How To Ace Your Interview

First things first.

Research.

Once you land an interview, you’ll need to research the position and facility. Learn as much as you can about the company. Practically everything can be found on the website. 

Look at the mission statement, values, awards, and anything that makes the hospital unique so that you can impress them on how much you know. Let it be known that you want to work with them. Have a basic understanding of the role, company, and employers. Tell them how you align with their values and mission statement and convince them that you are beneficial to the team. 

Portfolio.

Portfolios are a great way to show that you are prepared, professional, and that you mean business. Keep it simple. I usually have a black folder that contains my resumé, cover letter, copies of my licenses and certificates, letters of recommendation, and as an added bonus a business card.

Business cards are pretty typical, but in the healthcare field it’s different. It’s a sure fire way to really open the eyes of your interviewers. From every interview I had, my business card surprised everyone; it made me memorable.This is something I learned from the book, but man does it work. 

My business card is very simple. My picture and name, contact info, a witty statement, and I have one of my favorite quotes. You can find my business card under the highlights of my instagram (@thetinynurseblog) titled “jobtips”as well as my resumé and cover letter.

Prepare multiple portfolios because you never know how many interviewers you’ll be in front of. I usually prepare three and I do encourage them to keep it. They have everything they need in a folder. It is way more professional than just showing up with a paper copy of a resumé.

Practice.

I practiced how I answer the questions so I don’t fumble on my words. I practiced in the shower, while getting ready, during my commute, laying in bed, any time. I rehearsed my body language, my delivery on my answers, eye contact, etc. 

Interview questions are deceivingly easy. You may think you know the answer but then you begin to ramble on and on and you might not be hitting the right points to make you seem like a good fit for the position. 

Here are some common interview questions.

Tell us about yourself.

This is the time to show off your accomplishments. I usually go step by step about when I graduated and talk about all the job experiences I had. I talk about how I learned from each experience, and how I am hungry to learn and grow as a nurse and person. You can talk about hobbies and interests that align with you as an employee and how it’ll benefit the company. 

Why do you want to work here?

Remember that research I told you to do? This is time to show what you like about them and how you’ll be a good fit to the team. Explain how and why their values align with yours. It shows that you know what you’re getting yourself into and that you actually care about the company. Basically, you’re just kissing up to them. Don’t mention or compare other companies or say that you need a job (even if it’s true). You need to convince them that they want you.

Tell me some of your strengths and weaknesses.

Have 2-3 strengths and weaknesses ready to talk about. Essentially you’re hyping yourself up with the strengths. Try to think of something that makes you different. Mention the strength and provide an explanation on how it benefits you and the company. As for weaknesses, everyone has weaknesses. No one is perfect so please don’t go in saying you don't. Briefly introduce your weakness but the trick is to turn it around by explaining how you are using it as an opportunity to improve. 

For example,

Strength

I say that one of my strengths is that I’m approachable to patients and family members. I am approachable because I have an empathetic tone and respond respectfully to others.They are not afraid to express their concerns and relay their needs to me. With that, I am able to provide better and higher quality patient care with consistency and information that further optimizes their hospitalization. Also I sometimes point out the obvious, which is that I'm 4 '9 and how it's not a weakness but a strength because I tend to come off as less intimidating than others, and in my experience, patients feel more comfortable confiding in me.

Weakness

I tend to underestimate myself because I get anxious before work, especially the fear of the unknown when it comes to assignments. It’s gotten better and I’ve learned to cope with it as I gained more experience and knowledge in the profession. I recently got into the habit of going into my shift positively, learning how to go with the flow, and adapt to the situation. I turn the challenge into an opportunity and become more confident.

Situational questions. 

This is especially important in the nursing world because it shows multiple qualities in real life situations: self awareness, conflict-resolution skills, and critical thinking. Don’t be afraid to pull from any experience you’ve gone through such as clinical rotations, school, or work settings. They want to see if you are able to solve the problem and communicate with the team while being professional, harmonious, and respectful. 

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond patient/family care?

Give an example of how you advocated for the patient. How you help them get through a difficult situation.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker and how did you handle it?

Be aware of the conflict. Does it have to do with patient safety? Make sure the patient is safe first and then talk to a coworker. Communicate privately and respectfully. How was it solved?

Patient is status post heart cath. Patient is currently on a heparin drip. The patient begins to bleed from the right groin. What do you do? (This was very specific to the cardiac unit I applied for, but unit specific question can happen)

Patient safety is number one. Immediately make sure the patient is stable and safe. Check vitals, the groin, any other signs of bleeding the patient may have. You need to be able to know your limits and know you have resources. If not, call for help, RRT, call the doctor. You can delegate tasks while holding pressure, or delegate another to hold pressure while you handle contacting the doctor since you know the patient’s history. 

The interviewer then asked me, why don’t you turn off the heparin drip if the patient is bleeding. (This is you being aware of your scope of practice.)

Yes, the patient may be bleeding from the groin but IF it can be controlled, it is better to wait for a doctor’s order because there may be a bigger picture of why the patient is on the heparin drip. If it is uncontrollable bleeding, it may be best to call a code or RRT, that way people can address the situation faster and the drip can then be turned off if necessary. 

Be Confident and Positive!

You’re going to be nervous. That’s normal to feel. Your employer will know that you are nervous. But something my sister taught me is that it is just a conversation. This statement eased my anxiety because it made it seem less scary. 

Remember that you were chosen for an interview. There is something about you that they like and want. You just need to show them that you are an amazing, competent, and resourceful nurse. Be yourself, be humble, and show them what you can do. 

You need to know that you have power too. Yes, the facility may want you, but do you want that facility? You have to see if the place and position is right for you. I do have a blog written about red flags to look for when job hunting and you can read it here!

Don’t give up. Rejection is inevitable but I want you to do your best every time. I want you to leave that interview thinking to yourself, “I did the best that I could. It’s up to fate now.” Don’t get hung up on it. Keep your hopes up but keep your feet on the ground. The perfect job is out there for you. 

I want to wish you the best of luck out there. Believe in yourself because I know I do, even though I may not know you. You always have someone on your side. 

<3 Mags

Thank you Em!