My First Interview ~ HELP ~ New RN

[NSGisLife]

I just finished my BSN last month and I have my first professional nursing interview in a couple weeks. I REALLY want this position. It's a 40 hr New Grad Program position. I recently went out and bought brand new professional attire for the interview, so I'll already have my power suit on.

I'm not sure what types of questions might be asked of me though. I know they'll probably ask the basics like 'Why did you want to be come a Nurse?' and 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?'

So tell me:

~What type of questions were asked of you?

~Do you have any interview tips?

~Really any advice at all is welcomed!!!

Thanks!

[closetoyou21, CNA]

Hey!!

That's awesome you got the suit as that's always a plus plus! In addition to attire..

- Prior to interview, education and practice is key... Google will be your BFF( look up interview questions)

- Intro-" tell us about yourself" make sure you are strong and organized in your mind when asked this question and answer sincerely.

- Know the companies mission/ purpose

- Whatever floor they are going to put you on, know somewhat what is done on the floor

- They like to know what you would do in certain scenarios, so reflect back maybe on some clinical moments that might be helpful.

- They may ask you about pitching in to help other nurses who need your assistance during a shift so basically they are trying to see if you are a team player!

- Be eagar and enthusiastic

-Smile, sit up staraight and speak with confidence

- Avoid ummm...uhhh, like, mid sentences

- practice your interview with a friend or 2 and tell them to give honest constructive criticism.

Remember, organizations want friendly, caring, dependable, organized people who are team players and have a willingness to learn. Most of what they ask you will be centered around this!

Here's a website I found with some questions that are asked on interviews:Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

Even if they don't ask these you'll be over prepared:))) I wish you the best of luck and hope you get the job!!!!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I have had 20 plus interviews. Took me 6 interviews to get my dream job. I got it because I came across "confident and smart". I was acting all the way.

Practice in front of the mirror.. hold your shoulders back and give good eye contact.

You got this, keep us posted.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Be prepared to lay out your faults, and don't give BS answers.

"What will be your greatest weakness?"

A: I have a very type A personality, and I find delegation is difficult for me. I've been working on delegating more in my current job, and I realize I can't do every nursing task by myself. I'm excited about being in a team-oriented situation and working to improve my delegation skills.

Take a negative, add a positive spin to it, and viola. You've answered the question perfectly.

[EGspirit]

Just imagine you're Bill Clinton answering tough questions:

What is your biggest weakness?

Bill Clinton's voice: "I think caring so much about the people who are suffering. What I put in takes a lot out and I need to make sure I re-charge."

Just think of all your answers in Bill Clinton's voice, and you'll do fine!

Kidding, of course.

Seriously, you sound like you're the kind of employee any company would want. :)

[guest52816]

As the first poster stated: Practice your answers over and over, until they become second nature. As the second poster stated: Make good eye contact.

Be prepared for the greatest weakness question, and make sure you picture something that can demonstrate improvement upon (I think fourth poster gave you an example of this).

I had an interview yesterday, and was about teamwork, work day organization and a time I found myself working within a dysfunctional unit (could be related to work or school or just about anything).

Be prepared for a panel interview. My first new graduate job had me interview before a ten-person panel made up of potential co-workers. They were trying to determine likeability, ability for fit in with the group culture and of course, answers to the questions they asked. But the former may have been more important that than the latter.

Good luck. Go after this with confidence.