Portfolio for an Interview?

Susy,

I am only a nursing student with three more semesters to go but.... we were told from the start to keep a portfolio of all accomplishments for just such an occasion. We were told that it would show our organizational skills as well as our accomplishments and experience. We were also told to get letters of recomendation from instructors and professors who's classes we enjoyed and excelled in. This could be done for the areas in which you worked. I do know that it is a good way to keep track of where you have been in your career and things that you might not find important may make the difference between getting that job and them passing you by for someone else who might have that portfolio at the interview..... or at least that is what they have drilled into us during our freshman nursing courses...... GOODLUCK!!

Sally

So, how do present the letters of recommendation? I have a few good ones, but the copies I get are sent to me via email. The professor sends the original to the school I requested them to send it. Is it ok to use the copy of the letter that they sent to me w/o their signature? Or should I just start asking them to send me a copy too?

I wouldn't forward or copy and paste emails; I would ask the authors of the letters to generate an original letter, on school/company letterhead with their original signature. You can then make photocopies or have them assembled in your portfolio for a one-time viewing.

llg, you brought up some good points. So many times I've had questions that I struggled to answer or wasn't quite prepared for. An essay sounds like a unique opportunity to demonsrate your line of thinking. It is what they are after and honestly I think no one expects people to think "on the spot" all the time. Most interviewers aren't interested in how quickly you can answer, but the answer itself.

HELP!!!

For some reason I am freaking out over this interview today. :uhoh21:

It's warm out today (82 degrees already) and am struggling between wearing a pant suit (blazer) or not. I have many nice, simple button up blouses and pants but only two suits. If I didn't wear a suit, would that convey that I'm too casual?!

Help!! My interview is in 2 hours!!

I think dressing for the occasion is in order; if it is warm, dress for warm. If your pant suits are not for summer wear then wear something that is dressie for an interview but business like (conservative).

As I tell me beautiful daughter, a paper bag would look good on you... You will do fine in whatever you choose. Wear your smile, show your confidence in yourself, and shoulders errect girl!

When it's over... we want details....

I think I might be more "myself" in a simple blouse and matching pants anyway. Geez, I never had this trouble over interviews before....

I'll be sure to give details, promise. :)

If it is the right job for you Suzy, I sure hope you get it

Okay, I opted for the suit. I have one that's fairly summer-ish and I figured I'd rather overdress than under dress.

Anyway, just got back from the interview and it seemed to have gone well, I thought. The VP of Women's Services (my boss) said she was impressed with my resume and overall seemed to like what I had to say.

I then interviewed with the Director's of Women's Services for each hospital in the system. One of them used to be my CNS and I also just completed working with her at my current job as she was a consultant to us for a professional practice development model for nursing. So, there was an established relationship there which I think helped. Made me more at ease anyway.

They focused alot on my lack of supervisory experience; I tried to highlight how those skills can be developed but that I bring xyz to the table, etc.

They have 3 candidates (including me) and a decision should be made this week or perhaps next. It's a toss up, I think.

But the job sounds challenging! It's a new position; I'd be responsible for the prenatal programs and the staff ed programs (fetal monitoring, perinatal principles, etc) Definitely an area in which to grow. So, time will tell I guess.

I gave them my abstract of my thesis and they seemed to be impressed with that as apparently that kind of work is what they want this position to accomplish. So....keep your fingers crossed for me. :)

Good luck Suzy! Don't believe that "they have X number of other candidates" garbage, they told me that so many times, and I would get an offer the next day, even when they supposedly were not going to be finished interviewing for a few weeks. They just wait so long as to not appear desperate.

I am sure you are up for the challenge.

Isn't it frustrating when they say you have no sup experience, but if no one gives you a chance, how DO you ever get it? And you DO have this experience, didn't you ever supervise an aide in the hospital? Or were in charge and made out assignments? That is all relevant (OK, not exactly in their eyes, but you plug it for what it's worth!)

.

Isn't it frustrating when they say you have no sup experience, but if no one gives you a chance, how DO you ever get it? And you DO have this experience, didn't you ever supervise an aide in the hospital? Or were in charge and made out assignments? That is all relevant (OK, not exactly in their eyes, but you plug it for what it's worth!)

Yeah, I was thinking of that when I was driving home. I mean, people aren't born supervisors.

I didn't use my charge nurse role as evidence of that, though that would have been good. What I did use was evidence of "indirect" leadership; ability to influence a group, consulting skills, etc.

Eh, we'll see. I'm nervous about it. I think it's a leap for me but then all jobs should be a professional stretch, don't you think?

Didn't get the job.

This one has me really upset. I'm really disappointed. I feel like I have two major skills: education and OB, yet one of them (OB) is being allowed to sit on a shelf and atrophy no matter how hard I try.

Oh Suzy

Sometimes, my only consolation is in knowing that my prayer has been to be given what is in my best interest. I am not sure if these words help but this philiosophy has helped me in the past.

I understand where you are coming from. There really are so few jobs / appointments that I truly want and I have been let down a lot over the years in feeling unchallenged and unacknowledged in my career goals. And then... wham... some other short term "something" comes up and I am renewed. I go along and accumulate such a wealth of knowledge and reinforcement as to why I am who and where I am that somehow, eventually, it (the big picture) all makes sense again.

I am not where I want to be... by any means... but I am on a wonderful path of moving forward. It sounds like you are too. YOU have gained much in the insight of interviewing, learning to make a profile, and reflecting inward where you would like to be headed. I say... you are ahead girl!

Their loss.... tisk... tisk.....

Now onward and forward..... Wish we could have a beer together tonight and reflect further :)

Their loss :)