Sitting down to talk with a hiring manager or hospital director to discuss a career in nursing might be nerve wracking, but with the right strategy and mindset, you can ease your concerns over the process. Here are three ways to help prepare for nursing job interviews:
1. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
While your nursing degree may be representative of your academic achievements, managers want to know what skills and knowledge you'll bring to their facility. Hospital Jobs Online recommended that job candidates take the time to examine their strengths and weaknesses in order to be well prepared for an interview. You need to learn how to emphasize your positives, but also be prepared to possibly go over any shortcomings you may have and what you might be doing to improve them. Try role playing, with a friend or family member acting as the interviewer, and hold mock conversations to become more comfortable talking about yourself professionally.
2. Focus on helping the company.
CBS News explained that your position within the health system will help the facility improve its performance, from both operational and clinical standpoints. During the interview, you should highlight the contributions you can make to better the facility based on your education and previous work experience. A day or two beforehand, write down some notable accomplishments from your history that showcase the positive changes you can make in a work environment, such as leadership or problem solving skills.
3. Look over the website.
The job description of the open position may provide some clues, but it's a good idea to conduct your own research into the facility, according to Healthcare Traveler. Browse your potential employer's website to get a solid overview of what the hospital or private practice is all about. See if they have a Facebook page too, and read up on the comments there. Knowing the positive and the negative aspects of a company could give you insight into specific areas in which you could help provide quality care and leadership.
