Making a Great First Impression: Interview Tips

Interviews are an essential tool for both candidates and employers to decide if they are a match. Most employers require interviews before they make an offer, and there are ways to improve your chances of landing your dream job. How you prepare for the interview, present your qualifications and follow up can help you land your ideal job.

Once you have scheduled the interview, follow these key steps to ensure you’re prepared:

1. Do your research. Check out the employer’s website to learn about their patient population, specialties, values, and recent achievements. Look for the person who will be interviewing you on the employer’s site or on LinkedIn. Doing your homework will demonstrate your genuine interest.

2. Prepare your answers. Know how to talk about your clinical experience, patient care philosophy and how you handle difficult situations. Specific stories that demonstrate how you’ve effectively handled these difficult situations are always a bonus. 

3. Brush up on your clinical knowledge. Be ready to discuss relevant procedures, medications, and protocols. This shows you're clinically current and confident. 

Now that you’ve done your homework, you’ll feel more confident answering any questions that you might be asked during the interview. Here are some tips to help you make a great impression on the day of your interview:

1. Dress professionally and arrive early. This will show you pay attention to the details. 

2. Bring extra copies of your resume, license, certifications, and a list of references. This will demonstrate that you’re prepared and organized.

3. Ask thoughtful questions. Ask about nurse-to-patient ratios, orientation processes, professional development opportunities, and culture. Thoughtful questions like these show your interest in the organization and how you’ll fit into the role.

4. Give answers in a concise and structured way. When asked about past experiences, describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will show your clinical reasoning and interpersonal skills. 

It is important to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Make yourself stand out by emphasizing qualities like these:

1. Adaptability. Nursing environments change constantly. Share examples of how you've thrived during change. 

2. Emotional intelligence. Discuss how you've handled difficult patient situations or collaborated with challenging colleagues. 

3. Professional credentials. Bring a professional portfolio. Include certifications, letters of recommendation, examples of quality improvement projects, and continuing education–physical evidence of your commitment to excellence. 

Afterwards, follow up by:

1. Sending a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours. Real mail is best, but e-mail is better than nothing. Reference specific conversation points to remind them of your engagement and interest. 

2. Follow application instructions precisely. Complete any additional steps promptly, showing your attention to detail and commitment to the process. 

3. Notify your references. Let your references know that they may be contacted and provide them with details about the position so they can speak to your relevant strengths. 

You deserve rewarding work for the life you want. While you want to impress your potential employer, you should also evaluate if the organization's culture, leadership, and opportunities are right for you. STATCheck will continue to hand-pick jobs for you based on your skills and experience, and the best jobs come from mutual fit–where both you and the employer recognize the potential for a rewarding professional relationship. By following these interview strategies, you'll approach your interviews with confidence, clarity, and the professional presence that hiring managers seek. Good luck!