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JOB SEARCH - Interviews

Research - Research - RESEARCH

common pathology, emergency actions, common med interactions - all that stuff


Connecting

âž– Find someone currently employed where you have your interview

✻ Get their experience from the interview process


Facebook & LinkedIn as a networking resource is fantastic - join groups for your program, location, or profession


âž– Be personable

✻ I'm not sure if this is something that can really be taught

✻ If you struggle making quick connections with new people, Google tips & tricks

✻ Use their name

✻ Make eye contact

✻ Smile & laugh


Keep in mind

âž– Most of the time, if you get to the interview stage, they just want to make sure you're a good fit.

âž– Be confident in yourself; obviously, you have something that they're looking for! You're there for a reason

âž– A lot can be taught & developed (hello - orientation)

âž– Someone who...

✻ Contributes to morale & community

✻ Seeks out & adjusts to feedback

✻ Takes initiative

✻ Thinks critically

✻ Gets along with everyone

➤ ... is an asset to every single unit - no matter where or how much experience.

âž– No matter how brilliant, someone who....

✻ Is unable to cooperate

✻ Has poor communication

✻ Won't take feedback graciously

✻ Doesn't apply notes

➤ ... will hinder any unit.

âž– The interviewer will most likely try to test your critical thinking skills

✻ Be prepared to be asked 'why'

✻ It's not them doubting you - they want a rationale

✻ Nursing requires a certain level of confidence, constantly doubting yourself can pose patient safety problems - so trust your gut & stay evidence-based


Pre-interview Prep

âž–Reflect internally - What are your strengths? Where are your areas for improvement?


✻ Follow this format ✻

Strength or Area for Growth

↓

Short Example

↓

Strength = Resolution

or

Growth = What You Learned & How You Plan To Improve

✻ Strength Example: "During my clinical at XYZ, I was in a situation where the patient was consistently getting agitated & upset. I de-escalated the situation by recognizing the patient's concerns, validating their experience, then discussed with the other members of the care team about potentially starting behaviour mapping."


✻ Growth Example: "I hope to more thoroughly develop my ability to set patient boundaries. While at my placement in XYZ, I had a patient with a never-ending supply of stories. My hesitancy at seeming rude by outwardly saying I had to go delayed other duties. Eventually, I grew more confident with being assertive. For this patient, I found a blunt approach more beneficial than subtlety. I was relieved to find out they hadn't even perceived it as rude or uncaring. But it is an area I feel I could use more development."


âž– Review your previous evaluations & your instructor's notes

âž– Dress professionally - please don't wear leggings or jeans.

✻ No need to wear scrubs but think business/business casual.

âž– Prep all that you need to bring:

✻ A copy of your resume

✻ Reference letters that have been written for you

✻ Notepad

✻ Pen

âž– Write down your questions before going into the interview so that you don't forget


The interview

âž– Always formally introduce yourself

âž– Observe all niceties - ask them how they are & if they have a preferred name

✻ Use their name - it helps to build a connection

âž– Ask how much time they have/if they have any appointments immediately following the interview

✻ Shows respect for their time

✻ Helps to keep your answers concise

✻ Allows for enough time in the end for you to ask some questions

âž– Take a second to put your answer together before responding to the question

✻ Articulation will be more effective than long & overly detailed explanations.

âž– If you enjoy the teaching aspect of nursing - SAY IT!

✻ A TON of units bring on students & float nurses can end up with students too

✻ Good teachers are a dime a dozen & a huge asset

✻ Do NOT say you enjoy teaching if it's not actually true - there's seriously nothing worse than feeling like you're a nuisance to your primary nurse

âž– When they say, "all alright, do you have any questions for me?" The answer is always yes

✻ The golden number is usually 3-4

✻ Be aware of duration - have respect for their schedule & time

✻ Take notes on their answers

✻ If they don't ask if you have any questions - ask them if they'd be okay answering some of your questions


✻ Great Questions to Ask ✻

âž–"When there is an opportunity to improve, how do you provide feedback?"

âž–"What are the qualities that you look for & are the most important when adding members to your team?"

âž–"What do you feel are the biggest challenges you & other nurses face on this unit?"

âž–"How is the turnover rate? Are you able to share the primary reasons that staff leave?"

âž–"What are the most common errors you see on this unit? What do you think are the best way to avoid them?"

âž–"How would you like me to follow up with you after this interview?"

âž–"Are there common struggles that new grads have on this unit?"

âž–"How would you describe your management style?"


Wrapping up

âž– Ask if there's there anything else that they can think of

âž– Ask if they have a business card you can have

âž– Offer your physical resume & letters (if not already given)


✻ Say ✻

"thank you for taking the time to speak with me *interviewer name*, I hope to hear from you again."

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