Interview tips

There's a ton of this kind of information on the web. All you have to do is google it. :)

The link below is a really wonderful interview guide for nurses from John's Hopkins. It has plenty of behavioral questions to get you thinking about your clinical experiences. Good luck!!!!!

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/resources/career/center/documents/interview_guide.pdf

This site has some great advice (albeit a little outdated in terms of market analysis): Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing | Resources | Career

EDIT: oops- I didn't notice you posted the same site, lol! It's really great, and I used it pretty heavily.

I also used the John's Hopkins guide as my primary source for preparation. The behavioral questions are fairly comprehensive and got me thinking in the right direction.

Here's a couple things I've always done. Yikes! It may sound horrible that I've been to so many interviews, but my husband was in the Army and we traveled a lot, hence several jobs. Anyhow, I digress. These are in no particular order :

1--SMILE!

2--Have questions for them. If it helps to write it down, then do that. I have! Even just one or two questions--I believe it shows a) your interest and b) you've put some research into the job.

3--When asked re: your weaknesses, don't make them actual "weaknesses". Example: I say my weaknesses are my perfectionism (which is the truth) and delegating certain tasks (also the truth). I have a very hard time asking an aide to take someone to the bathroom or do vitals, because it is something I can easily do. Sometimes, however, it is not the case and I do have to delegate tasks, but it is still hard for me to ask someone else to do something.

4-I've been asked more than once how I handle conflict/confrontations. My steadfast answer is, "I do not go looking for conflict or confrontations, but I have no problem dealing with them if I have to". Then of course, you must give the obligatory example. :)

5--Don't chew gum. Just don't do it.

6--Learn how to firmly shake their hand. Don't crush bones or anything, but none of that limp-wristed crap that people attempt sometimes, LOL!

7--No matter what, even if you are no longer interested in the position after the interview--THANK them for their time.

8--I always send a handwritten thank you card, mention a little tidbit we may have connected on, and sign it, "I look forward to hearing from you, Super_RN" That way they know you are still interested, you have enough manners to send a card, and it leaves the ball in their court.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

I practiced interviewing with a friend too- she asked me questions and I answered and then she told me how to make it better (I tend to ramble!). When preparing answers you want to think in terms of soundbites- short, sweet, direct.

I'd be careful about using "perfectionism" as a weakness- it's overused and not true for most people so I think it would raise flags with some HR folks. Pick a weakness but then talk about what you're doing to work on it. Avoid deal breaker weaknesses, but pick something that shows you're able to evaluate your performance for ways to improve.

OK, this is what has worked for me:

- Ensure u go thru all the job description & really understand what is expected of you.

- If the interview is 4 a specialist area, brush up on that area. Ring the facility & find out as much as u can re the area. If it's for a general nursing job, brush up on that info too.

- make sure u go into the interview, smile, shake hands firmly, remember names if u need to, and I usually make a little light conversation or a small joke but don't go overboard.

- Brush up on CPR (DRABC), advanced life support techniques, and emergency scenarios. I had one where (for various reasons) all the other nurses were away from the ward, a patient has had some sort of abdominal surgery & he is starting to bleed everywhere thru his dressing what do u do? Well put pressure on the dressing, lower his legs, give oxygen, call for help. Then I was asked what would I do if he worsened? I got confused by this, but what they were getting at was if he arrested and was haemorrhaging (excuse spelling, am tired!) you would do ur DRABC - Look for Danger, call for help, institute a MET call, try 2 get a Response from the patient, clear the Airway, check Breathing, then do CPR. I was ALSO asked what would I do if a 2nd nurse appeared, so u need to review all that as well (ie: 2nd nurse could institute MET call, get crash cart if u haven't, do scribing, etc).

- Review all of ur occupational health & safety protocols, look up discrimination policies, etc as they will ask u questions re this.

- Finally, go by your BON website re standards for nursing in ur state/country. They will definately ask u questions re this.

The more prepared u r, the more confident u will feel.

And try to relax, and say u will take a little time to think re the questions. Try not to ask for them to come back to a question, as I think that doesn't create a very good impression and u get too flustered.

The more interviews u do, the more experience u get even if u don't get the job. Oh and write down everything they say in the car afterwards, so u can be prepared for the next interview.

ALWAYS shake everybody's hands afterwards, & say u really enjoyed the interview (but be sincere about it), and thank them for their time (as someone else said).

U will be OK, just apply for everything & anything, also try nursing agencies.

Good luck!!

Oh yes 4got 2 say make sure u write down some intelligent questions about what is expected of u (don't just ask re salary and benefits, etc), so they know ur interested & I also take notes as well so they see I'm sincere. Also hand them ur resume or professional portfolio to look at, as that shows your interest too.