New Grad Interviews - What should I take?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth!

I have two new grad interviews coming up, and both are panel interviews. I know that I need to take several copies of my resume, but one interview requires me to bring transcript and letters of reference if available. Do you think I need to take multiple copies of those as well, or just one set of transcript and references and then several resumes?

Thank you!

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Dear What to Take,

Congrats on landing two interviews!

Make several packets composed of your:

• Resume
  
• Letters of Reference
  
• Transcript
  

Bring plenty of packets to make sure there are enough for all the interviewers. Sometimes there are more interviewers than anticipated, as the hiring manager can enlist a Charge Nurse at the last minute and say Come along with me.” It's frustrating for an interviewer not to have their own packet to refer to.

Re: Including your transcript. Transcripts are not typically included in a portfolio packet, but of course you will include it for the employer who requested it.

In general, and if not asked for, I would not include it unless your GPA is high (>3.75). Otherwise it's a distraction, and not an enhancement.

A tip that can help you to stand out is to include a business size card with your photo in your portfolio. After a long day of interviewing, interviewers tend to forget who said what, and seeing your picture will refresh their memory and impression of you. (Never put your photo on a resume, however.)

Follow up with a brief thank you note or email, one to each interviewer. It can be helpful to say I was the one who came in right after lunch” or something similar to jog their memory.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[learner1108]

This kind of advice is what new grads need when looking for jobs. It would be nice if nursing schools education included these tips for nursing students.

[kayern]

And PLEASE research the institution that is interviewing you! Do your research........are they Magnet? Do they have awards? etc.

I believe you should bring your transcript, we ask for it because we only hire BSNs and have a minimum GPA requirement. Be prepared to discuss your grades, your favorite clinicals and why you chose to interview at that institution.

GOOD LUCK!

[RAndaRoo]

Nurse Beth thank you so much for all the help! I swear I've been reading your stuff and your NurseCode website religiously. You are a very good resource! I read in one of our things advice for scenario questions which definitely helped me because I had like...7 of them! :***:

And learner1108, our school actually does tell us most of this type of stuff, and they make us practice resume, cover letter, thank you note lol but this particular question I just didn't know the answer to!

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Nurse Beth thank you so much for all the help! I swear I've been reading your stuff and your NurseCode website religiously. You are a very good resource! I read in one of our things advice for scenario questions which definitely helped me because I had like...7 of them! :***:

And learner1108, our school actually does tell us most of this type of stuff, and they make us practice resume, cover letter, thank you note lol but this particular question I just didn't know the answer to!

Thanks for your kind words. I love hearing that nursing schools are beginning to help/prepare students in this way.

[Ranax]

You are on the right track. Condensed transcripts, copied and submitted per their requirement sounds like an HR or particular manager's request. Most won't look deeply into them, but I like the point that if the GPA is lower, than do not include. Does GPA really matter after you have passed NCLEX and been licensed?

Using a photo, like a passport or other professional photo, is a great way to help them remember you.