| Whether you are an experienced nurse looking to | | | | professional development opportunities available. |
| move ahead in your career or a fresh graduate out of | | | | About the nurse-to-patient ratio. |
| the nursing school, the job interview is of the highest | | | | Question about the support staff to assist nurses. |
| importance in your job hunt. For a successful interview | | | | About the input the nurses have regarding the |
| these are a few guidelines. | | | | systems, equipment and the care environment. |
| Pre-interview preparation is very important. You have | | | | Employers prefer to hire those candidates who |
| to be prepared with copies of your resume and other | | | | indicate an interest in long-term employment and their |
| credentials. Also it is advisable to have complete | | | | willingness to take up new positions. |
| copies of all references and previous managers. | | | | Leave early so as to avoid being late for any reason. |
| Familiarize yourself with the mission statement and | | | | Check your appearance again once you reach the |
| history of the hospital. You could refer the hospital | | | | place. Dressing up professionally tells the interviewer |
| website for it. It will allow you appear genuine about | | | | about your character and attributes. An interviewer |
| you interest in the hospital. | | | | would interpret your appearance as evidence to your |
| Be prepared for the questions that may be asked. | | | | being mature, responsible and attentive to detail. |
| You do not want to seem clumsy or unsure | | | | When you meet the interviewer your handshake |
| throughout the interview. The following questions are | | | | should be firm and short. Make eye contact and have |
| commonly asked: | | | | a smile during the handshake. Speak clearly and |
| Tell me more about yourself. | | | | confidently. Try to be relaxed and remember to smile. |
| Why did you leave the previous position? | | | | Avoid fiddling, as it means that you are nervous. Do |
| What do you know about this hospital and why should | | | | not chew gum while talking it is distracting and |
| we hire you? | | | | disrespectful. |
| What are your strengths and weaknesses and your | | | | When an interviewer asks a question, answer directly, |
| achievements? | | | | and have the question clarified in case of any |
| Do you work well in a team? | | | | confusion. When an opportunity is given, ask questions |
| How will you deal with difficult patients and their | | | | which are relevant to you and have not been |
| families or any unexpected situations? | | | | answered in the course of the interview. They could |
| In case you are fresh graduate nurse then the | | | | be related to salary, growth opportunities, benefits and |
| answers should be based on the assumption that the | | | | work conditions. |
| previous position was your nursing school and describe | | | | Maintain a positive attitude. Even phrase everything in a |
| your strengths and weaknesses based on that | | | | positive manner. Politeness counts. Thank the |
| experience. | | | | interviewers personally at the beginning as well as at |
| Have a list of questions ready for the interviewer. | | | | the end for the opportunity given. Ask them about |
| There will be a point when the interviewer asks you if | | | | whom to contact to check on how your application is |
| you have any questions. Having at least two relevant | | | | proceeding. |
| questions, which have not been answered during the | | | | After the interview, follow up with a thank you letter. |
| interview, is an indicator of your interest in the job. | | | | Be sure to put a in few details about the interview and |
| These questions would generally be related to career | | | | reiterate a few reasons why you feel you are suited |
| growth opportunities. | | | | for the job. |
| Future opportunities that show you interest in the job | | | | By following the above tips you can make your |
| for a longer term and not just as a job but a career. | | | | interview a success and obtain the nursing job you |
| Interest in bettering education. Question about the | | | | desire. |