Question:

Dear Donna,

I’m getting ready to venture out as a graduate nurse in May. What questions might I be facing in interviews, and how do I answer them? I asked my instructors; however, I feel they are giving me very broad answers — nothing I can use. I feel like an unguided missile, and facing a panel of potential employers scares me. If I get prepared, things may go a bit smoother for me.

Lori

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Lori,

Recruiters and mangers have their own style of interviewing and a set of questions that they like to ask. For some interview basics, including usually asked questions, consult books such as Job Interviews For Dummies (nothing personal here) and Knock ’Em Dead.

Here is an article you may find helpful: “Interview to Knock Their Socks Off” at http://www.dcardillo.com/articles/knock.html.

My next book, The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses will be coming out very soon. There is extensive information about interviewing in there, including usual questions asked and how to answer them. Watch for its release in Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek magazines as well as at www.nurse.com.

Best wishes,
Donna

Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum’s “Dear Donna” and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional. To ask Donna your question, go to www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.