She scheduled an appointment to discuss the job with the recruiter at 3:30 PM on a day she was working, so she wouldn’t have to get dressed up and come in on her day off. Nevertheless, she didn’t have a free minute during the shift to even think about the interview. By the time the interview started, Linda was so tired that she let the recruiter do all the talking while she fought to stay awake. She couldn’t tell the interviewer why she wanted the position in home care except to say she disliked her head nurse. When she was asked for the names of four references, she blanked and said she’d have to send in some names later. Finally, the session was over and Linda left with great expectations, hoping for a speedy transfer. Instead, she received a letter notifying her that she didn’t get the job. Linda wondered what in the world had gone wrong.

Whether you’re a staff nurse, a manager, or an advanced practice nurse, interviewing is an important opportunity to market yourself for career advancement. Whether you’re interviewing for a new position, starting a new career or sideline, or seeking a promotion, the key to a successful interview is careful and thorough preparation. If two candidates have almost equal qualifications, it may not be the most qualified, but the best-prepared candidate who gets the offer. The better prepared you are, the more likely you’ll be chosen over the competition. This holds true for internal interviews, as well. Don’t assume because you’ve been working at an institution for a number of years that you will get the job.

Take a businesslike approach to interviewing. Begin by thinking of an interview as a self-marketing strategy to promote a product — you. At the same time, you are the salesperson making a pitch to the customers.¹ One way to persuade customers that you are the best person for the job is to convince them you can meet their needs, solve their problems, and bring unique qualifications to the job. Just like a salesperson, you need to articulate the specific benefits of hiring you for the job as opposed to just describing your general profile. For example, instead of presenting yourself as an RN with five years of experience, emphasize that you can manage eight to 10 patients and take charge of a unit, as well.

To represent yourself realistically, think about your knowledge, skills, and abilities beforehand, and then record three of your most marketable strengths on a card to take with you to the interview. Repeat your key strengths three times during the interview.

Types of interviews

Interviews may be conducted in several ways including behavioral, conversational, screening, stress, and situational.

• A behavioral interview views past behavior as the best predictor of future behavior.
• A conversational or nondirective interview comprises a give-and-take discussion of many topics.
• A screening interview is designed to weed out applicants and narrow down the field of possibilities before a choice is made. Usually, these are handled by a human resources representative or nurse recruiter.²
• A stress interview intentionally generates discomfort for the interviewee to evaluate his/her ability to deal with stressful situations.
• A situational approach is one where the interviewer presents a scenario to which candidates can give examples of how they would respond.

Some employers conduct initial or prescreening interviews by telephone before calling in the best applicants for face-to-face interviews. For these, be sure you’re in a quiet location where you won’t be disturbed or distracted.²

Interviews are sometimes carried out by a team or panel, which must reach a consensus in choosing a candidate. Multiple — second, third, and even more — interviews are not unheard of today for positions in management, education, advanced practice, and highly specialized jobs.

Get to know the organization first

Besides marketing and promotion, for both the recruiter and the job candidate, an interview provides an opportunity for screening, finding a match or fit, and simply getting acquainted. Regardless of the type or purpose, following some basic guidelines can improve your chances of getting that important job offer.

Research your prospective employer. Doing your homework pays off! You’ll be more successful and at ease if you prepare ahead of time for each interview. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to arrive at an interview without any background information on the organization. Conduct an Internet search for the organization’s website and check the American Hospital Directory for information about the institution’s financial state and utilization data.³ In your search, it may be helpful to find out the number of beds or patient visits, the size of the staff and the annual budget, the specialties or services offered, the age of the organization, and accreditation status, which these sites can provide. Check nursing publications’ annual career guides, check the organization’s advertisements in the newspaper, or go to the reference section of the public and institution’s libraries to obtain as much information as you can about a potential employer and the job, including the practice role, specialty, and setting of interest. The advertisements will also provide information about other available positions, nursing salaries, and benefits. You may also want to get a copy of the job description, organizational chart, philosophy of nursing, mission statement, strategic goals, and employee and patient handbooks from the nursing, human resources, or public relations departments. Conducting information interviews by phone or in person with people who know about the agency’s reputation, work environment, corporate culture, and competitors can be extremely informative. From what you learn about the organization, figure out why you’d want to work there so when you’re asked, you’ll have a ready, concise answer.

Setting up the interview

When you schedule your appointment, find out as much as you can about your future interviewer, such as title, department, and contact information. Ask about the interview itself, such as where it will be conducted, who else may be participating in the interview, how long it will take, and what you should bring. Schedule your appointment when you’re at your best — early in the day if you’re a morning person — or the afternoon if you’re not. Don’t forget to get detailed directions and parking information ahead of time; a trial run to the facility at the same time of day as your interview is helpful if you’ve never been there before. It’s a good idea to update your resume and to get an application form ahead of time so you can complete and copy it before you go.

