Interviews: Job interview Dos and Don’ts that will save you

Remember, the interview is just one foot in the door with the employer. You only have one shot at showing that you are the best fit for the job. We are not trying to put more pressure on you, we are just giving you heads up on what to pay attention to. Let’s see what is that you should or should not do when meeting your potential new employer.

Interview doesn’t start when you sit down, nor it ends after you shake hands with your interviewer or employer. You also might consider sending a follow-up email or put a thought to your interview attire, and composure you put out through it all. It is an ongoing process. Here is a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts that will help guide you in the interview process and help you land your dream job.

Do’s

DO research hospital protocol and culture

Before sitting down for an interview, try to learn everything you can about the healthcare company or hospitalto which you are applying to. You can start by looking at their goal statement, values and beliefs, and work culture on their website. See if the work culture matches yours. Before starting a job, it is important to see if your goals are in sync with theirs. Do your homework in advance. Learn more about their company, their clientele, and the industry. The information you find not only will help you feel more confident throughout the interview, but it also shows your interest in working with them and being part of their team.

Here are a few questions you can ask to get started with your research.

• How long has the hospital been operating?
• What do they offer to their patients and employees?
• Who is the CEO?
• What is their work culture like?
• What is their mission statement?
• Is there any recent news or updates about this hospital?

This ‘DO’ is important for several reasons:

• It helps you with finding the best hospitals that also fit your requirements.
• Helps you with adjusting your CV and cover letter to showcase your relevant abilities and experiences that will meet the hospital requirements.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask potential employers during an interview.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in working for the organisation.
• Determine the organisation’s objectives and requirements.
• Add confidence during the interview.
• Helps you to make an informed decision.

DO review your resume

We can not emphasise this enough. This is a very strategic (if not logical) thing to do before your interview. Review and tailor your resume to meet the requirements specific to the hospital or company you are applying for job. While there is a demand for nurses globally, you still should be able to show your professionalism. Your resume is the first touchpoint and the first impression of you as a person. We all know how important the first impression is! Re-familiarise yourself with your own resume, so you can talk about your work experience clearly and eloquently.. It is impossible to fulfil every employer’s requirements by submitting the same CV for every job opportunity. If you want to get the attention of hiring managers, employers or recruiters, you must put an effort to craft your CV. Take the time to tailor your resume to match employer’s needs and goals to increase your chances of being noticed. Recruiters and HR Managers go through piles of CVs daily, so if yours is half-empty or doesn’t stand out, the chances are it might end up in the ‘wrong’ pile.

Specific areas pay attention to:

• Summary of your qualifications:
  include your qualifications in the CV tactically. When you review your CV, you may see that some credentials are not even required for the position. Your purpose is to draw attention to yourself and your skills. The last thing you want to do is to bore your potential employer with irrelevant information.
• Job description:
  When reviewing your CV, many companies will go right to this part. Examine your previous job descriptions and revise your duties and accomplishments. Give an honest summary of your work history but emphasise your experience and achievements that apply to the job position.
• Skills:
  You have reviewed your previous job descriptions and determined what qualities the company is looking for in a candidate. In the skills section of your CV, emphasise your skills that are relevant to the job position. Begin your list with the abilities that the company is most interested in. Don’t waste your and recruiter’s time with a one-size-fits-all CV. Work on your resume for the best results.

DO take your time

Don’t rush the entire process. Pay close attention to the question being asked, and if you need to take a breath to process before responding, do so! It is much better than just blurting out an answer simply because you couldn’t handle the awkward silence. Take the time to come up with a meaningful, appropriate response to the question. Try to ‘keep your cool’ throughout an interview. Have a genuine conversation. Confidence is always appealing in a candidate. Try to give bold, intelligent responses and ask intriguing questions. ’Keeping your cool’, especially for nurses, demonstrates you can handle stressful situations while working with them, and that increases the chances that you will be the person they want on their team.

DO research potential interview questions and practice your responses

It may appear silly, but taking time to think about what answers will you give during the interview will help you get into the right mindset. Research interview questions and practise your answers with someone you know. Pay attention and practice speaking slowly and clearly. The more you rehearse, the more assured you will be during the actual interview.

Consider what the interviewer would want to know about you and your skills. Research some common nurse interview questions. It will only help if you have already thought about the solution to a comparable situation. Here are a few questions for you to think about as you prepare for your interview.

• What skills would you like to learn?
• What do your previous employer or colleagues think of you?
• What are your strong points and weak points?
• What are your qualifications? Why should we hire you?
• Why did you apply for this position?

DO send a thank-you letter

While often overlooked, this gesture is rather important. A simple courtesy can go a long way. It leaves a good first impression and shows your manners. You can write a handwritten letter or an email. Just be sincere and brief. Recognise that hiring managers have a busy schedule, yet pleasant comments go a long way. Thank them for their time getting to know you and show that you’d be glad to them again.

Don’ts

DON’T be vague.

Try to be very specific and to the point of answering questions. When you are asked to describe particular instances or specific experience, provide just that — precise examples. Provide a detailed description of your role in that scenario so that your future employer has a good idea of what happened and how, and what was your role in finding a solution.

DON’T give a negative or bland response

Interviewers may ask questions to get to know you, like “What does your ideal Sunday look like?” This stops the cookie-cutter response and provides insight into who you are and how you might spend your free time. Try not to give a response like sleeping till 2 PM or relaxing all day. Consider including something active on your perfect Sunday. It shows that you are looking after your well being.

Don’t disclose your imperfections, if you don’t have to,

Transparency is essential, but don’t show only that. Interviewer may ask you a question on a subject about which you don’t have sufficient expertise or experience. Prepare a response to these questions and approach them with the attitude that you are interested in growing and learning.