RN Interview Tips

To land the nursing job of your dreams, you will need to ace the employment interview.

RNs, or registered nurses, are integral members of the medical community. These licensed medical staff members are needed in hospitals, schools, doctor’s offices and many other facilities. If you have received the training and degree to be a registered nurse, you may be on the hunt for a position in this field. An important part of landing the job of your dreams is making a great impression on your potential employers during the interview.

Punctuality and Preparedness

These are two key needs of a registered nurse, so show your potential employer right off the bat that you are up to the challenge. Arriving late to the interview is not only rude, it makes you seem unprofessional and unreliable. To avoid getting lost the day of the interview, drive by the hospital or doctor’s office the day before so you know exactly where you need to be. Be prepared with any questions you might have about the job; for example, you might ask questions such as how many hours you will be working and what the shifts will be like, what department of the facility you will be working for and how much interaction you will have with patients. It is a good idea to prepare a list of questions ahead of time should you forget at the interview.

Professional Appearance

While the hours can be hectic and the work demanding, an RN must be reliable and professional at all times. You need to exude professionalism at all points during your job interview. This includes how you dress for the meeting. For males, a dark suit, white shirt and a nice tie are ideal. For women, dark slacks or a skirt with a professional blouse and pantyhose are expected. Doctor’s offices and hospitals where RNs generally work are known for being especially clean. You need to look neat and presentable, which means having your hair combed, clothes pressed and nails clean. Your body language should read as confident, but approachable. Look everyone you meet at the workplace in the eye and smile as you give them a firm handshake.

Demonstrate Your Worth

While your potential employer might have a copy of your resume and cover letter on file, it is a good idea to bring a copy of your own to the interview. During the interview, let your experience and education demonstrate to your employer that you are the right person for the job. Often during nursing interviews, the interviewer will ask questions about your greatest strengths and weaknesses. Highlight the equipment and procedures you are capable of working with. Keep these answers concise and on-point, relating each answer as to why this makes you a great fit for the facility you intend to work in. You can use your resume as a guide for putting your past experience into context for the interviewer. For example, if you have a background in the ER, you can relate to your employer how that work has prepared you to work quickly while making informed decisions.

References

• Nursing Spectrum: Ten Killer Interview Tips
• Monster: Nursing Link: 6 Interview Tips To Win The Job