Nursing is a great field to go into for many reasons. Not only is it rewarding in a financial sense, but you will also find fulfillment as you make a difference in the lives of others. With all of the hard work that goes into earning a nursing degree, it can be exciting when you receive the call for an interview. So, how can you prepare? Below are some nursing interview tips to keep in mind.

Before going into your interview, it is crucial to be organized when it comes to paperwork and your records. Be sure to create a resume that displays your accomplishments, such as your schooling, clinical practice and any work experience in the field. Emphasize the responsibilities you had in these roles and how you succeeded in the position. In addition, be sure to highlight any extracurricular activities you have participated in that reflect your skills and dedication, such as being involved in a nursing club while in college.

In preparing for your interview, take advantage of the resources available to you. For example, ask your nursing advisor to look over your resume to find any potential errors. Your advisor or the Office of Career Services may have valuable insight of what to include and what not to include in your resume, and they can inform you of other things you may need to bring to the interview, such as your nursing license, immunization records and scores from your board exam (“Interviewing Tips,” 2016).

Once you have come up with a list of questions you believe you may be asked, you can practice answering them. This way, when you go into the interview, you can be confident in what you will say. Have one of your peers or mentors take the position of the interviewer and ask you questions, so you can have a chance to answer them and practice in a comfortable environment. However, do not panic if you are asked a question in the interview you were not prepared for. Take a deep breath and trust your knowledge and ability to answer it well.

Perhaps one of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to determine the questions you may be asked. Interview questions may range from general questions such as, “tell me about yourself,” to more specific questions, such as, “how would you handle an emergency situation when you are short on staff?”

In order to prepare for questions that are specific to your career, research the position you are applying for in depth. For example, if you are going into a specific type of nursing, such as adult-gerontology, it is likely you will be asked questions that pertain to this area of the field.

Interviewers almost always ask potential candidates if they have any questions at the end of the interview. Having questions for the interviewer shows your interest in the position, so it is important to prepare questions in advance. For example, you may ask what a typical day on the job looks like or if there is any special training that is required to start the position. You can also ask questions that are more specific to the job, such as inquiring about the company culture or the team of individuals you will potentially be working with.

Asking questions not only shows your interest, but it also demonstrates your desire to do well. As a result, the hiring manager may understand you are willing to do what it takes to succeed in the position. This is a very valuable trait to have in an employee, especially in the nursing field.

The future is bright for individuals who pursue careers in the field of nursing. Keep these nursing interview tips in mind when preparing for your job interview, and you may increase your chances of attaining a satisfying career!

Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions develops graduates who are effective professionals, ethical leaders and socially responsible citizens. To learn more about GCU, visit our website.

Reference:

• Interviewing Tips. (2016). Retrieved from nursezone.com/Advancing-My-Career/interviewing-tips.aspx