, any later you look

rushed or behind- which means unorganized and unreliable.

4. Be prepared- know the job and KNOW the employer- who is the CEO;

how many beds; etc.

5. Be yourself- NEVER LIE or make-up an answer. If you are asked a

question you do not know, then state clearly you do not know, but are

eager and willing to find the answer and learn.

6. MOST importantly- ASK for the job!! Most interviewers will end the

interview with, "Is there anything else you would like to ask" and if

the do, simply ask when you can start or say that you would really want

to be a part of the team. If you don't ask, then you really are not

interested.

David

LydiaNN · Aug 19, 2005

As a former "Business Executive" I did a great deal of hiring. Here are a few things I looked for and at:
1. Always dress professionally- Suit and Tie; Skirt and Jacket; etc.
2. Groom- clean, brushed teeth,etc.- and NO HEAVY PERFUME/Cologne.
3. Be 20 minutes early- any earlier you look desperate, any later you look
rushed or behind- which means unorganized and unreliable.
4. Be prepared- know the job and KNOW the employer- who is the CEO;
how many beds; etc.
5. Be yourself- NEVER LIE or make-up an answer. If you are asked a
question you do not know, then state clearly you do not know, but are
eager and willing to find the answer and learn.
6. MOST importantly- ASK for the job!! Most interviewers will end the
interview with, "Is there anything else you would like to ask" and if
the do, simply ask when you can start or say that you would really want
to be a part of the team. If you don't ask, then you really are not
interested.
David

So much dittoing number 4! I've been on several interview teams this past year, and each time, I become increasingly resentful of the applicants that show up for their interview not knowing Jack squat about us. We have a phenemonal website. An hour there and you'd know anything that might come up in an interview. And you'd very much increase your odds of getting hired. I also agree that business attire is never inappropriate for a job interview. At the very least, don't show up with any of the following exposed: your bra strap, your underwear, your tats, your midriff, or any unnatural piercings.

coffeentea · Aug 19, 2005

At the hospital where I work , an applicant is almost always inteviewed by a PEER GROUP before he/she is hired. The peer group is consisted of 4 people . 2 things that usually make us all say "we don't reccomend..."

1. Bad mouthing your boss /coworkers.

2. Complaint that the workload is too heavy.

Good luck with your interview.

fusster · Aug 20, 2005

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84387

I know this link is mainly about resumes, but there are also some interview tips as well. Good luck!

Works2xs · Aug 20, 2005

There are some good tips in this thread: https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88629 (it's a sticky thread in the "general nursing student" forum)

and to add to suggestions in this thread..

Don't be afraid of asking the interviewers questions. Remember, this is a place you might end up working at. You owe it to yourself to know something about who you're going to be working for and not just the corporate line published on flyers, ads, or web sites.

Take your time. Think about your answers before providing them. If you need a few moments to consider the scenario or question, take it. You'll feel like hours have passed when only a few moments have actually lapsed. You can even ask for a moment or two if you need to. Resist the urge to fill "dead air" with random thoughts or blather. (For some, nervousness only amplifies the desire to chat away)

And by all means, if you have any doubt about the question, ask for clarification. Usually, getting some additional insight into the context of the question ensures the you'll be answering the question in relevant terms.

Run through possible questions in your head before you get to the interview (see the thread noted above). If you have a good handle on most questions, then you can really concentrate on any unexpected or unusual questions that may come up.

stidget99 · Aug 20, 2005

In my opinion........

It's ok to ask about salary on the first interview but only towards the end of it....i.e. when the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

In response to the question....What is your biggest weakness. I've always answered "I tend to be too much of a perfectionist" or "I tend to be overly conscientious" or something to that effect. Take something positive that they are looking for and turn it into a "sort-of" negative.

When asked what you can bring to the organization - in addition to the generalized hard worker, dependable, honest, etc. make sure that they know that you will bring in a positive attitude and that you strongly believe in the whole concept of team work.

And why should we hire you? I have a positive attitude, deal very well w/ changes, and I will be a positive influence to the unit. But most importantly, I want this job. I feel that this job will challenge me and expand my base of knowledge. I also feel that I will do an excellent job and will work hard towards fulfilling your expectations of me.

However, if any of the above is not 100% true, don't say it. Interviewers can tell when you are not sincere. And when they do detect insincerity, they will hone in on it and nail you.

Also, don't forget body language. Look the interviewer in the eye. Offer your hand to shake immediately. Be respectful and courteous. Don't interrupt. Sit w/ a straight posture while remaining relaxed. Never cross your arms during the interview.

Be prepared to answer the question......Describe a difficult situation at your last job and describe how you handled it.

You can also google "interview techniques". There is tons of information out there.

Good luck in your job hunt!