Four Interview Tips To Ensure You Get That Nursing Job
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from nursing school, and you’re ready to head out into the workforce. Once you’ve established which positions you’d like to apply for, you can start sending out resumes. Better yet, get in touch with Randstad Care to discuss your career options. Our recruitment consultants can help you step into the role that best suits your skill-set and goals. Nursing is a rewarding career, but there can be a lot of competition. It’s important to make sure that you are well prepared for your interviews so you will stand out from other candidates. What makes you the best fit for the role?
Research, Research, Research
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you are trying to land your dream job or start a whole new career. Consultants at Randstad Care can help you prepare for your interviews and give you a leg up on your competition. It is important not only to research the position you are interviewing for, but also the organisation itself. Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities of the position as well as the policies and culture of the organisation. Be prepared to answer questions about your specific experience in relation to the role as well as why you’re the best person for the job. Educate yourself on the types of interview questions that they may ask, and do your best to prepare your answers beforehand. You don’t want to sound too rehearsed, however, so don’t try to memorize responses. Instead, prepare some general answers and examples, so you won’t be caught off guard. Also be sure to prepare questions that you would like to ask. Interviewers are impressed when you have inquiries as well; it demonstrates your interest in the position and organisation and shows that you have taken the time to research and prepare yourself.
Dress to Impress
Wear appropriate, professional attire to your interview; business dress is typically a safe bet, with minimal make-up and jewellery – you don’t want your appearance to be distracting. Avoid wearing perfume or anything else with a strong scent, as your interviewer may have allergies or may simply not like the scent you’re wearing.
Be On Time
Make sure you are on time for your interview, or better yet, arrive about 15 minutes early. This will give you some time to ensure that you are presentable and to calm your nerves before the interview. Plan your route and parking beforehand, and give yourself a time buffer. It’s better to be early than late!
Be Calm and Exude Confidence
Staying calm during an interview is often easier said than done, but do your best to appear confident. And remember, it is okay to be nervous! Take a deep breath and do some relaxation exercises before your interview if need be. You can exude confidence in everything you do even if you are nervous on the inside – smile, introduce yourself, make eye contact, give a firm handshake and stand tall. Trust in yourself and your abilities. Be certain to leave your interviewers with a lasting impression. When you leave the interview, hand over a fresh copy of your resume, cover letter, references and any licences and training documentation you may have. Follow up with a thank you note, email or phone call (whichever is appropriate) to thank your interviewer for the opportunity and for taking the time to meet with you. Good luck!
