how to prepare a telephone job interview ?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 8, 2009

Moved to the first year in nursing forum

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 8, 2009

1. The typical questions will be the same as for most RN interviews. You can use the "search" function on this site to find threads that discuss those in more detail. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in the job, your strengths and weaknesses (learning needs, etc.) as a nurse, etc.

2. Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. While it is usually OK to ask a few questions about the schedule, the pay range, benefits, etc. ... it's usually best NOT to emphasize those things until late in the job application process. In other words, don't ask about the pay until they offer you the job. But a few general questions about the typical questions, general pay range (not a specific quoted salary), etc. It's also OK to ask about the orientation program, other educational opportunities, the work environment, typical types of patients, nurse-patient ratio, etc. Be sure that your questions show that you are really interested in taking care of that type of patient and actually doing the kind of work that the job requires. Nobody wants to invest in orienting somebody who is just looking for "any old job until a better one comes along." Your questions should indicate that you really care about the patients, want to do that type of work, and will be a good employee.

3. Keep in mind that this is a phone interview. The interviewer can't see your face, your body language, etc. So, pay attention to how you sound as you talk. That's all the interviewer has to go on. Put some energy in your voice as appropriate. Speak up and speak clearly. Don't be monotone. I've conducted phone interviews, and believe me, when the applicant talks quietly, says little, mumbles, etc. ...that doesn't make a good impression. While they won't be evaluating what you wear, they WILL be evaluating how you present yourself -- and all they have to go by is how you sound. So be sure you sound up-beat, happy, excited about the opportunity they have to offer some lucky person, etc. Be sure to "put a smile in you voice."

If you are not sure how you sound on the phone, do some practice interviews with a friend. I'd recommend pretending to be the interviewer for at least one practice session. Ask you friend to pretend to be "down" -- mumble, speak softly, give one or two word answers, etc. Pay attention to how it sounds to you, the interviewer. Then ask her to speak up, be "perky," and appear very interested in the job. Compare how that sounds over the phone. Then YOU practice sounding up-beat over the telephone.

4. When it is time for the interview ... Be a comfortable place and position. That's a big advantage of phone interviews. Wear comfortable clothes, remove any distractions, etc. Don't have kids, pets, TV, etc. making noise in the badground or that will be a distraction to both you and the interviewer. Have a drink handy to sip on in case you need it. (I did my doctoral program interview sipping on a glass of wine.) Have any relevant career information handy (license number, contact info for references, etc.). Also have a paper and pen handy to take notes if needed. You might not need to, but they might say something you want to right down.

Good luck!

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

I would also add to the above post, have a list of questions you want to know as well. Questions about nurse/patient ratio's, how orientation works, what happen's if it seems that your not a good fit for the unit, etc... Having well thought out questions to ask the interviewer shows good preparation. Research the hospital, show that you have read up on them, etc.

Good luck...

mikhy · Mar 9, 2009

thanks a lot for your generous help !

i'd like to ask from where i can find the example of answers of interview questions ?

thanks !

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

thanks a lot for your generous help !
i'd like to ask from where i can find the example of answers of interview questions ?
thanks !

Go to the career's advice forum. There is a "sticky" titled "Wonder why you can't get hired?" or something to that effect. If there is examples and websites that have interview questions both ones you might get asked and those you can ask the interviewer.

Hope this helps....