Preparation is key if you want to successfully interview for that nurse position you’ve been pursuing. Too regularly are nurses faltering at this stage because they take their training and graduate degree for granted. Yet a few simple steps can help you rise above your competition and successfully secure the role you’ve been after.
Here’s some pointers that will put you in good stead for your interview.
Research your potential employer
Whether you are applying to a public sector NHS Trust nurse role or a private sector care home nursing position, it is highly likely that you will be asked about what you know about your potential employer. Get ahead of your competition by extensively researching your potential employer, getting to know their history as well as any facts about the local area (if you are unfamiliar). Give your potential employer any reason to remember you – some stand out facts should improve your chances of getting the role.
Specify your specialism
It is important to focus on the specific role you are applying for, i.e if you are a theatre nurse applying for a theatre nurse job, be specific in what experience you have, to clearly illustrate why you’re the right person for the role. If you are applying to a specialism that is new to you, prepare in advance a list of experience that you have attained that is relatable to the new role – to demonstrate that you are capable of undertaking the role.
Prepare yourself for pressure
Throughout your interview, a potential employer will be analysing your performance to understand better how you react under pressure – assessing whether you are calm and collected in an interview environment. Furthermore, it is likely that they will ask you about your ability to cope in emergency situations. To succeed in your interview you will need to exude confidence and firmness – as a potential employer would rather hire someone with these traits over someone who is likely to unfold when in a high pressure environment.
Ask your own questions
Throughout the interview you will be quizzed by at least one person representing your potential employer. Whilst that is the basic format of the interview, it’s likely that you will have the opportunity to ask questions yourself. Whilst it’s not advisable to ask question after question, you may appear to be uninterested if you don’t ask at least one or two quick questions.
Questions could involve ‘how many patients am I expected to take care of in a day’ or ‘are there any extra educational opportunities for me if I take this role?’ Enthusiasm often prevails – so make sure you show yours!
