Lately I've been going on many interviews-each time I learn something new to improve. So far every interview I have gone on has resulted in no job offers, but that will soon change!
I realized that I sell myself short a lot of the time during interviews. Since I have absolutely no nursing experience I come across less confident when answering certain questions. I have learned that although I may not have hands on training on a skill (except in nursing school) I do have the knowledge, which now, I focus on emphasizing to the employer. Even if I don't know something I will give it my best shot in expressing that I am a competent worker.
One of the major mistakes that I've noticed I made in my past few interviews is: offering TOO MUCH INFORMATION.... My new motto is answer only what is asked, keep it short and concise. The more I say the more likely I dig myself in a hole... I also noticed that my great personaility wasn't showing through because of nervousness-the interviewers are every day people like myself, they are human! I'm beginning to feel more at ease by knowing this and also: I get 15-30 minutes to talk about the fabulousness (so not a word) that is me... The biggest mistake I made thus far is not being prepared. I apply to so many jobs that I usually don't have time to research which one I am going to. When they ask "do you have any questions" my response is usually a reiteration of the job requirements and salary.
So, nurses! What are the mistakes you believe has left you with no job offers during interviews? If you are currently employed what was your approach to getting hired during an interview?
i'm a new grad who recently landed a position in a residency program at a top magnet hospital.. nope i dont have any other nursing exp, nope my GPA wasnt the best, but i did get my ducks all lined up in a row when i went and i showed motivation/determination/ confidence. ACLS, BLS, professional organizations, evidenced based research examples from recent journals i read that relates to them, researched recent developements of the hospital and talked about it. i went to 3 interviews and got all 3. here's my advice to you.
answer this question, what makes YOU stand out from the rest? any particular leadership event that you did. u gotta be memorable...
when they ask about qualities like leadership, critical thinking skills, fast learner.. you almost always have to back it up with a real life example from your experience. dont just throw those words out there without a backup. i dug up old clinical work/ papers-- and when they asked about leadership- i immediately had couple examples drawn up from my head and just told stories. the manager was impressed with my past experience just from nursing clinicals!
yea u gotta give urself more credit for what you know. 2-3 years in clinical is more than enough! u just gotta refresh yourself in your head what you did. good luck. confidence is everything... i literally had 15 pages of ques answer typed up and reviewed the answer 20 times.
and when HR calls for screening interviews.. hha iduno if this is a good idea but i always never pick up my phone. after they leave a v-mail. i check it quickly, grab my "cheat sheet of info", and set it in front of me, and then proceed to call them back! its better than picking it up and not knowing who they are and what to say!
goodluck!
I think this is a great idea. If they called you that means they are interested, so, calling back a few minutes later to prepare is not so bad. Also, I wouldn't be too worried about not reaching them, in this this case they are actually waiting for your call.
My new motto is answer only what is asked, keep it short and concise. The more I say the more likely I dig myself in a hole..
. I also noticed that my great personaility wasn't showing through because of nervousness-the interviewers are every day people like myself, they are human! I'm beginning to feel more at ease by knowing this and also: I get 15-30 minutes to talk about the fabulousness (so not a word) that is me...
The biggest mistake I made thus far is not being prepared. I apply to so many jobs that I usually don't have time to research which one I am going to. When they ask "do you have any questions" my response is usually a reiteration of the job requirements and salary.
grateful2010, LPN, LVN
133 Posts
I think this is a great idea. If they called you that means they are interested, so, calling back a few minutes later to prepare is not so bad. Also, I wouldn't be too worried about not reaching them, in this this case they are actually waiting for your call.