Applying for a job is easy, but qualifying and progressing to interviews could be a bit challenging. Interviews can be the most crucial step in applying for any job. It tests the applicant’s personality and responsiveness to abrupt questions and possible unforeseen situations in the field.
But the thing is, aspirants are just one step close to landing the job. Since the aspirant is almost there, might as well do what is best and ace the interview. Basically, what is an interview?
A Nurse Interview in a Nutshell
One of the most crucial things you can do when you search for nursing employment is to get ready for your interviews. Employers do interviews to learn more about your personality, watch how you process information, determine how well you’ll fit into the company’s culture, and hear directly from you about your education, work history, and career objectives.
The interviewer will undoubtedly want to know if you have the aptitude to perform the job well and contribute usefully to the division and the company. An article from Aberystwyth University (n.d.) highlights the following questions to be considered in an interview:
- Can you do the job?
Consider your experience and abilities in relation to the requirements of the position when you are getting ready for your interview. So that you are ready to respond to this frequent question, break down the many tasks you will need to complete. When describing your suitability for a position, avoid focusing on any gaps in your experience or skills. Even if you aren’t a great match, it is preferable to highlight your abilities and desire to develop. Additionally, you should refrain from discussing irrelevant skills or offering general statements such as, “I can do anything,” as they can come out as phony or dishonest.
- Will you do the job?
It’s always a good idea to give instances from the actual world to show that you’re a great candidate if the interviewer inquires about your ability to carry out the job’s responsibilities. You can make use of your degree, prior professional experience, or even interests in adjacent fields. Just be careful to respond succinctly and offer a particular example that relates to the role.
- Will you fit in?
In every organization, there are pre-existing values. Most often than not, interviewers will evaluate your values to see your adaptability to the team. This allows smoothness and coherence among colleagues. It is important that you have the skills, but attitude makes the organization work productively.
These are some of the major questions that will help aspirants get through the upcoming interview for nurses to practice their profession. To give a kick start on preparing for the interview, here are major pointers to do before, during, and after the interview.
Before the Interview
- Research
Knowing the company you are applying to is one of the greatest nursing interview tips. Spend some time learning about the history and mission of the organization. Having good knowledge of what practice you will be dealing with will demonstrate sufficient knowledge of what you can bring to the health organization.
On a personal level, research within you why you are there. In other words, why did you want to become a nurse and why do you wish to work in the position for which you are applying? Both of these are noteworthy and powerful examples of stories that you can use and have prepared for your upcoming interview.
Location-wise, know where you will go. The parking lots, hallways, and various departments that makeup hospitals and other medical facilities can be confusing. They may throw you off balance and increase stress or worry, which could affect how well you perform in interviews.
You will be at an advantage if you know what you are dealing with, know why you are there, and know where to go. It’s best to come to any battle prepared.
- Do a mock interview
Interview practice is one of the finest ways to get ready for a nursing interview. Find a specialist or coach who specializes in interview preparation, or ask a friend. Make it happen in whichever way you choose. You may work out all the kinks and make the actual interview day the most memorable by preparing for an interview and practicing real interviews.
- Get a good night’s sleep
Getting your greatest night’s sleep the night before your interview is another excellent nursing interview preparation tip! The best person to ask is you. Take the time to unwind before bed and establish a positive frame of mind because you already know you’ll be anxious. The easier it is for you to fall asleep and stay asleep before bed, the easier it will be for you to wake up feeling ready to perform at your peak for your interview. If you are not adequately prepared, you might stay up all night worrying about the drive or trying to prepare responses with a racing mind.
During the Interview
- Arrive early and set the mood right
Be early so you can arrive in time for your interview, especially if the venue or location is unfamiliar to you. Your interviewers are already quite busy, and if you make them wait for you, you’ve already given off the wrong vibe. Make sure you allow time in case there is a sudden 20-minute delay.
As soon as you enter the facility, your first impression begins. and continues till you get home. Although hospitals may appear large from the outside, everyone is actually quite well connected within. In order to discover how candidates behave when they don’t believe they are being monitored, recruiting managers frequently “plant” people in lobbies or waiting rooms.
- Pay attention to your body language
It’s a popular interview tip for any career, including nursing positions, to brush up on appropriate body language to come off as qualified and confident. Body language is therefore important. By being conscious of your own body language, you can present yourself as an eager future employee who cares about their job both personally and professionally.
One crucial body language is making eye contact. Establishing eye contact with each person is a kind method to communicate. Making eye contact with them while they are speaking not only conveys confidence but also shows that you are interested in what they have to say. When used in the actual world, however, this can be subjective.
If you have fully mastered paying attention to your body language, confidence comes easy.
- Dress for the occasion
Since this is taking place in a professional atmosphere, it is likely that patient care will not be a factor. Be prepared by dressing nicely in something modest yet comfortable enough to move around in, sit in, and stand. It is not necessary to dress in scrubs for an interview.
After the Interview
- Send your Thank-You Note
You can send your first note a day after your interview. Thank the recruiting manager for their time in a brief email. Be succinct and to the point. Mention one particular aspect of the interview or something you learned about the company. Finally, express your excitement about hearing from them. The thank-you note is not a chance to expand on the subject matter of your interview. It’s merely an opportunity to express your enthusiasm and gratitude.
- Follow-up and ask for Feedback
Don’t write a note immediately away if you don’t hear from the hiring manager by the day they claimed they would make an offer. Even though another candidate won the position, you may still be in the running. They might extend an offer to someone else, who might decline the position. Give them some time to resolve the issue.
After complimenting the company, inquire as to whether there is any extra information you can offer that would be helpful. Inform them that you hope to hear from them shortly.
If you feel like the interview went well, but you aren’t offered the job, you can send one additional note to ask for feedback on the interview. Again, you want to be brief. Thank the interviewer once again for their time. Say that you enjoyed the interview process and would like to get some constructive feedback on what you can do better in the future to improve your chances of getting a job.
AuRNPathway at your Back
By enrolling at AuRNPathway, you will have more chances to practice doing mock interviews and harnessing nursing concepts and ideas to help you ace your upcoming nursing interview. Simply visit our website and get enrolled by following the simple steps. We will be more than happy to help you and see your progress in your nursing journey. We are waiting for you, future AuRN!
References
- All About Interviews. n.d.
- Can You Do The Job. n.d.
- Bertagna, Brittney. 2023. 50 Great Nursing Interview Tips to Get Hired in 2023.
- Markman, Art. 2020. 4 Ways to Follow Up after a Job Interview.