Interview questions — be prepared

Be ready for the interviewer’s questions. Interviewers ask four basic kinds of questions.

• Background questions ask for elaboration and clarification of information on your resume, for example, for a new graduate, “What was your favorite clinical experience?”⁴ For an experienced nurse, “What did you particularly like about your last position?”⁴
• Professional questions relate to your career goals and their relationship to the position you’re seeking. An interviewer might ask, “Where do you see yourself in three years?”⁴
• Functional questions try to gain insight into your skills and abilities, for example, “How would you handle a situation where you thought you were right and others were wrong?⁴ or “Tell me about a situation when you had to deal with an angry family member.”⁴

Illegal questions, which are related to age; race and color; religion; national origin; political affiliations; sex, marital status, children, and sexual orientation; and handicaps are seldom asked intentionally. If an illegal question does come up, try to answer it briefly and positively and move on. Not answering or reacting emotionally could destroy your chances of getting an offer. For example, if your religious affiliation comes up, you could simply say, “My religion has never interfered with my work because it has taught me respect for all faiths.”

Next, using index cards, start a file of practice interview questions, writing down brief answers in positive terms, as well as five short — under two minutes — success stories to illustrate your answers.⁵ Write down three strengths with quote compliments that people have given you in performance evaluations, thank you letters, and awards.

Some of the most challenging interview questions are open-ended questions that are really asking something else:

• “Tell me about yourself.” (Why should we hire you?)
• “What is your philosophy of nursing?” (Is your philosophy compatible with ours?)
• “What are your strengths?” (Why should we hire you?)
• “What is the biggest mistake you ever made?” (How do you prevent making errors?)
• “How long do you plan to work here?” (Are your goals similar to ours?)
• “What have you heard about us?” (Have you done your homework?)

Referring to your research about the organization, also ask yourself, “What are the recruiters looking for?”

Be prepared to explain, “How are your skills suited to this job?” and “Why should the organization hire you?”³

Have your own questions, too. An interview is a give-and-take exchange of information, so you’ll need to prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiter or manager so you can evaluate the job. Include questions about the organization, department, or position that remain unanswered by your research. Other questions you might ask include:

• “What type of nursing care delivery system is used on the unit?”
• “What is included in the hospital and unit orientation?”
• “Will I have a preceptor? How long?”
• “What are the opportunities for promotion from this position?”
• “Why is this position available?”
• “How and when will the decision be made?”
• “When do you hope to fill the position?”
• “What is the average nurse-to-patient ratio?”
• “What measures are taken when you are short-staffed or overstaffed?”
• “Are there opportunities for continuing education?”
• “What salary and benefits does this position offer?”

When you ask your questions, start with ones that are broad such as, “What is the nursing care delivery system?” and save your questions about salary, benefits, and vacation until later in the interview. When you discuss salary, you need to know the market value of the position for comparison, as well as the dollar figure you want. Try to determine the employer’s range ahead of time by asking when you call or visit the office. When you quote a dollar range for your desired salary, the lower number is what you could live with and the upper number is a few thousand dollars more. If you are offered less, consider the total compensation package, including an additional 25% to 40% that represents benefits, costs of commuting, and childcare. Use key phrases like, “I’m looking for $…” and talk in terms of what the job is worth. If you can’t resolve the issue, keep the door open. Remember, the only way to persuade employers you deserve a higher salary is to convince them you can solve their specific problems or meet their needs.

To help you evaluate important information when you’re interviewing several employers, develop a checklist of questions, make a copy for each employer, and assess each response, recording a “+” (positive) or “-” (negative) score for the answers.⁷ Add up the totals and compare. Remember that any question about the position is appropriate if the answer will help you evaluate whether you’re the right individual to fill it.

Your checklist might include questions like —

• Do I have a written copy of the job description?
• Do I know to whom I report and what the chain of command is in the organization?
• Does the orientation plan sound adequate for the position?
• Are the salary and differential compensation acceptable?
• Does the benefit package (insurance – health, life, disability, malpractice) meet my needs?
• Am I satisfied with the holiday, sick, and vacation time offered?
• Is flexible scheduling available (for example, working three days then off three days)?
• Are there opportunities for continuing education? With reimbursement?
• Does the organization offer tuition reimbursement?
• Is there opportunity to advance clinically or administratively in the organization?
• Is the location of the facility a reasonable distance from home?
• Do I feel safe with the security system inside and outside the facility?

Practice enhances the likelihood of success, so rehearse until you’re comfortable, confident, and appear spontaneous in answering the practice questions and asking your own questions. You may want to answer and ask questions out loud in front of a mirror, relating everything you’d like to say to your interviewer while watching your facial expression and body language. A good test of your readiness is to role-play the interview with a friend as the interviewer.

