By Karen Siroky, RN, MSN, Director Education, RN.com
Consistently ranked among the top five growth occupations, the nursing profession is expected to produce the largest amount of new jobs in the coming decades. According to a December 2009 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is expected to add more jobs than any profession between 2008 and 2018, increasing the number by more than 580,000. With so many job opportunities forecast, your chances of being gainfully employed are superb.
All the same, you can set yourself apart from the growing pool of highly qualified applicants and dramatically increase your chances of landing your ideal job by following the helpful tips below.
Prepare Your Credentials
Have a flawless, complete résumé in a folder along with other relevant documents, including your nursing license; BCLS/ACLS card; proof of pertinent certifications; copies of certificates from any advanced training programs you have completed; an up-to-date clinical skills checklist; and at least two current, typed copies of your reference list—one to leave with the human resources department and one to leave with the hiring manager.
Take with you your driver’s license; immunization record; social security card; and a list of all of your addresses for the previous five to seven years. Prepare and practice your answers to some common job-specific and general interview questions.
The last two tips are to keep your answers positive, concise and to-the-point, and be prepared to give examples of your ability to be part of the solution to any job situation.
Make a Positive Impression
You’ve heard the old adage “dress to impress.” This is as important in nursing as any other industry. Dress professionally and conservatively, as if you were interviewing for a business position in a conservative organization. Make sure your appearance is impeccable from head to toe.
You should plan to arrive early to leave enough time to allow for unforeseen obstacles on the way to the interview. You should, however, arrive for the actual interview on time. You can sit in your car and review your interview notes or so on if you arrive too early to sign in.
When greeting your interviewer, offer a firm handshake and look the interviewer straight in the eye. Smile often and maintain frequent eye contact. This helps you to establish an immediate connection with your interviewer and sets a friendly, yet attentive, mood throughout the interview.
Pace Your Responses
Interviews can be incredibly stressful, even for the most seasoned nurse applicants.
During stressful situations, many people have a natural tendency to speak rapidly or unclearly. Be mindful of how you pace and present your responses.
Listen carefully to the question to be certain you are responding to what is being asked, and then provide a thoughtful, assertive and evenly paced response.
Ask Relevant Questions
Given the fast-paced nature of a nurse manager’s responsibilities, your interviewer will undoubtedly appreciate your effort to ask specific questions and make applicable statements about the position. Other useful tips are as follows:
- Select questions and provide statements that demonstrate how hiring you specifically fulfills the employer’s need.
- Emphasize your willingness to be part of solutions that improve the unit’s efficiency and workflow.
Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up
Differentiate yourself from other applicants while reinforcing your interest in the position by sending a friendly-but-focused thank you letter by mail or e-mail to the hiring manager within 24 hours of your interview.
Before your interview ends, the hiring manager will often tell you when the decision will be made and where they are in the interview process. If you haven’t heard anything after a reasonable amount of time has passed and the decision date is looming:
- Call to convey your continued interest and ask if there is anything else you can do to be the candidate chosen.
- Call again the day before the decision is to be made. Wish the hiring manager great success with the hire, even if you are not selected.
Your persistence demonstrates your genuine interest in the position, and your graciousness may be the determining factor that gets you your next dream job!
For more interviewing tips and tools, click here.
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