The interview is perhaps the single most important step in the
job-seeking process. All your accomplishments until now, from
your stellar GPA to your professional resume, are irrelevant if
you can't make a good impression at this meeting. The employer
knows enough about you to be interested, but not enough to hire
you. Now is the time to show that you are more than the sum of
your parts. You are charming, intelligent, can work well under
pressure... in short, you are an ideal employee.
But don't forget—interviews should be a two-way exchange of
information. Besides being an opportunity to market yourself as a
well-qualified professional, they offer you a chance to find out
if this is the kind of environment in which you'd feel
comfortable working.
Not sure how to act at an interview? Look over these tips for
some guidelines.
Schedule Wisely
Schedule interviews with more than one institution. Start with
your least favorite potential employer so you can refine
your interviewing skills as you progress through the interviews.
Many institutions schedule two interviews: one general screening
conducted by a recruiter or human resources person, one in-depth
with a potential supervisor.
Prepare
Prepare a list of questions on index cards or in a small notebook
to ask during the interview. This shows that you're interested
and assertive. Prepare responses for the commonly-asked interview
questions. We'll discuss those in a minute. Arrive 10 to 15
minutes early. Dress appropriately and conservatively. Your
choice of clothes and accessories create a powerful impression.
Women should wear a suit or business dress and medium-heeled
shoes and keep jewelry and makeup to a minimum. Men should wear a
suit. Bring paper and a pen to take notes, a copy of your nursing
license, your application, cover letter, and several copies of
your resume.
Stay on Your Toes
Remember to maintain eye contact during the interview. Address
the interviewer as "Mr." or "Ms." and be polite and enthusiastic.
You should shake hands and remain standing until you are invited
to sit down. Remember your body language. Don't fold your arms,
and don't stare. Look the interviewer in the eye and answer
questions honestly and directly. Tell the truth! Recruiters know
each other and network frequently. If you have had a problem at a
previous hospital, talk about it directly.
Ask Your Own Questions
Ask for a tour of the facility. Observe the patients, the
interaction between the co-workers, physicians, patients, and
family members. Speak to the staff. Remember to ask about both
positive and negative aspects of working at the institution. Make
sure your questions are tactful. Get a business card from the
person who interviewed you as you leave. Make it clear who will
be getting in touch with whom and when. If you don't get a job
offer, ask when you can expect a hiring decision. Within 24
hours, send a thank-you note to the interviewer, reiterating your
interest in the job. For some suggested questions to ask during
the interview, read
At the Interview.
What They'll Ask
There are some qualities recruiters like and look for in an
employee. These include: enthusiasm and high energy level,
experience, professional commitment, critical thinking skills,
leadership qualities, professional demeanor, strong communication
skills, and emotional maturity. There are some common questions
that the recruiter may ask to determine the kind of contribution
you can make to the institution.
One of the common questions is "Tell me about yourself." To
prepare for this question rehearse a three-minute explanation
about your professional life, not your personal interests.
Include a brief summary of your education and nursing career.
Point out your strengths and how you will use them in this job.
Other questions might include "Describe your philosophy of
nursing," "Why did you become a nurse?," "Tell me about your
educational background," "Tell me about a recent clinical
experience, "Describe the most ethically challenging situation
you faced as a nurse," "What do you like least about nursing?",
"What do you want to be doing five years from now?" Your answers
to all these questions should, of course, be thoughtful and
honest. Draw on your education and experience.
What They Shouldn't Ask
There are some questions that are illegal to be asked during an
interview. It is illegal to be asked:
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Your Age |
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Your Marital Status |
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Your Religion |
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Your National Origin |
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Your Financial Status |
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The Number of Children You Have or even Your
Plans to Have Children
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Questions concerning the status of your health are also
illegal to be asked during an interview. If these questions come
up, remain calm and professional. Feel free to answer the
questions if you're comfortable with them, but know that you're
not obligated to discuss them. You may reply in an indirect
fashion, "My personal life will not interfere with fulfilling the
responsibilities for this job."