I have experience with hospital related job interviews, but going on a RN job interview is on a whole other level. I learned these tips over the years and I have put them to the test and they have never steered me wrong.
So here are some (of what I think) of the most important ones.
"Daisy Duke" doesn't need to show up: Wear a suit. If you don't have one, go and buy one. You can either wear a pants suit or a skirt. If you wear a skirt make sure it isn't too tight and hits at or in the middle of your knee. Do not show any cleavage, it is NOT a good look. Have your hair neatly done, if it is too short to pin up make sure it's pulled away from your face and not bothersome.
Men, make sure your hair is freshly cut and you are neatly shaved. Do not wear too much perfume/cologne, this may affect the patients and some people are sensitive to strong scents. Minimal to moderate makeup is preferred. Wear closed toe shoes with a moderate heal so you don't look awkward walking in heals, if you are not used to them. NO flip flops, short shorts, tank tops, or noisy jewelry.
If you are on time, you are late: If your interview is scheduled for 11:00am, be there at 10:30am. This helps to decrease anxiety, if there is traffic or if you are not sure where to go, you have extra time to get where you need to be. Also go to sleep at a decent time night before, so you are not yawning throughout the interview. Set at least two alarm clocks, just in case one fails to go off.
Be engaged: Have eye contact, smile and be aware of your nonverbal language. Sit up right, cross your legs or not and have your hands folded on the table or on your lap. Also, remember when you meet up with either the nurse recruiter or nurse manager, shake their hands firmly upon arriving and leaving.
Do your research: Make sure to research the facility you are interested in. Information like this will probably be under a link named " About Us" on their website. You probably gained this information while completing your cover letter, but during the interview you will win them over if you know specifics about the facility. Know their motto and values. Be knowledgeable on different activities that occur in the hospital or things you would love to be involved in. This will show your deep interest in working there.
Practice makes perfect: Do a test run of what you are planning on saying with someone you know the night before your interview. When they ask you questions about yourself and about why you love nursing you want to have an idea of what you want to say. Doing a test run will help to decrease the "buts" and "ums" that can happen if you can't remember what to say. Just remember, it IS okay to ask the interviewers if you can start over.
Copies of your resume and cover letter: Bring a copy or two of your resume and cover letter to hand give to the interviewers. Make sure you print them out on resume paper, either white or off white. NO colored paper (such as pink, purple or scented) or fancy fonts, stay with Times New Roman sized at 12. Buy a folder or if you want to be fancy, a leather portfolio, to hold your papers.
If you want, you can add any awards or certifications you are proud of. This may seem like you are showing off, but this displays your accomplishments and actually impresses them.
Follow-up: Either if you do or don't get the position always remember to thank them for the opportunity for the interview. You can either send them a personalized card or an email. If you are unsure of what to write, the internet has a vast amount of Thank- You letter templates. They will appreciate this gratuitous gesture and may keep you in mind for future positions.
Some questions they may ask:
- Tell me about yourself: First question they ask when the interview starts.
- How did you deal with past challenges/difficulties? Co-workers? Bosses?
- What are your weaknesses?: Most places will ask this question. Some people have a problem with answering this question but there is a trick to it. Let's say you are perfectionist. Some people see this as a negative attribute, but you can flip it and say that this helps to make sure you accurately complete all tasks, care for your patients, and you are careful in the way you do things.
- What are you strengths?
- Ask questions: Make sure you are prepared with questions to ask the interviewers. They will see that you are interested in them and you are thinking. If necessary, write the questions down on a separate sheet of paper just in case you are nervous and forget.
And ALWAYS remember:
Absolutely NO gum and do not bring a bottle of water inside the interview. I have heard that bringing a bottle of water to an interview can actually ruin your chances from the start.
Leave your handbag (if you a girl) and phone in the car. The last thing you need is for your phone to ring or vibrate during the interview.
Well I really hoped this helped and good luck on your interview!
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