For many people, the nursing interview process is an uncomfortable if not fear-inducing experience. Selling yourself to a potential employer can be a challenge, but preparing well can help you feel more confident and comfortable when the time comes. Like anything else, interviewing well is a skill that can be learned.
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Know your employer
Before you arrive for your interview, do some research and learn as much as you can about your potential employer. See if you can find their organizational mission statement, learn about what the company values most, and try to make some connections with current employees.
Many managers agree that they would rather hire a nurse who will fit in with the company’s value system and culture than one with a lot of experience. Showing that you are teachable and can fit in as part of the team is almost as important as your nursing degree.
Review specialty questions
Once you have figured out how to work within the culture of your potential job, make sure that you understand the logistics and hands-on skills you will need for the job. For example, if you are hoping to land a job in a cardiac unit, it would be wise to do a quick review of cardiac medications, concerning heart rhythms, and BLS.
Many nursing managers will include at least one clinical question during the nursing interview process. While they may not expect you to be an expert, showing that you have studied and prepared will help your interviewer feel confident in your commitment, skill set, and knowledge that you’ll need for the job.
Write down your experiences
During a nursing interview, you’ll most likely be asked to describe situations in which you had to use different skills or face challenges during your career or school experience. Think back through your clinical hours or previous work experience and how they can showcase your intrapersonal skills, work ethic, and problem-solving abilities.
Scenarios that interviewers might want to hear about might include:
- Teamwork
- Exemplary patient care
- Conflict resolution
- Intrapersonal skills
- Handling emergencies
- Ethical behavior
Related package: Nursing Leadership Course Bundle
Keep it positive
During an interview, it is important to showcase a good attitude and keep things positive. If an interviewer asks why you left your last place of employment, do not start complaining about your old boss or talk about how much you disliked your old coworkers.
Maybe you did leave a challenging work environment with uncooperative co-workers. In that case, explain that you were ready to move on. Share how you were looking for an organization that aligned more closely with your core values. If you were fired from or let go of your last job, do not make excuses. Simply explain what you learned from the experience. Describe how you are prepared to make improvements as you move forward.
Ask well thought-out questions
At the end of every interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions to ask. Remember that as much as you are selling yourself to your future employer, they should also be working to convince you that they are a great organization.
Many people make a mistake and only ask about pay, vacation time, and benefits. While these should be explained and talked about during an interview, make sure you ask questions about the company culture, how mistakes are dealt with, what the training is like, and what growth and learning opportunities are available to new nurses.
Be clear in your expectations during your nursing interview
Make sure that you understand the terms of employment, and that you can fulfill all requirements before accepting a job. New nurses often have a lot of training requirements, may have to work more nights and weekends than senior staff, and often have the last pick of the schedule.
Make sure you are very clear about the hours you can work, how much overtime or on-call hours you can commit to, and whether or not you can fulfill the night, weekend, and holiday requirements of the job. It is better to be clear upfront than to accept a job offer and then try to negotiate scheduling and certification requirements later.
Practice, practice, practice
The more you practice nursing interviews, the easier they will become. If you are nervous, you can start out by yourself, reading questions and practicing speaking out loud. As you get more comfortable talking about yourself, ask a friend or relative to practice with you.
Eventually, ask a teacher or mentor if they will help you practice. Sit across from them at a desk, dress for an interview, and make it feel as real as possible. Ask for constructive criticism and have several practice sessions if you can.
Dress the part
For an interview, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. While the common advice is to dress for the job you want, it is not a good idea to show up for a nursing interview in your scrubs.
Typically, a business casual outfit is a good choice for a nursing interview. For women, consider a dress, skirt, or dress pants with a blouse or button-up shirt. Men might choose a pair of dress pants with a button-up or polo shirt.
Try to choose your clothing at least a few days before the interview. You’ll want to make sure that everything fits and that you feel comfortable in your attire. The most important thing is that you feel confident, and your clothing is appropriate for work.
Arrive early
It is better to arrive early to an interview and spend some time being bored than to feel rushed or frazzled right before your interview.
If you have never been to the interview location before, give yourself plenty of time in case you get lost, can’t find a parking spot, or end up having a long walk to the building. Give yourself time to use the bathroom, get a drink of water, and compose yourself before the interview.
Be yourself
Above all, remember that you are looking for a good fit between you and your potential employer. Forcing yourself to fit in with a group that doesn’t align with your values or personality will set you up for burnout and frustration later.
Remember that you have unique strengths and personality traits that an organization needs. Being relaxed and letting your personality shine will help to build trust and connection with your interviewer. It will give you a better chance of landing your dream job.
