Interview tips

I have my first interview coming up and I am a little nervous. Anyone have any interview tips they can share with me, it would be greatly appreciated. I am used to interviewing for business positions but nursing is no comparison. Should I do a review of anything prior to that day? Help, I am freaking out.

[shhnack]

I'm going through the same thing myself, job-hunting and "the interview". It is very stressful for me, I want everything to go smoothly. Some advice I would give you is to try to relax before the interview, you better know that your nervousness is going to show through if you are overly anxious. Also, look them in the eye, but not too intimidating. Research the company, find out what they are looking for in that position and then find some way to insert how you might fit their description. Also, research the core values or mission statement of the company. Most any interview I've been on they will ask you those questions, such as, "here at st. johns hospital, our mission is to be compassionate, have integrity, ect., ect., can you tell us some time while working that you displayed one of these characteristics. When they ask, you'll be better able to recall a situation where you did display one of those features because you had already thought beforehand about it. Some interviewers may ask you if you have any questions for them. This really through me off the first time I was every asked that question, and my answer....."um, no", real good I know, but now I thought of a few questions that will peak their interest in you and make you more desireable to hire... How long is training for this position? Do you offer a mentoring program? Do you encourage continuing education? Is there an open-door policy if I have questions regarding patient care? Basicly, questions to the employer that make you sound like you are very interested in being at the company a while, and are very interested in patient care ect. Plus, you don't have to pass up a good opportunity to sell yourself by saying..."um, no". They are waiting for you to tell them or make some kind of impression upon them that no other applicant has. Well, hope it helps, good luck in your job-hunting!

Shhnack

[Tay245, RN]

Good luck to you too and thanks for the pointers.

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I'm going through the same thing myself, job-hunting and "the interview". It is very stressful for me, I want everything to go smoothly. Some advice I would give you is to try to relax before the interview, you better know that your nervousness is going to show through if you are overly anxious. Also, look them in the eye, but not too intimidating. Research the company, find out what they are looking for in that position and then find some way to insert how you might fit their description. Also, research the core values or mission statement of the company. Most any interview I've been on they will ask you those questions, such as, "here at st. johns hospital, our mission is to be compassionate, have integrity, ect., ect., can you tell us some time while working that you displayed one of these characteristics. When they ask, you'll be better able to recall a situation where you did display one of those features because you had already thought beforehand about it. Some interviewers may ask you if you have any questions for them. This really through me off the first time I was every asked that question, and my answer....."um, no", real good I know, but now I thought of a few questions that will peak their interest in you and make you more desireable to hire... How long is training for this position? Do you offer a mentoring program? Do you encourage continuing education? Is there an open-door policy if I have questions regarding patient care? Basicly, questions to the employer that make you sound like you are very interested in being at the company a while, and are very interested in patient care ect. Plus, you don't have to pass up a good opportunity to sell yourself by saying..."um, no". They are waiting for you to tell them or make some kind of impression upon them that no other applicant has. Well, hope it helps, good luck in your job-hunting!

Shhnack

Those are very good points. Also think of why you are a nurse. What does nursing stand for to you?

Don't fake it, they see this right away. Plus be humble, I know I am new but I will work hard. If there is a negative, for example they ask you what is something negative about you, always put a positive with a negative. Example, yes I tend to stress out alot but I have learned that I have a team I can depend on, I have techniques to control my stress, I know who to go to, etc.

The question that I know got me the job was What is one thing that will be difficult for you as a new nurse? I said with a smile, I know the amount of work is alot and that is different because I am not used to it, but I know working hard and remembering that if I get lost I can always go to my manager and with good communication with my team will give me the tools that I need to succeed.

The manager and the recruiter gave me the biggest smiles and nods. They chitchatted with me a bit and then told me I got the position and they said I interviewed really well. (It was a scary time for me though)

Remember you are selling yourself! (not literally.........:wink2:)

[Tay245, RN]

Thank you for your advice. I will remember it and hopefully apply it (if my nerves don't get the best of me) during my interview.

[shhnack]

Good stuff Chicookie!