From Job Search Secrets

Whether you are an experienced nurse looking to move ahead in your
career or a fresh graduate out of the nursing school, the job interview
is of the highest importance in your job hunt. For a successful
interview these are a few guidelines.

Pre-interview preparation
is very important. You have to be prepared with copies of your resume
and other credentials. Also it is advisable to have complete copies of
all references and previous managers. Familiarize yourself with the
mission statement and history of the hospital. You could refer the
hospital website for it. It will allow you appear genuine about you
interest in the hospital.

Be prepared for the questions that may
be asked. You do not want to seem clumsy or unsure throughout the
interview. The following questions are commonly asked:

Tell me more about yourself.

Why did you leave the previous position?

What do you know about this hospital and why should we hire you?

What are your strengths and weaknesses and your achievements?

Do you work well in a team?

How will you deal with difficult patients and their families or any unexpected situations?

In
case you are fresh graduate nurse then the answers should be based on
the assumption that the previous position was your nursing school and
describe your strengths and weaknesses based on that experience.

Have
a list of questions ready for the interviewer. There will be a point
when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions. Having at
least two relevant questions, which have not been answered during the
interview, is an indicator of your interest in the job. These questions
would generally be related to career growth opportunities.

Future opportunities that show you interest in the job for a longer term and not just as a job but a career.

Interest in bettering education. Question about the professional development opportunities available.

About the nurse-to-patient ratio.

Question about the support staff to assist nurses.

About the input the nurses have regarding the systems, equipment and the care environment.

Employers
prefer to hire those candidates who indicate an interest in long-term
employment and their willingness to take up new positions.

Leave
early so as to avoid being late for any reason. Check your appearance
again once you reach the place. Dressing up professionally tells the
interviewer about your character and attributes. An interviewer would
interpret your appearance as evidence to your being mature, responsible
and attentive to detail.

When you meet the interviewer your
handshake should be firm and short. Make eye contact and have a smile
during the handshake. Speak clearly and confidently. Try to be relaxed
and remember to smile. Avoid fiddling, as it means that you are
nervous. Do not chew gum while talking it is distracting and
disrespectful.

When an interviewer asks a question, answer
directly, and have the question clarified in case of any confusion.
When an opportunity is given, ask questions which are relevant to you
and have not been answered in the course of the interview. They could
be related to salary, growth opportunities, benefits and work
conditions.

Maintain a positive attitude. Even phrase everything
in a positive manner. Politeness counts. Thank the interviewers
personally at the beginning as well as at the end for the opportunity
given. Ask them about whom to contact to check on how your application
is proceeding.

After the interview, follow up with a thank you
letter. Be sure to put a in few details about the interview and
reiterate a few reasons why you feel you are suited for the job.

By following the above tips you can make your interview a success and obtain the nursing job you desire.



By: Kris Koonar