Your first job interview for the role of a family nurse after you’ve graduated is definitely a scary experience, no matter how nice the interviewer is!
Preparation is key here, as well as your ability to stay calm, manage your nerves, and conceal any body language that makes you look awkward.
How to Ace Your Nursing Interview
To help guide you on how to manage the process of a job interview, this article has # tips tailored specifically for your family nursing interview, good luck!
Send Your CV To The Employer Before The Interview
Showing up with a CV that hasn’t already been passed around is one way of standing out from other applicants and making a good impression.
What goes in your CV? Start by featuring your personal data, including name, education and employment history, etc.
Below that section should be a list of activities and competitions you’ve participated in or won during your lifetime; this shows how passionate you are about nursing and that you’re dedicated to keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest developments within the industry.
Be Ready To Discuss Your Education
Nursing is a field that requires a good education, and your interviewer will be expecting to hear about your studies.
You may have taken an online FNP program in Texas, or you may have done an in-person course in California. Whatever education path you choose, be ready to discuss your favorite aspects of it, how you think it has benefited you, and why you chose to take it.
Show Up Early
Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to be on the interview day; traffic jams, incorrect train times, or delayed buses can all cause you to arrive late, which is a major turn-off for employers.
If you get to your interview too early, spend some time in the area you’ll be interviewed. This will help you relax and make sure you know exactly where to go.
Your interview will likely be in a hospital or medical setting. Getting yourself oriented will allow you to slip in phrases like “I notice your hospital has…” or “I’m impressed by the cleanliness of this medical center,” etc.
Dress Appropriately
This is such an easy way of making a bad impression; taking enough time and effort to look nice for the interview is vital.
Business casual is the appropriate way to dress here, as most interviews are not held in boardroom environments with tables full of business suits and ties.
Do try to dress to impress. You’ll make a better first impression if you do.
Be Easy To Speak With
If you’ve read the executive summary of this article, then you’ll know that it is crucial for an interviewer to see that you’re confident and professional; but what does this mean?
It means having a good rapport with them right from the offset. If they feel like they can’t talk freely with you, there’s a problem, so ensure that they’re comfortable chatting with you.
Know What You’re Being Interviewed For
This is a simple one that many people forget, but you should always know exactly why you’re attending the interview.
Knowing what it is exactly that you will be asked about will give you the opportunity to prepare specific answers for each potential topic.
This is a sure way of coming across as professional and knowledgeable.
