I am dishing all the BEST TIPS from Nurse Interviews that I have conducted over the years. I've literally seen and heard it all ! So let's get into it.
As a clinical Nurse Manager, I personally interview all candidates following the completion of an initial screening. Typically if I am screening candidates myself there are a few items on my list, that must be met before I set up any subsequent interviews.
Human Resources (HR) has a similar screening criteria but this may vary based on the specific role. The screening process is basically a tool that we use in the hiring process to ensure that we do not waste anyones time, on the end of the organization or the candidate. In essence screening is to help weed out candidates that do not meet certain criteria, prior to heading to the next steps.
Screening Process / Phone interview
Here is what I am typically looking for as mandatory requirements:
1.Reliable transportation: All Nurses are essential Point. Blank. Period. We all know this and have learned more about it since the pandemic. So with that, reliable transportation is imperative. Even if you do not have your own transportation, perhaps you carpool with a roommate, have your own private vehicle, or use a rideshare app - GREAT ! As long as I know that come hell or high water (literally), transportation issues will not be your setback. Luckily, I work in a metropolitan area and more and more commuters rely on the subway/bus, bike, scooter, and some even walk as their main resource for transportation.
2. Pay: It should not come at a surprise that all positions have a pay scale. This scale depends on experience, location, and the specific role. In my experience there is always room for negotiation (but that's a different blog topic). So I usually inquire during the screening process of the candidates desired pay. As long as we are within that ballpark then we can proceed. If we are right outside of that pay scale and you are my ideal candidate, I may try to take it back to HR to discuss. However if our numbers are no where near each other, I will kindly stop pursuing this opportunity with the candidate.
3. Hours: Work schedule and hours are also usually discussed from the beginning. I like candidates to know the work expectations, and make sure that they can be met. Whether it's 10 hrs, weekends, or extended hours; I need this to be agreed upon from the beginning. Also the clinical schedule is one that Is constantly changing, and I would prefer a candidate that can adapt. This criteria is usually the part that weeds out the most candidates. It is also the most significant criteria that I have little to no flexibility with.
Virtual/Video Interviews
Ok great you have made it through the screening and we can now invite you to a virtual interview. These interviews are conducted over video/or phone, where the candidate does not come on site.
Here are a few tips to make sure your virtual interview is a successful one.
Be Prepared: Whoever set up the interview for you, should have provided you with a link to join the video interview. Make sure that your computer is functioning properly: camera, audio, head phones and wifi. If you live with other people in your home, perhaps ask them to not use the wifi during that time. This is to make sure that your wifi speed and connectivity is not affected. You can also consider using a work space that has high speed internet, if you do not have access to wifi.
There was one interview I was apart of, where I had no idea what some of the candidates' answers were because the audio kept cutting in and out. This honestly affected my ability to rate the candidate fully. Since the first half of questions were just "ok" and not really great, then I was limited in rating their interview.
Be on time: This should be easier to accomplish in the virtual setting as you can cut out the traffic; spending time getting dressed (fully dressed anyway- just dress from the waist up), and finding the exact location of the interview. I have used a few video applications for interviews, and most have a feature where you can wait in the "virtual waiting room" hence the interviewers know that you were on time. Overall this just gives the first impression that you are professional and respect their time.
Turn your camera on: First, what is the point of a video interview with no video ? I've conducted interviews and we gave the option to the candidate to keep their camera on/off. Take the hint and just turn your camera on. Hopefully all those interviewing you will have theirs on too, otherwise it gets a little awkward. However I strongly recommend for you to keep your camera on and here's why:
Stand out: You need to be remembered. Help the manager associate your name to your face. I may have 7 interviews scheduled, but your answers need to stand out. Employers / Managers have already read your resume and now they are interested in seeing how well you fit with the team and can articulate your experience. Disclaimer: Standing out does not mean to dress flashy, but remember nurses are always assessing and can remember details.
