job interview

ann4997 · Oct 8, 2011

interviews of any kind can be nerve-wracking, but it is one of those things that do get easier with more experience (so interview as much as you can) and prepare. there are many links out there on how to prepare for an interview, from your appearance to standard questions and how to answer them. also, make sure you know something about their facility and have a good answer prepared for why you want to work at their facility (not because i need a job). understand the type of clientele they serve; are they a community hospital, what sets them apart from another hospital in the area and what you think you can offer them.

i switched careers and in my former life i interviewed people and while you don't want to sound too reheorificed, articulate is good. they might ask you things like "describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult patient/co-worker/family member." it is fine that those experiences are from nursing school or if you can't think of any from nursing go back to any experience as such (retail co-worker, lab partner in school - anything). they want to see how you deal with conflict. it is better to have something to relate to them than to say that you have never been in a situation like that. they want to see how you react etc. they almost always will ask you what are your best assets and shortcomings. don't just list attributes - give examples of each: "i am a quick learner - as evidenced by my success in an accelerated nursing program." or "i have problems delegating or asking for help, but i am working on this by understanding that i can't do everything and making sure that i follow through with that person to make sure that things were done." you get the idea. i would write out as many of those questions that you find as well as your complete answers. read it though - without trying to memorize it - and that will help you not be too nervous and "tongue tied" during the interview (just like an exam - you study to prepare; the more prepared you are the less nervous you are). also, if they ask you something that you don't have experience with think about your prepared questions and think if anything is similar and say "i don't have that exact experience, but..."

i know this might not help you with the interview that you just had, but it will help you for future interviews. for example, many places have hr interview you first, then if they think you are a good candidate, then they usually have the unit/nurse manager conduct their own interview (for which you might want to study the ailments you would be dealing with on that floor so you can give some basic answers, for example: what are sign and symptoms of hypo/hyper glycemia - whatever medical situations you may encounter for the job you are applying). i would rather be over-prepare than under-prepare. while experience does play a role, they also want to see if you are a good fit with their staff. they might get someone’s resume and see all kinds of great experience, but when they come in for a personal interview – they might not show the kinds of personal attributes that they are looking for (are they over-confident, are they willing to learn “our” way); you just never know, so don’t sell yourself short.

lastly, the thank you note is a great thing to do - always. i recommend a hand written note, but if you know time is critical you can send an email, but i would still follow that up with a hand written note. it is also appropriate to make a follow up phone call a week after your interview to inquire of the status of the position, however don’t keep calling back. ask them when they think they will make a decision; when should you expect to hear from them. if they decide not to hire you, you can tell them that you are interested in working there, and are they aware of any other positions for which you would be a good fit.

i hope this helps…good luck and don’t give up!