Interview tomorrow! Help!

RN403, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2014

Congrats on the interview!

It seems that the newest interview style especially in healthcare is the behavioral interview. Here are some threads where you can find sample questions that might be of assistance:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-interview-help/how-answer-most-748905.html (Be sure to read Part II and Part III)

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/interview-questions-88629.html (This one includes things you might wear)

Be sure to practice answering these questions and have scenarios in your head that you can pull from to help you answer the questions. Tell your story, so to speak.

When it comes to dressing for an interview:

https://allnurses.com/cna-ma-nursing/what-did-you-596995.html

(There are many other threads you might find of assistance as well)

Also CareerBuilder has some up to date tips on what to wear.

Good Luck!

GingerRN17 · Aug 18, 2014

Thank you for replying! I will check all of that out!

ThatOneDude822 · Aug 18, 2014

Congrats on getting the interview! That's so exciting!

As far as what to wear, I'm not sure if the same goes for a hospital job (I don't see why it wouldn't), I was taught in a business class I took that you should go in conservative/professional/business attire. For women this would be something like high heels, nylons, a skirt (that goes at least to the knee or just above), a blouse (doesn't necessarily have to have a full sleeve, as long as your shoulders are covered it should be acceptable), and maybe a blazer if you wish (although it's not "required," I personally like blazers because they just finish off the "business" look). If you aren't into a blouse/skirt combo, you could also go for a simple dress with a blazer - although with a dress, you would almost definitely NEED the blazer to make it look business professional. Of course you can play around with color, just make sure the colors are just "pops" of color and not the basis of your entire outfit. Either of these two options would be acceptable:

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/young-professional-woman-gesturing-happiness-isolated-white-background-30128269.jpg (blouse+skirt)

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/1504551720/-font-b-Professional-b-font-set-font-b-women-s-b-font-fashion-ol-font.jpg (dress+blazer)

DISCLAIMER: As I stated earlier, I'm not sure if this applies to a hospital setting as well, but this is what it's like in the business world.

Other tips:

*DO NOT use your phone at ALL from the time you leave your car to the time you return to your car, even while you're waiting for the interviewer. Often times interviewers will ask the secretaries/receptionists how you were behaving and hearing that you were on your cell phone is a huge turn off. If you think you'll be tempted, lock your phone in your glove box. While you're waiting for your interview, just sit (don't slouch) with your head up and a smile on your face.

*If you have any jewelry, make sure it's not too busy, and make sure it doesn't make noise when you move.

*Have your hair pulled back, or tucked behind your ears to make sure it stays out of your eyes/face - interviewers hate when the person they're interviewing is constantly swiping their hair out of their face.

*Practice your handshake - you handshake is the first impression the interviewer gets of you except for your appearance. You want to have a firm handshake without squeezing their hand off. Imagine a slippery banana - you want to hold it tight enough it wouldn't fall out of your hand, but squeeze it too hard and you're going to squish the banana, that's about how hard you want to shake someone's hand.

*Limited makeup

*NO FRAGRANCES! You never know when your interviewer has an allergy. THAT would be awkward...

*Last but not least, SMILE! Smile, smile, smile. You're HAPPY about the opportunity, you're bubbly and excited that you were chosen for an interview. Now don't go in there like you're on a caffeine rush, but maybe add a little bounce to your step, speak confidently, and keep your smile on your face at all times. Just a little smile :) to show them you're glad to be there, not a creepy/awkward ear to ear grin =D with your eyes wide open.

Don't get nervous or anxious about following all of these exactly. Go in knowing that you have the skills to have the best interview you can have, and there's no such thing as a perfect interview. Confidence is the most important thing in an interview. If you forget something or slip up somewhere, take a breath and shake it off and bring that confidence out. Good luck with your interview!!