Personality: Along the same lines of standing out you want to be relatable, and create a natural connection. Allow your personality to show through your responses; tell interesting nurse stories; speak clearly and address all those who are asking questions personally (ie: Thanks for your question Megan, and heres how I would answer that...)
In-Person Interview
Attire: Ask ahead of time about the expected attire for the interview. Some clinical staff believe that you get a pass to wear scrubs - you DO NOT ! Unless you have been informed that this will be a shadowing in the clinic, treat it like any other professional interview. I know that you are a nurse and that you have scrubs - welcome to the profession we all do. I have had this happen a few times, so now I make sure to mention this in my pre-instructions.
I've conducted interviews where, not only did the candidate wear scrubs but they were wrinkled and mismatched. I was completely distracted !
Small Talk: I learned the art of small talk working as a bedside nurse. I have become pretty good at it because nursing puts you in some pretty sticky, stinky, and awkward situations. As a nurse you should learn to navigate these situations with clever approaches. This awkwardness can comes up in interview spaces too believe it or not, sometimes there is dead silence and weird pauses. Be able to articulate your thoughts and even if you fumble, recover with wit and ease. This again shows personality, creativity, and ultimately it shows that you will be able to effectively interact with patients.
Compliments: This may sound a little odd but employers love compliments. Take note of recent published accomplishments of how well the organization is performing, and speak to it in your interview. While you are waiting in the lobby take a visual survey of any awards on the wall; observe the workflow; take note of staff exchanges and use it all in your interview. It lets the employer know that you are observant and engaged. Also it tells them that as you are trying to impress them, they are equally impressing you.
Panel Interview
If you are ever invited to a panel interview, be prepared for two or more interviewers to be present who will make up the hiring team. These may be clinicians, administrators, Human Resource staff, and even a fellow nurse in the clinic where you will be working.
To be completely transparent this is my least favorite interviewing type, both as the interviewee and the interviewer.
Get to know the Panel: This helps you to get your nerves out, and turns the attention back on them. Ask the panel to introduce themselves and for them to tell you why they enjoy their work. You can also use their questions to either piggy back off of, or draw similarity to your own beliefs and responses.
Ask good questions: Prepare questions that can be directed to all levels of those included in your interview. Consider questions that can be directed to clinical staff, operations, and administrative staff. Make sure these are thoughtful questions: Instead of asking "How long are the lunch breaks?" - Consider "We are all aware of the busy and oftentimes unpredictable clinic schedules. Are there any systems in place to ensure appropriate breaks and coverage ?"
Take your time: It can be very intimidating being interviewed by a panel. The panel will be firing questions your way; critiquing your resume; and documenting every response that you give or do not give.
Breathe, ask for clarity on questions, and take your time.
Nursing specific interview Tips
Learn how to answer "So...tell us a little bit about you"
Here's mine:
My name is Nurse Megs.
I am a native of Washington, DC.
I've worked in healthcare for over 12 years with 4 years of specialized nursing training.
My passion is in working with underserved communities.
I hope to continue this important work here at ...
This brief "about me" - allows for further questions if needed but tells just enough. Try it
using the bolded words and fill in the rest as it applies to you.
Learn to answer the question "Why do you want to work as a Nurse here?"
Research the organization that you are applying for. Is it well known for it's Nursing excellence ? Best Places to Work ? Diversity and upward growth ? Find something that either speaks to your passion, or an attribute that you can support and elaborate on. Make it personal. Instead of "I'm a new nurse and I am looking to get more experience here" - Try, "[This organization] is known for Nursing excellence. In my pursuit to develop in my professional career, I believe that [this organization] will be essential as I advance in my nursing journey." Make sure your answer is about highlighting the organization, while explaining the mutual benefit for both you and the organization.
COVID-19
Anyone looking for jobs post the COVID-19, should definitely ask how the organization created a safe workplace for its staff. Inquire of what kind of support systems were put in place. How did the organization adapt to the changing environment ? What lessons were learned from a business standpoint ?
I hope you found my tips and perspective helpful, tell me about it below.
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Nurse Megs
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