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Interview tactics

Jobs are scarce, so it is more important than ever to prepare for interviews, writes Sam Windsor

The end of the summer is approaching and for many nursing students it is qualifying time. Examinations have been sat, assignments submitted, and now we wait for the outcome. However, it is not just results that are on our mind, but finding our first job. And that means interviews.

I have secured my first qualified position and appreciate the nervousness and fear that interviews instil. Interviews are all about giving and receiving information, so here are a few tips for those about to embark on the next step of the ladder:

Arrival
Be on time, but preferably arrive a bit early for your interview. This shows that you are keen. It also gives you a few minutes to try to relax before you enter the interview room.

Appearance
First impressions count. Tailor your outfit to your chosen place of work, but make sure that you are comfortable with what you are wearing.

Portfolio
Make sure this document is easy to read, with a logical flow. Point out areas that highlight achievements and skills. Interviewers will see many portfolios, so make yours memorable by having it well organised and tidy.

Prepare questions
Do some background research on your potential workplace. Ask relevant and pertinent questions about the position that is being offered, the location and type of patient. Even if you know the answers to these questions, it demonstrates interest and enthusiasm. Suitable questions might be: What are the training opportunities? How many staff are on a shift? What medical support is available? Are any specialist environments accessible to the patients, for example, gardens, sensory rooms, IT suites?

Prepare
Be ready to answer a wide range of questions. Interviewers are not just looking at your professionalism, skills and knowledge – they are also looking for social skills, team abilities, independence, approachability and common sense. This means that they might ask you questions relating to potential scenarios, areas of interest and how you perceive yourself and your skills.

Be yourself Interviewers are looking for the real you. They do not want to see your idea of the perfect interviewee, but neither do they want to see you at your worst. Pretending to be someone or something you are not will only lead to trouble and may cost you a job offer. Interviews are a chance to show potential employers what you have achieved. But they are also a chance to do some interviewing yourself, and to decide if the position is right for you.

Good luck!

Sam windsor has recently qualified as a nurse