NEW GRAD INTERVIEWS! It's finally here and I cannot believe this is my life writing you as an RN still haha. Today I wanted to make this post to seriously go over everything I have learned throughout my interviewing experience so far. I'm still on the hunt for my perfect first job and searching for any new openings (thanks covid-19 for making it impossible lol) but I figured what I've experienced so far would be helpful! So without further ado, let's jump right in.
TIP 1: Apply, apply, apply. If covid-19 has taught me anything when it comes to jobs it's that there are far and few entry level or new graduate opportunities in my state. I know a lot of my friends are also having a problem of finding jobs opening up. And when they do, the influx of apps makes it really hard to get interviews. My first point really is to apply to anything that remotely interests you. Personally, I always thought I was going head first into pediatrics. Although I still absolutely love peds and totally want to experience that specialty one day, I realize that I need to allow myself to be open to the adult specialties I enjoyed as well throughout clinical. The more apps the more chances of an interview. If you find something you think could make you happy just throw an app in there. You never know what interviews you'll get back. TIP 2: Pre-interview prep is key. This is one of the most important things you can do to sound great during an interview. Recently I had a chance to interview at a top pediatric unit in the nation. It was such a great learning experience (I'll go into this more in a little). But pre-prep is the absolute key here. I made sure to start by researching the hospital itself. I made sure to know what they stood for and valued as a company. This was important because I also want to make sure my values align with theirs. I jotted down a few notes on the hospital and its values and then from there did the same to the specific unit I was interviewing for. I then went more in-depth in researching the unit as a whole. For example, this specific unit had won a daisy award. I made sure to read up more about their awards, recognitions, and what set them apart. I also read up on what kinds of cases typically are on that unit. I think educating yourself in this way is really important so you have more talking points during an interview. It shows you've also taken the time to look up and care about the unit and the work that happens there. TIP 3: Practice answers to questions. One thing I did was google common interview questions. These were also given to me in nursing school by a really amazing professor. I'm going to list some common ones (ones with * I was asked during my latest interview):
TIP 4: There are usually two interviews. I knew this from nursing school as well as friends that have been interviewing. This was the experience I had recently as well. Although it may differ by hospital, there is usually a first screening interview where they ask a couple questions. The second is usually peer or panel based. Since we are in a pandemic, my interviews were conducted via phone call. My first interview was with the hiring manager for the unit. She asked me about 3-4 behavioral and situational questions and then asked me if I had any for her. My second interview contained a similar vibe. It was about 5-6 again behavioral questions. However, this time I had 7-8 people listening in. These people ranged from unit manager, clinical coordinator, RNs, and CNAs. It was basically an interview for everyone to feel out how I would fit into their unit and atmosphere. TIP 5: Always prepare questions to ask the interviewer. This is extremely important. Usually when I start doing my research after being notified that I have an interview, I will compile a list of questions to ask at the end to learn more but also show my interest to their unit specifically. For the first interview I asked more about how the residency program and orientation to their unit worked. I asked details about preceptors and the rotating shift schedules. During my second interview, I asked a few final questions and closed out asking about what they felt was the most challenging for a new graduate nurse to master on their unit. My point of this section is to say definitely prepare 3-5 questions to ask the interviewer. But do not ask about pay or benefits. TIP 6: Follow up immediately. After each interview, I made sure to follow up immediately and thank the person directly who interviewed me for their time and consideration. It's a simple two lined email that was short and to the point. However, it shows a lot of respect and appreciation for their time. TIP 7: Be yourself and bring personality. Nursing is definitely as we well know a customer service based profession. It may be harder on the phone but make sure to feel your best so your happiness and other traits shine through. TIP 8: Rejection will happen. I went through two rounds of interviews for this position and I was not offered the job. I just want to make a point that sometimes it takes tons and tons of apps to land a job and that is okay. For me, I wanted to make a point to write this section as it shouldn't discourage you. Every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow for the next one. And I personally felt that maybe that unit wasn't right for me. As much as we are going for them, they have to feel like we will fit well and thrive in their environment. For this job, perhaps they didn't feel I was the person they needed to fit in at that time. It's okay to not get the first or the 50th. Just keep your head up, keep applying, and you'll land a job soon! That is all I have to offer on new graduate interviews so far! This is definitely only the beginning of my job search and experience. I am really looking forward to finding my first job and being able to share it with you all! Good luck to everyone searching for a new job!
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