What is a phone interview like for a New Grad RN candidate?

beu4me06 · May 3, 2012

Hi, I am also a new grad nurse, but I did research this and have had a phone interview right before Easter and then just had my actual face to face this past week. For the phone interview get out your resume in front of you. Jot down like 5 questions to ask about the position....not like pay or hours, but like about the organization, unit, skills they are looking for. Be enthusatic what you can bring to the table. Make a list of good qualities you can bring to the organization/unit like organized, learn quickly, strong critical thinking skills, not afraid to ask questions and research something that may come up. And then if she asks for a negative try to think of what that would be and turn it into a positive. Another tip right down that woman's/mans name from HR in the beginning of the conversation so you can use their name during the interview to make it more personal. I would search on here under careers phone interview tips to see what else you can expect. My interview was straight out an interview that when I got there in person she said well we already did the interview part I just wanted to meet you and show you around and introduce you to the other staff. Good luck.

CharcoalPepper · May 3, 2012

Thanks Beau4me06 for posting such helpful advice. Good luck BostonStudentNurse, let us know how things go. :)

LadyNurse_89 · May 3, 2012

Hello!!

I think it depends on the agency for which you are applying to. For example I had one last week and all it really was rating specific skills on a 1 to 5 scale, 5 being perfect. She asked questions like my why I wanted to work there and what type of experiences I have for it. She expected me not to have a lot; she knew I was a new grad. It was actually quite easy. She was nice and besides if you are like me.....really freaked out about face-to-face, then it's much more easy because they can't see your facial expressions....or your nervousness.

So, it isn't too bad in my experience becuase for me it's not that intimidating than in person.

I wish you the best!! Grace & Peace!!

beu4me06 · May 4, 2012

I do agree that it depends on the agency, but I would be more prepared than less. And its always a good thing to have some great questions to ask to keep the conversation moving in the right direction. At the end of the conversation you can always say, "Well given my experience and qualifications do you think I am the right fit for the position?" and if they are concerned about lets say lack of experience than you can always come back with yes I may lack work experience; however, I participated in x amount of clinical hours and my instructors as well as my preceptor all gave me great positive feedback about my progress and how easily I've been able to adapt to the different units as well as communicate with staff and patients.

240zRN · May 8, 2012

I used to think phone interviews were the best because I could have my notes sprawled out before me to "cheat" on questions. .....but that wasn't the case for me. I feel I usually perform very well in interviews but I found the last phone interview I had frustrating and easily disruptive. First of all, I didn't realize how much I rely on reading the body language/expressions of my panel--this usually will guide my answer and help me to either elaborate more to wrap up an answer. Secondly, I was on speakerphone with 3 people, I had to ask to repeat questions making it hard to establish what I like to call "good interview flow" (you know, that feeling when answers roll off your tongue like butter). Phone interviews also make you feel as though you are droning on more than usual when answering questions.

My best recommendation would be to try and add a little more inflection in tone and practice brevity with your answers. Also, pauses during a phone interview are a little harder to stomach than in person and I think its because they cant see you thinking making it sounds like dead space.