Succeeding to prepare is preparing to succeed
If you’re on the hunt for registered nurse jobs, it’s likely you’re in the 92% of Americans who fear the interview. Ironically, one of the biggest fears of a hopeful interviewee is coming across as nervous.
You’re worried about first impressions, questions, answers, and all the things in between that your anxieties will tug at and pull from under your feet.
Here’s the thing – you’re an excellent registered nurse who is perfect for the vacancy. It’s time to squash those anxieties and let the true you shine through.
How? It’s all in the preparation. In this article, we provide the tips that will ensure you exude confidence (but not arrogance) in your interview for your next registered nurse job.
Do Your Research
First things first, do your research on the setting you’re hoping to work in. Study their mission and vision. Think about how you fit in with their culture, and align all the skills, values, and characteristics you possess to demonstrate that you’re a great fit.
When they ask, ‘Why do you want to work here?’, know the answer.
It’s also worth trying to find out who may interview you. You may have common interests that would create a wonderful connection to lighten the atmosphere.
Dress Like You Mean Business
Of course, you must look smart. It’s also important that you feel comfortable.
Ahead of time, try on your interview outfit. Make sure it fits, that it is crease free, and that it helps to boost your confidence.
Test your interview look. From your shoes to your hair. Make sure your nails are manicured, and that your hair is neatly brushed.
Don’t ruin your chances by wearing any accessories that would be banned on a shift, such as false eyelashes, nail varnish, or inappropriate piercings that may cause concern for hygiene.
Remind Yourself of Your Soft Skills
Remember that it’s not only your technical skills that will impress the interviewer. They know about these; they have the details on your resume. Your technical ability is why you were invited to interview. Your interview performance will win you the job offer.
Now it’s time for them to get to know the real you, and your soft skills give them a great picture. The best nursing soft skills include:
- Empathy
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Teamwork
- Professionalism
- Time management
- Strong work ethic
- Adaptability
- Conflict resolution
Keep these at the forefront of your mind, and apply them to any answer you can – and be genuine and personable.
Prepare Answers to Use in the Interview
Prepare answers to possible interview questions and rehearse them. Don’t over-rehearse, though. It’s important to sound natural and not like you’re reading from a script.
How do you know which questions will be asked? You don’t, though here are five of the most common. (Remember, they may be asked a little differently.)
1. Why do you want to work here?
Tick! We’ve already prepared for this one (above, when discussed doing your research and aligning your skills and values with the employer’s).
2. What are three words others would use to describe you?
Use your soft skills here – keywording to align with the wording of the job description.
3. Why did you leave your last position?
Have a relatable explanation as to why you left/are seeking a new job, and never talk negatively of previous or current employers and colleagues.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Show that you are keen to develop your skills and grow within the facility you’re applying to. Employers love candidates who are willing to enhance their professional development and adapt to new skills.
5. Describe a challenging situation you’ve been in, and how you resolved it.
Use the STAR method for this one, ensuring you keep your answer to the point:
Situation – Set the scene, explaining what happened that created the challenge
Task – Be concise and explain what you needed to do to resolve the challenge
Action – Explain what you did and how you did it
Result – Describe the outcome and how your action impacted this positively
Bonus Tip: The ‘Weakness’ Question
There is another question that is often asked, and the one that is the most feared: ‘What are your biggest weaknesses?’
It’s a tough question to answer. Do you admit you have weaknesses and possibly ruin your chances, or do you make it look like you’re perfect when the interviewer knows that nobody is?
The answer is to be humble. Admit your weakness, while showing that you understand how to improve. Better still, provide an example where you have taken action to build a strength from a weakness.
Don’t say: “I’m not great with technology, I hate it.”
Do say: “I’m very much a people person, but I’m aware I need to improve on my technical skills. In fact, I’m currently studying to gain a Nursing Informatics Certificate to improve my knowledge and confidence in that area.”
You’ve just spun a negative into a standout positive.
Have a question ready
At the end of the interview, you’ll be asked if you have any questions. Many candidates don’t like to appear too inquisitive at this stage, but employers love an engaged and interested candidate.
Have some questions ready. For example:
- ‘Can you tell me about any training and development programs you have in place for registered nurses?’
Make sure you don’t ask about salary and benefits at this stage. The employer wants someone who is engaged in the role, not a candidate who is in it only for the money. Discussion about pay and perks come later – when you receive an offer.
Summing Up
How confident do you feel now? It’s all in the preparation. All you need on top is a generous sprinkle of enthusiasm and a smile, and you’ll have presented yourself as the standout, kind, caring, and intelligent registered nurse who will be an asset in any medical department.
Get in touch with Loyal Source today and discover the nursing jobs that are waiting for you.