Final preparations

Come prepared. Be sure you have several copies of your typed resume, the completed application form, the index cards with your three strengths written on it, the questions that you’re prepared to ask the interviewer, and a typed list of the phone numbers and addresses of three to five personal friends and three to five professionals who have agreed to be references. You’ll need a pen and paper to take notes and may need your calendar to schedule a follow-up appointment. You’ll probably want to put all of these items in a briefcase along with your professional portfolio — a binder or folder with important documentation that supports your qualifications. For example, letters of recommendation from coworkers, instructors, and other providers; performance evaluations; thank you letters from patients and families; school transcripts; continuing education certificates; awards; and samples of your writing (reports, teaching aids, and articles). Other documents you might include are your professional license and certificates, social security number, driver’s license, and proof of citizenship.  It’s a good idea to take a map and the name and phone number of the person you’re meeting. Don’t forget the directions and parking information.

After you’ve done everything else you can to prepare for the interview, use a little self-imagery and imagine yourself going through the process successfully several times.⁸ Imagine how you would like to look and sound. Begin with the introductions, then the small talk to establish rapport. Imagine the interviewer’s questions and your responses. Visualize yourself asking questions, going on tour, and meeting staff and supervisors. Imagine yourself summarizing your strengths and interests and reaching successful closure.

You can also take advantage of a virtual interview available on monster.com. This interactive activity offers you an opportunity to test your answers in a safe environment so when you are ready for the real thing, you can engage in a meaningful exchange.⁹

The big session

Dress appropriately. Give careful consideration to how you dress for the interview. Wear business attire that is modest, conservative, tasteful, clean, and neat. It conveys confidence, professionalism, and business savvy.¹⁰ A tailored suit, a dress, or a blazer with a skirt or slacks are all appropriate. Uniforms, scrub suits, and lab coats are usually inappropriate, especially after a day at work. Wear sensible dress shoes and take either a simple purse or a briefcase. Neutral hose are best for both men and women. Keep jewelry simple — wear stud earrings and a watch. Put on little or no makeup, and avoid strong perfume, cologne, or aftershave.

First impressions are made in as little as three seconds⁴ — the decision to hire is usually made within the first 60 seconds — so you’ll need to put your best foot forward from the start. Be on time or better yet, 10 to 15 minutes early. Be sure to make eye contact and smile at everyone you meet, and give them a firm handshake. Wait until the interviewer indicates that you may be seated before you sit down. It’s OK to accept a beverage if it’s offered.

An interview is a two-way street; you should balance listening with talking. Use a conversational tone, a strong voice, and well-paced speech. Don’t rush to answer complex questions; ask for a moment to organize your response before you speak. Try to match your communication style with the interviewer’s. Keep your responses brief (two minutes maximum) and to the point. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so. Maintain eye contact and ask thoughtful questions. Sell yourself not by coming across as overconfident, but by stressing your strong points and giving examples. Be aware that the interviewer is observing both your verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including speech, posture, eye contact, body language, sensitivity, and enthusiasm. Keep in mind that the interviewer is looking for a match between the role’s requirements and your qualifications. Try to maintain a relaxed, comfortable posture, and don’t fidget. Remember, a great deal of communication is body language and that’s what people remember about you. Be enthusiastic, optimistic, and positive in your responses.

Downplay your weaknesses but be honest. If you don’t have a skill, admit it — but offer to tell the interviewer about related skills you have.¹¹ Omit negative comments about past employers, supervisors, or coworkers. Be brief, honest, and unemotional about termination. Ask to visit the area where you would work and to meet the staff and supervisor. Also, you may want to request an observation day so you can shadow someone who does the same or similar job.

If you get an offer at the interview, it’s usually best to ask for a few days to think about it. Give the interviewer a date that you’ll respond to the offer and be sure to make the contact. If you’re not offered the position during the interview, before you leave the interview ask when a decision will be made and if you will be notified. Get the names, titles, and business cards of everyone you meet and remember to thank all the interviewers for taking the time to meet you.

After the interview

Write a brief thank you note to each person who interviewed you within 24 hours of your meeting them.¹² By doing so, you score additional points because few applicants send a thank you.¹² In the letter, be sure to reiterate your interest in the position, as well as your qualifications. Make a follow-up call to check if references have been received and have additional references to offer if there has been a slow response to the reference request.¹²

Finally, complete a critique of your performance and decide what you might do differently or better the next time. If you don’t receive a timely response from the interviewer, call. If you don’t get an offer, remind yourself that the experience was good practice (and you never know if the first-choice candidate will accept the offer or work out even if she or he does accept). Then begin preparing and practicing for your next interview; it will pay off.