Question for interviewers

For me, confidence and being well-spoken and professional. I like evidence of clear intelligence. Also, the resume needs to be cogent with no spelling or grammatical errors. Although, we did once hire someone whose resume was HORRIBLE, but she turned out to be an awesome employee.

"Always a bridesmaid; never a bride."

"Always a bridesmaid; never a bride."

That's about how it feels today! I got two rejections in one day for jobs I've recently interviewed for, one of which I was almost certain I'd get. I am devastated.

It's tough, because there ARE so many great candidates out there, so it's hard to compete. *SIGH*

@nicuguy (sorry, mobile, so I can't quote)

I ask what kinds of changes and challenges the unit is facing at the moment, what they're looking for in a candidate, I've asked why they like working there, what kinds of patients they see a lot of (depending on the unit).

I feel like as a new grad, I have the disadvantage of not really having made some big change happen (hard as a student!). I work now very independently, and I talk about that, that it falls on me to make things happen and I tell about some of the out-of-the-box ways I've had to make things happen. I talk about researching what my infusion clients have because it's interesting and will probably come up again someday, that I feel like there's always something to learn and I love that, that I want to pursue my master's at some point (sometimes I mention this, but not sure if I should). I try to sell myself, talk about what makes me different from other candidates, talk about my healthcare experience prior to nursing that relates to the position, my passion for nursing...

Those are some great questions and points, nicuguy, thank you! :)

It seems like they ask about a change I've made in nursing. I've made changes in other jobs and roles, including a health policy for my son's school (on my resume) and working in retail management (I was a hiring manager, so I have some familiarity with what interviewers are looking for). With nursing changes, I've talked about individual patients, like one I advocated to have put on hospice.

I have a ton of other work experience, and I speak to that as appropriate.

As far as the working independently, I also try to talk about the importance of teamwork and being a team player and what that means to me. When people as what I want or where I see myself in 5 years, the first thing is that I want to be working with an awesome team. I can speak to how I contribute to a team environment, and I try to do this.

I know what you mean about perception- just wish I had control over that!

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What makes a candidate stand out from the rest during an interview to make you want to offer them a position?

I've had several very good interviews, and been the first runner up at least 3 times now and it's getting old. I feel like I interview well (and that's the feedback I get from managers), but something is clearly standing in the way of me being the perfect candidate. I realize you don't know me personally or how I interview, but if you can share your experiences with candidates who really shined above the rest, that would be awesome.

if you don't mind me asking...what kind of position and unit are you applying for? depending on the facility & position...some places/people just operate differently, IMO.

Make sure you know your stuff and know it WELL. So well that you can break everything down on an intricate level. In addition to obviously being eloquent, confident, and professional, interviewers a lot of times will pay very, very close attention to DETAIL. In regards to any duties or responsibilities you may have held, in order for the interviewer to really gauge your level of understanding in these roles, detail is something they will especially be on the lookout for. Best of luck! :)

@SoCaLRN, I've interviewed for a variety of positions in hospitals. So far ED, ICU and mother baby units, but I'm applying to almost everything. I make sure to apply for positions that don't say that experience is REQUIRED. Of the non-hospital interviews I've had, I've been offered every single job except for one hospice job, and that was only because the recruiter came back saying that I had to have a year of experience. For the hospitals, at least twice now I was the first runner up. (Second interview to break a tie between myself and one other candidate for one, and bumped for a last minute internal candidate for another)So far, I've interviewed for 4 different hospital systems.

Engage the interviewer by asking her to tell you about herself, how she became a nurse manager, etc. Also, ask questions specifically tailored to the unit for which you're applying. Additionally, ask about the lack of reimbursement for hospital acquired infections, and let them know that you will be meticulous in your care and documenting to ensure appropriate reimbursement. Good luck.