prepare for job interview

Don't give up :)!

I just graduated from an LPN program in August and got hired after my first interview. I have no prior health care experience, but the interviewer was more concerned about work ethic than anything else and it helped to have great references.

I made sure I wore a NICE (as in silk or light-weight wool) skirt suit, matching shoes that were in top-notch condition, my hair was out of my face and neatly set up, makeup was light and neutral, had my nails done, and made sure my breath was fresh. So far for the appearance part - first impressions do count.

I prepared for the interview by reading several websites that listed possible questions that could be asked, such as listing your strengths, weaknesses, etc., and I mentally reheorificed my answers. What really impressed the interviewer was that I came prepared with additional copies of my resume and a list of references with addresses and phone numbers (printed on high-quality paper), copies of all my certificates, licenses, awards, etc. I also contacted all the people I listed as a reference to make sure they were OK with it, and to get a feel if they would give me a good review. Even my old bosses from almost ten years ago enthusiastically agreed to vouch for me. That made all the difference and two days after the interview, I was offered a job!

Now, I had another interview right after that one and it did not go well at all. They were not impressed by all my efforts and clearly just wanted someone with lots of nursing experience, which they should have been able to tell from my resume I do not have. I could tell that I more than likely would not hear from them again because the interview was short and they did not care to get my list of references, etc. Oh well, I liked the first job better anyways.

I wish you the best of luck! Looking for a job is hard work and emotionally draining, time-consuming and just plain annoying. Don't give up, you have a great background and eventually, something will happen.