Multiple job interviews advice

[SunflowerCat12]

I made the mistake of taking the first job out of school I was offered at an assisted living facility and quit after 4 weeks while still in orientation due A LOT of reasons.

I waited until I passed my nclex (last week) and now I have put in over 10 job applications and have 4 interviews next week. Two private duty and two SNFs.

i have put in applications to drug rehab facilities, local jails, psych units, dialysis clinic, lots of LTCs and SNFs, and the hospital I used to work at. So even after going on the interviews, I might get more interviews later.

I have no clue where I want to work at aside from knowing I DONT like assisted living.

Through all of LPN school haven't found any area I want to do more than others, but I like the hospital i used to work at and I went to school because I have a child with a disability who had a g-tube and oxygen for the first year of his life and at one point was in the ICU on a vent. I feel like I could handle basic cases in private duty (I know how to do g tube feedings and how to change out a gtube) but vents/trachs by myself scares me.

i am interested in psych/ drug rehab but is usually you need experience.

I want to be more selective this time.

Do you ask for a "working interview" where you can shadow for an hour or two? Compare benefits? Is it appropriate to ask if they are short staffed?

One of the LTC I am interviewing with next week is offering a $1500 sign on bonus which I feel is a red flag.

How did you decide which was the best place to work? And how do you juggle multiple interviews if one gives me a job offer?

One place told me to go ahead and bring my social security card and CPR card with me, so I feel like they will offer me a job on the spot.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

I will give you the tips that I have learned from experience.

1. Dress professionally: That means a suit and tie for men and a pant suit or skirt and blouse for women. Ladies if you are wearing a skirt wear panty hose.

2. Hair and nails should be neat and professional in color and appearance.

3. Cover visible tattoos and piercings other than in the ear and there should be no

more than two peircings per ear.

If you have a stand out hair color/style, long nails, tattoos or piercings you might want to drive by the facility at starting/quitting time. If you don't see them on the staff it's most likely an indication that it's considered unprofessional to have them.

4. Know a little bit about the job you are applying for. If you are a new grad and don't have experience say so but express a willingness to learn.

5. Learn how to handle standard interview questions like "Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem. " or "Tell me what you would do in the

following scenario?" They want to hear about things that translate to the job such as time management, prioritization and delegation.

6. If you are interviewing in the United States use American Standard English - no slang. If English is your second language try to speak slowly and

clearly so that you are understood. The same would be true in any country if their language is your second language.

7. Make sure grammar and spelling are correct on your resume and cover letter.

8. When filling out an application do not write "see resume" also have names, addresses and contact information for all references and past employment.

9. Always follow up an interview with a Thank You or follow-up email. It is ok to ask when you might expect to hear from the prospective employer.

10. If you do not get the job and you're told they had a more qualified canditate don't be afraid to ask what you might do to be more qualified in the future.

Good luck on your Job Search.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

I have several interviews coming up this week. I am going to ask if I can shadow (for free if course) for a few hours before taking any position. I have the copies of my recent PPD and Flu vaccine. I also have my RN license and a level one fingerprint/criminal history clearance from the state. Hopefully with all that information, I will be able to shadow.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Moved to Job Interview Advice forum.