Interview tips

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2012

dress nicely, in a conservative suit if you have one, or blouse/jacket/skirt if you don't. flats or low heels, no sandals or open-toes shoes. minimal or no makeup and jewelry, no huge floppy purse. cell phone turned off. working pen easily findable in your bag. copy of your license, resume, and recommendations if you have them.

so why do i talk about this stuff when you want to make a good impression with your verbal answers? because like it or not, first impressions do count. no matter how bright you are, you won't get past the hr person if you don't present yourself as a total professional. if professional isn't a role you're not practiced in, fake it. i don't mean make up answers, i mean pretend you are in complete and total control of yourself, have no anxieties, and have been here before.

if they know you're a new grad hr won't ask you much; they'll do a basic screen and then hand you off to a nurse manager. that person will know you're a new grad and will not ask you a lot of detailed clinical questions, because s/he will know you don't know much yet-- probably basics like basic labs or care plans for certain populations. s/he might not even ask you much, preferring the sound of his/her own voice and doing most of the talking. come prepared with some intelligent questions about the patient population in the unit (do a google search for nursing articles on them for ideas).

just do your best and good luck!

alovelymother · Aug 1, 2012

Dress nicely, in a conservative suit if you have one, or blouse/jacket/skirt if you don't. Flats or low heels, no sandals or open-toes shoes. Minimal or no makeup and jewelry, no huge floppy purse. Cell phone turned OFF. Working pen easily findable in your bag. Copy of your license, resume, and recommendations if you have them.
So why do I talk about this stuff when you want to make a good impression with your verbal answers? Because like it or not, first impressions do count. No matter how bright you are, you won't get past the HR person if you don't present yourself as a total professional. If professional isn't a role you're not practiced in, fake it. I don't mean make up answers, i mean pretend you are in complete and total control of yourself, have no anxieties, and have been here before.
If they know you're a new grad HR won't ask you much; they'll do a basic screen and then hand you off to a nurse manager. That person will know you're a new grad and will not ask you a lot of detailed clinical questions, because s/he will know you don't know much yet-- probably basics like basic labs or care plans for certain populations. S/he might not even ask you much, preferring the sound of his/her own voice and doing most of the talking. Come prepared with some intelligent questions about the patient population in the unit (do a Google search for nursing articles on them for ideas).
Just do your best and good luck!

Absolutely! I interviewed for an OB tech position with no previous healthcare experience and I came on time, dressed professionally, and with a copy of my resume. 5 years later my director told me that she gave me a chance because I came prepared.

LatinaRN978 · Aug 1, 2012

Thank you both so much for your input! I will focus more on behavioral questions, and hope that I do not get asked a whole lot of clinical/theory questions! Any other input is appreciated!!

Thanks to all!