While there are a wide variety of careers an individual could pursue to obtain personal fulfillment and economic security, opting to work within the field of nursing can be particularly helpful in enabling one to accomplish this objective. If you have chosen nursing as your vocational path, it is important that you perform well during your first interview for a nursing position. There are several important strategies that you can implement to help you do well on the interview.
Research The Company
When you attend your first interview for a nursing position, the interviewer will likely expect you to know basic information about the medical facility. Since this is the case, do your due diligence by going online and conducting research about the organization. Memorize basic, important facts such as the company purpose, mission, specializations, history, etc. You will not be expected to know everything, but you should be able to demonstrate that you took the time to learn more about the company. For example, does the medical community you’re attempting to gain employment from place a great deal of primacy on preventive care or value the role that wellness and nutrition programs can play in facilitating health? Researching this type of data and being able to discuss it during the interview will increase your odds of attaining the position you desire.
Review Your Resume
Generally, interviewers use the information on your resume as the basis for at least a few of the questions they ask you. It is a good idea then to review your resume prior to the interview. Try to predict some of the questions you may be asked and formulate concise, articulate responses for them. For example, if you’ve listed the fact that you completed an internship at a local hospital, be ready to describe some of the most personally rewarding experiences you had there as well as how those experiences translate into skills that you could use at the medical facility you’re applying to (see: What Specific Experiences and Skills Are a Must in the Field of Nursing).
Complete A Mock Interview
One of the best ways to prepare for your first interview is to go on a mock interview. These interviews may be provided at a university career center. If you cannot access a career center, ask a friend or family member to play the role of the interviewer. Completing a mock interview will be helpful for many reasons, including the fact that it will help you identify any interview weaknesses you have and subsequently correct them. When you conduct the mock interview, ask the interviewer to request information from you regarding things such as your favorite and least favorite aspects of nursing school. “Did you enjoy studying medical terminology or prefer the more hands-on aspects of the learning experience?” These are the types of questions that the interviewer will likely ask in order to ascertain your personality as well as whether you will be a “good fit” for the position.
Perfect Your Interview Outfit
Appearance is always important, and this is especially true when you’re attempting to make a good first impression on your interview. Take the time to put together an outfit that is professional yet comfortable. In addition to ensuring that you like the outfit, have a close friend or family member examine it and give you an honest opinion about whether or not it makes you look attractive and professional. It may be advisable for you to observe the type of clothing that people who hold administrative positions within the medical center you’re applying to tend to wear. In any event, remember that being overdressed is almost always better than being underdressed.
Think About Any Specializations You Have
In an important article entitled “How To Prepare For Your First Job Interview,” Fran Entwistle notes that “Showing a potential employer you are up to date in a specialty demonstrates both commitment and knowledge.” Since this is the case, it is a good idea for you to think about any specializations you have and remember to emphasize them during the interview. For example, you may have attained extensive experience in assisting doctors who provided treatment for cancer patients. If so, review this information prior to the interview so you can discuss it with the interviewer in a thorough, concise fashion. Remember to emphasize both the education and experience you have acquired in your area of specialization as well as why you are passionate about it.
If you will soon be having an interview for your first nursing position, you should know that preparing for the interview could play a profound role in ensuring your success. Remember that implementing any or all of the interview strategies listed above could be of great advantage to you during the preparation process. Good luck!
