Published Jul 26, 2011
<3 RN <3
27 Posts
I FINALLY have an interview! It's tomorrow so I am trying to get everything ready today... I'm just not sure what to take??? Is it appropriate to take a resume with a cover letter to the interview? And a recommendation letter? Even if you have already attached everything to your online application?...
I ask because my cover letter says something to the effect of "I would value discussing employment with you and would be able to meet with you at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration." .... I am already meeting with everybody. Also if I should take these papers, do I take a set for everyone - the director, and each manager?
This is a really important interview and just want to be completely prepared
Thanks SO much for any advice... ANY advice you may have for me! :heartbeat
Ps. what about thank you notes... Do I send these to HR with the appropriate director and managers' names? Or how do I address these to ensure they get to the right people?
NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN
3,959 Posts
Breathe. Good luck on your interview.:)
ZenStudent
39 Posts
I have one tomorrow and on friday! Before I had no choices and now I am trying to figure out the best one! I'm not an expert but I would think you need to just bring a few copies of your resume. Be sure to get a card from everyone who interviews you (if more than one) and email them a thank you when you get home and also send a handwritten one. That's what I have always done for past jobs and I think it adds a nice touch! Good luck!!!
PediNurse3
142 Posts
I would take a resume and copies of references if you have them. :)
I printed my resume on resume paper and put it in a nice folder- both times I was offered a position. I really don't like to show up anywhere empty handed though, so while I don't think it's necessary, I don't think that it would hurt, either.
Mandychelle79, ASN, RN
771 Posts
I took my resume and my most recent job evaluation with me. The manager seemed impressed that I brought the job eval with me, but my current manager gave me an awesome review.
Telelizard
92 Posts
You should create a small packet with resume, cover letter (same one u uploaded), copies of recommendation letters, certifications & license, etc. for each person you are being interviewed by (bring extra copies so each person can have their own when they are making their decision). Make sure to ask for everyone's business card so you can send a thank you email within 24 hours.
I'm sure you already know but dress very professional and conservative.
Be prepared to discuss why you want to be a nurse and how your background led you to nursing, strengths, weaknesses (when discussing weakness, make sure to include how you are working to improve it), situational questions like "tell me about a time when....", and take a deep breath!!! Good luck!!!
NurseLoveJoy88, :) Thank you!
ZenStudent, congrats! Same thing with me - nothing for months and then all of sudden...! Thanks for the advice - I didn't even think to ask for cards
PediNurse3, hey my interview is for the PICU :redbeathe Should I bring a folder for each manager?
KayRN910
127 Posts
I get several nice folders and put a copy of my resume, letters of recommendation, cover letter... just whatever I think they will want to see, depending on the position. I just interviewed for a children's hospital, so I picked a brown folder with a green clip, to keep it professional but kind of cute. Always print on nice resume paper. Wear something really nice! I stay away from skirts, because I think just too much can go wrong...
Also, sometimes theres not a good time to give the folder because they have copies of things, so at the end I'll say,"It was so nice to meet all of you! I did bring these just in case you would like to look over my resume and references. Its yours to keep!" or something like that so I can work it into the conversation.
Never interviewed for a job I didn't get. Not bragging, just fact. I take a lot of time to prepare and make sure I do it the right way.
And i feel like you can never go wrong with a nice suit. I consider it an investment. But business casual is appropriate, too. And also keep in mind, you could in interviewing with several people, so dont be surprised and freaked out, and plus, that's why I bring several copies to be sure, so I dont have to leave anybody out (cuz' that's awkward...)
Good luck!! :) Hope I've been helpful... :) Mostly, I just agree with everything everybody else has said.
Rntr
323 Posts
My suggestions is as the other's have already said except I would scan any of this information in your computer and save it for future reference..never know when you might need it..
This has been really helpful!
I have everything together (big thanks to everybody!), my clothes set out, and I have gone over some common interview questions...
Now to relax!
Thanks so much for all the support! :lvan:
Sl1011
402 Posts
I get several nice folders and put a copy of my resume, letters of recommendation, cover letter... just whatever I think they will want to see, depending on the position. I just interviewed for a children's hospital, so I picked a brown folder with a green clip, to keep it professional but kind of cute. Always print on nice resume paper. Wear something really nice! I stay away from skirts, because I think just too much can go wrong...Also, sometimes theres not a good time to give the folder because they have copies of things, so at the end I'll say,"It was so nice to meet all of you! I did bring these just in case you would like to look over my resume and references. Its yours to keep!" or something like that so I can work it into the conversation.Never interviewed for a job I didn't get. Not bragging, just fact. I take a lot of time to prepare and make sure I do it the right way.And i feel like you can never go wrong with a nice suit. I consider it an investment. But business casual is appropriate, too. And also keep in mind, you could in interviewing with several people, so dont be surprised and freaked out, and plus, that's why I bring several copies to be sure, so I dont have to leave anybody out (cuz' that's awkward...)Good luck!! :) Hope I've been helpful... :) Mostly, I just agree with everything everybody else has said.
Wow, this is awesome advice!! I'm going to do some of what you said too I always take copies of resumes, cover letters, references, etc with me. But I never thought to put them in individual NICE folders on nice paper. Maybe that will look more impressive? :) Thanks for posting.
:) No problem! I hope it helps everybody out! I love hearing about people getting new jobs they are excited about!! :)