successful interviewing strategies for nurses
DESCRIPTION
The person who gets the job is not always the most qualified, but the one who interviews the best. And in a tough economy, the interview plays an even greater role in landing the position you want. In this session, learn tips on preparing for an interview so that you present as a confident, interested, skilled professional who is right for the position. Brought to you by ADVANCE for Nurses. Merion Publications Inc. is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (No. 221-3-O-09), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.TRANSCRIPT
Successful Successful Interviewing Interviewing StrategiesStrategies
Objectives•Describe how you will prepare for an interview
•Create answers to common interview questions
•Define and prepare for a behavioral interview
Everything Counts
“The person who gets the job is not always the most qualified, but they usually know how to do the best interview, and those are the people that know how to prepare.”
Expect the Call Provide a phone number where you
are reachable and can have a professional conversation
While job searching, answer every call as if it is your next employer
Make sure family and roommates know the importance of calls
Expect the Call
Make sure your answering machine message is conservative & mature
Use your best phone manners when talking with a potential employer—even if it is a secretary setting up an appointment
It’s a Two-Way Street
“It is important to sell yourself as a candidate, but it is also important to completely understand the job, know the expectations of the [employer], and to become familiar enough with the company to make an important career decision.”
-- Seven Secrets of a Successful Job Interview
Research the FacilityResearch the Facility
The Internet is the easiest resource
Know patient types
Talk to someone who works there
Ask for a job description
Preparing to Market Preparing to Market YourselfYourself
Think of yourself as a product
How will you market yourself?
Market Market YourselfYourself Prioritize your strengths, skills and
abilities
Showcase your contributions, what you bring to the job; these are the features of your product
Demonstrate your creativity, analytic and problem-solving skills
“I'm a great team player” “I learn quickly” “I’m flexible”
Market Market YourselfYourself
Review your resume and be able to expand all aspects
Practice responding to common questions
Rehearse your nonverbal communication
I Have It Right I Have It Right Here Here Information for the application
Professional license Extra copies of your résumé Reference sheet with names and
phone numbers Copies of letters of reference Something to take notes with A list of questions for the
interviewers
NOTNOT Appropriate Appropriate
Professional Appearance
Business attire You can't go wrong wearing a
suit Conservative jewelry No strong perfume The key is neat, professional
appearance
Timing Is Everything
• Choose your best time Reserve sufficient time Arrive ahead of time—but not
too much If you are going to be late, call Avoid having other things
planned that day
You start making impressions the minute you enter the property
Your Time to Your Time to ShineShine
Introductions Handshake: firm, but not
crushing Remember names Make eye contact Be an active listener Answer the questions asked
I Know That AnswerI Know That Answer
Tell me about yourself Tell me what area you liked best &
least at your last job? Tell me about your last employer. Why are you leaving your current
job? (No negatives!) What are your short-term and long-
term goals?
Behavioral Interview
Basis: Most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance
Process: Candidates are asked to give specific examples of when and how they demonstrated a particular skill or behavior, followed with a question to expand
Behavioral Interview
Examples Give me an example of a situation where
your colleagues disagreed with your ideas. What did you do?
Describe experiences in school or a job that were satisfying/dissatisfying. What did you learn from them?
Answer the question Do not answer theoretically; answers
should include situations and outcomes Prepare by reviewing projects,
experiences, accomplishments
Off-Limit Questions Family status Race Religion Residence Sex Affiliations Age Arrests Citizenship Health
Yes, I Do Have Some Questions
Come prepared with questions– What do you need to know when
assessing if the job is right for you– Asking questions shows interest
Questions for the Recruiter
Why is this position open? How long has the position been
open? What is the hiring process? When would you like the
successful candidate to start?
Questions for the Hiring Manager or Staff Why do you enjoy working here? How long have you worked here? What do you consider to be the hospital’s
strengths and weaknesses? Who will review me? What tools are
used? What kind of person succeeds at this
facility? What is the typical census on the unit? Have you added any new procedures,
tools or equipment in the past year?
Salary & Benefits
Allow the employer to bring up salary and benefits
Research what the market is paying for similar jobs
Know your salary needs
Follow Up
Ask about next steps If you want the job, say so Send a thank you letter
– Mention when you met and for what position
– Mention something discussed in the interview & remind the reader of your qualifications
– Include a call to action
Round Two
Remember the people you met on your first visit
Be prepared to interview with higher ups
Be prepared to interview with more than one person at a time
Tipped Off• Many eyes are on you – from
the receptionist to the parking attendant
• Any good interviewer allows for a certain amount of anxiety
• Stay focused and confident
Tipped Off
A study by the Society of Human Resources Management revealed a candidate's background and qualifications are far less influential in hiring decisions than interview performance and professionalism
About this session
• Brought to you by ADVANCE for Nurses.
• Merion Publications Inc. is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (No. 221-3-O-09), an accredited approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
• To take a test on this presentation, visit www.advanceweb.com/nurses