How can you turn a job interview into a job? Lisa Hedenstrom, RN, MSN, MBA, CNAA and Chief Nursing Officer at Fayette County Hospital, offers suggestions for making the most of the interview experience.
"Be prepared to talk about yourself and be specific," she said. "One of the first questions interviewers ask is 'tell me about yourself and your goals.' While it may sound simple, think about this long before you go to the interview, formulating specifics that reflect your outlook about your career."
Hedenstrom recommends using examples from work experience to illustrate salient points. When asked about your ability to work as part of a team, draw on a successful example of when you worked with peers, supervisors and patients.
Giving examples helps the interviewer have a clearer picture of your skills - both clinical and interpersonal.
"Be more detailed in your answers than simply saying 'yes' or 'no,' even if the interviewer asks a yes-orno question. It's the stories that come out in the interview that help me see how the person can work with our organization."
Hedenstrom also said to be ready to answer the question, "Why are you leaving your current job?" Be honest. Are you leaving because you are ready for a change to enhance your career, have you had a life change or is some other factor coming into play? "I don't need to know the details, but I want to know the reason the nurse is making a change," she said.
Nurses drive patient care and Hedenstrom said that she looks for dedication and an understanding of the profession.
"When I'm interviewing, I like to see that the person has a passion about being a nurse," Hedenstrom said. "I can tell from the way they talk about their work and whether they've taken an interest in other experiences that add to their career, such as mentoring or working as a preceptor with new nurses." Hedenstrom said it's important focus on why nursing is your passion.
"What I'm really looking for is the compassion to delivery quality care," she said. "You can teach the technical skills, but you can't teach the interpersonal skills. I want to see the way they've worked to help people and patients."