Your Interview Experience

thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP · Jul 21, 2020

I had a phone interview with the recruiter, than another one with the MD incharge of onsite accounts (I work in a occupational health clinic based at a food manufacturing site- so my company is an independent contractor), then another phone interview with a different MD who is my supervising physicians boss, then a face to face interview with the same MD (supervising physicians boss) then another in person interview with the VP of HR of the food manufacturing place and person in charge of occ med claims at the food manufacturing place- the whole thing took about a week. The offered me a job on Saturday morning!

That was 16 months ago and I have not looked back since:)

3UNC · Jul 21, 2020

That is insane. I can think of few situations that make me more uncomfortable than having to interview, so I hope I will not have to participate in as many as you did. Thanks for sharing.

thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP · Jul 21, 2020

39 minutes ago, 3UNC said:
That is insane. I can think of few situations that make me more uncomfortable than having to interview, so I hope I will not have to participate in as many as you did. Thanks for sharing.

yes I think I am in a unique role therefore so many interviews. Most of my classmates had two interviews and were done. I actually interview really well because I always feel like I have options ( to do other things besides being a RN or NP- I used to be an engineer and have a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering), so when I interview the interview is also me checking out the company to see if they are a match to my needs as well and this has always put me at ease during interviews.

3UNC · Jul 21, 2020

Sounds like you're in a good position career-wise. You're fortunate.

thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP · Jul 21, 2020

56 minutes ago, 3UNC said:
Sounds like you're in a good position career-wise. You're fortunate.

Yes I count my blessings. Also living in the central valley of California helps as well. Goodluck with your job search and interview.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Jul 22, 2020

My typical interview experience:

1. Phone interview with recruiter

2. Phone interview with supervising MD

3. In person interview with a panel consisting of various MDs, NPs, PAs, maybe HR or a VP or CEO

4. May be asked to stay for shadowing for a couple hours

Personally, I'd be leery of an organization that does not do a thorough job of vetting a candidate

verene, MSN · Jul 22, 2020

For my current role (PMHNP), I had conversation with recruiter (brief info about position and logistics of interview related) and then day of multiple-panel interviews with psychiatry department and interdiscipinary team-members/leadership, including structured panels, lunch interview, and informal interview during tour of facility, and a 1:1 interview with department head. I believe I had this was on a Thursday and I had second interview/contract negotiation/verbal offer with department head via phone on Monday, physical offer in hand on Tuesday.

I've interviewed on the other side now a few times and due to COVID the process has change some - we are now doing interviews via skype with only a small panel and then a 1:1 with department head.

I was REALLY intimidated when I saw the schedule (I think 19-20 names total), but it was a really good way to see the "formal" side and the "informal" side of the department and ask a LOT of questions. Also gave me a great sense of how I would fit in personality wise since I met so many prospective team members during the interview process. (And even though I don't directly work with some who interviewed me - meeting them at the interview has made it less intimidating to reach out when I've needed to contact them for various things since then).

I agree with ThinBlueLine easiest way to take the pressure out of an interview is to use the time ti interview the organization and see if they are a good fit for you, and to see meeting a variety of people an opportunity to gain multiple points of view on the organization. This is probably even more important than showing you are a good fit for them - because how much does it really matter if they think you are great if you end up thinking their organization is a three-alarm fire you don't want anything to do with?

3UNC · Jul 22, 2020

Thanks for the advice.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jul 22, 2020

My interviews were done via video meeting due to covid. For my first job interview I met with the recruiter, then cmo, then supervising physician, and finally two founders/executives (4 separate interviews).

Another job interview included a couple of NPs, director of mental health, a physician, and a couple other staff within the team (2 interviews with multiple people).

3UNC · Jul 30, 2020

So I can actually add to this conversation now ..

I have now interviewed with a potential employer three times over the past nine days (recruiter - > CEO - > medical director & another physician). I received a message from the recruiter about an hour after my last interview stating that she would like to schedule a date and time for me to visit the clinic and meet my potential coworkers. This would be my first time seeing any of them, as all of the interviews took place over the phone. Would you recommend wearing business casual or business professional attire for this meeting? It seems like the formal interviewing is over, but I don't want to be underdressed if I am wrong.

Thank you. I appreciate every response.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jul 31, 2020

Always wear formal professional attire until you have a firm offer letter in hand. Visiting the clinic and meeting coworkers are a part of the formal interviewing process. But it's a good sign!