So, you’ve spent days perfecting your resume and hours filling out online applications and you finally landed an interview. Before the big interview, it is important to take some time to prepare both mentally and physically.
Dress the Part to Help Secure Your RN Job.
We know that as an RN you are used to being seen in scrubs on a daily basis, BUT that commences when you start the job. The interview is all about first impressions. Your first impression a unit manager will have is how you present yourself.
Here are guidelines we have created for interview attire:
Tips for Women Applying for an RN Position
- A skirt or pants suit with a blouse and jacket.
- Skirts or dresses should be at least knee-length.
- Avoid wearing crazy colors or flashy patterns.
- When it comes to shoes, wearing low heels or flats is best no matter the time of year.
- Never wear open-toed shoes.
- No low-cut or cleavage showing tops.
- Choose natural hair color.
- Accessorize with simple earrings and a necklace.
- Only use mild perfume, if any at all.
- Fingernails should be short without chips in polish.
Tips for Men Applying for an RN Position
- A suit is to be worn with a button-down shirt and jacket.
- If you are not wearing a suit, your pants and jacket should match.
- A tie is optional but will make a good impression if you are able to wear one.
- Avoid wearing bright colors or patterns. Keep your clothing as simple as possible.
- Wear black or brown socks with dark shoes.
- Choose natural hair colors and a fresh haircut.
- Avoid wearing earrings of any type.
- Should you wear cologne, make sure that it is mild.
- Ensure your fingernails are natural and neat.
When it comes to interviewing attire, it is best to be dressy as opposed to casual. Wear simple colors and make sure you are conservative in your attire. The impression you should aim to make is that you look as though you belong to a professional nursing unit.
Gear Up for Your Interview Mentally
During the Interview
- Arrive early, around 10 minutes before your interview. This demonstrates eagerness and punctuality to your interview, as well as showing that you respect their time.
- We understand that it can be really hard to make eye contact during an interview, but eye contact demonstrates confidence and attentiveness.
- Sit forward in the chair, keeping your legs crossed at either the ankle or the knee.
- Keep your answers on point and focused as you respond to questions that are asked of you.
- Avoid using any profanity or slang while in your interview.
- Bring a copy of your resume with you to the interview.
No matter what, we want you to remember to smile often during your interview, be polite, and most importantly be your best professional self.
Sample Interview Questions and Answers
At Total Medical Personnel Staffing, we won’t claim that we know EXACTLY what you will be asked in an interview, but we want to help you prepare for your interview by going over some potential questions and answers that could come up. We want to encourage you to read these questions and think about how you would answer them prior to the interview.
1. Tell me about a situation while nursing where you made a mistake. How did you fix it?
Making mistakes happens. After all, you are human. When an interviewer asks you a question like this, they don’t want to hear that you are perfect and you don’t make mistakes, what they want you to do is let them into your thought process of fixing a mistake. Did you correctly follow the policy? Did you go about letting a supervisor know through the proper chain of command? Were you remorseful after the mistake? Were you able to minimize damages as you did your best to make it right?
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What about two years from now?
It’s important to have both long and short-term goals, both for your career and personally. When your interviewer asks these types of questions they are looking to see if your goals fit in with the goals of the facility. They want to see if you are career-oriented, family-oriented and if you want to aspire to continue your education. A great way to respond to this question is to tie your goals back into the future goals you have for yourself. How will this position guide you towards your long-term goals? What about your short-term goals? Can this position help you get there?
3. Tell me about a time where you made someone’s day.
The best part about being in the medical field is being able to bring joy to patients. It’s important to demonstrate to your interviewer that you are capable of going above and beyond to make your patients’ day. Think about this situation before and have it ready just in case this question is to come up.
4. Why did you want to become a registered nurse?
Though the money registered nurses make is wonderful, please don’t respond to this question by saying that it was all about money. Think about a situation in which you knew that helping care for people when they needed you most, turned your life into this incredible career.
5. What are your strengths as an RN?
This question is a fantastic opportunity for you to discuss your best qualities with an interviewer. If you are able to, try to mention these strengths in regards to the position you are applying for.
6. What are your weaknesses as a registered nurse?
No one is perfect. Everyone has a weakness and interviewers want to understand how your weaknesses can affect the type of nurse that you are. If you are able to, make your weaknesses sound like strengths. For example, if you are a perfectionist, it will help you ensure that your tasks are done correctly every time.
7. Do you work best with a team or by yourself?
Most nursing positions require teamwork. Even if you enjoy working by yourself, it’s good to throw something in about learning from others when you work together.
8. What would you do in the event that you saw a colleague doing something that you know is wrong such as lie, steal, or even put a patient at risk?
This question is hard to answer, but you have to remember that it is never okay to put someone at risk or break facility policy. It’s important to make sure they know that you will follow company policy, and report any bad behavior as soon as possible.
Send a Thank You Note After Your Interview
This may seem silly, but a personal, handwritten thank you note is sure to leave a lasting impression. Write a personal sentiment from the interview or reference something funny that happened during the interview. The personal touch you share can help the interviewer remember who you are, and the thank you note will ensure you stand out amongst the crowd.
If you follow these tips, you have a good chance of landing a job. The right job is waiting for you, and our healthcare recruiters are standing by, ready to help you get the job of your dreams. Head on over to our job board, and apply today!