Tips for Reducing Interview Anxiety

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hey everyone.

I'm a brand new recent graduate, and I had my very first nurse job interview (for Float Pool) last Monday (and first interview in general in almost 9 years...) and I found out yesterday that I won't be getting a job offer. One of my best friends (she's a nurse manager there) recommended the position since she thinks I'd like the variety and the hospital is very receptive to new graduates. The nurse manager I interviewed with felt I should get experience on another unit with the support of regular staff then she said once I become comfortable being a nurse I can reapply for the position down the line since she liked me and still thinks I'm a great candidate.

Of course I'm upset a little since I liked the idea of float pool and the experience, but I have another interview lined up next week for a general med-surg floor at the same hospital.

I think my biggest issue is interviewing anxiety. I have general anxiety, it runs in my family. I also have some social anxiety. Are there any tips you guys have to help manage this for my next interview? I thought I did okay with hiding how nervous I was, but evidently not good enough. I tend to stammer and ramble when I'm very nervous. It's kinda bad. I was thinking no coffee at all the morning of, and maybe going for a run early that morning to burn off energy. I think I also need to improve on how I answer those dreaded questions. I had written up answers the days leading up to the interview but my mind just blanked when she actually asked them. And I also had forgotten my list of questions to ask her but most of them had been answered during our convo, she was very thorough. Ugh. I need to get better at this.

Any tips or words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Well, I see my thread had a lot of activity. lol

I just wanted to follow up and say that I did well on my second interview (same hospital different unit) and that I did get the job offer last Friday and I accepted. If everything goes as planned, I likely will start mid-late August. ? Now, to concentrate on passing this NCLEX on Monday....

1 Votes

I know I'm a little late to respond...

First off, congrats on getting a position!

As for interviewing, I'm no pro but I still thought I'd share a few tips I've learned ? Steering clear of caffeine definitely helps me with reducing anxiety! It's important to prepare for an interview, but sometimes I think over-preparing can hurt you in the long run... the best advice I can give is to be yourself in an interview! Try not to answer questions like you've memorized the answers, you can answer them as you've practiced at home but also make sure to show them you have personality! My last tip for now is to remember that the internet is your friend!! There are SO many resources online that can help you prepare for interviews... use them!!

Best of luck in your future & hope this helps ?

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Float pool is rarely a good idea for new grads. Not nearly enough continuity and support. I am glad you go another offer. Good luck in your career!

1 Votes

I'm applying for ICU position, and having a hard time finding interview help. Suggestions?

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