Exactly how many nurses are searching for their next job in the U.S. is impossible to pin down.
We do know that hospital turnover rates have never been higher. That means if you’re a nurse
who wants to find your next job, you could have competition to contend with.
Finding a new job is never without challenges. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to stand out. If
you want to ace your next job interview, preparation is key.
In this article, we will take a look at how you can stand out from the crowd. You’ll leave feeling
empowered and ready to land your dream job.
Nursing Recruitment
Depending on the organization, the application and interview process will vary. Nurse
recruitment is a complex process. Organizations decide how to recruit new talent based on a
variety of factors.
To cut the disruption to the healthcare system, facilities want to fill the gaps as soon as possible.
The right candidate for a role can onboard faster through a streamlined hiring process. Due to
the fast-paced timeline, it’s even more important to capture the hiring team’s attention.
It’s important to keep in mind this process will look slightly different depending on the setting and
organization you are applying for. As a general rule, healthcare recruitment follows these basic
steps:
● Apply online for the position you want
● Get your application noticed by a recruiter
● Phone interview with a recruiter to discuss the role- 1st round
● A small group of applicants sent to the hiring manager
● Hiring manager interviews candidates- 2nd round
● Panel or team interview- 2nd or 3rd round
● Job offers to follow
Types of Interviews
This will differ from organization and region but for the most part, an interview process is the
same. It’s important to keep in mind the main goal of the recruitment process. For businesses,
recruiting is about making sure it is a good fit for everyone involved.
Furthermore, you have the opportunity to ask questions in an interview as well. This is the time
for you to make sure their values and vision for healthcare align with yours.
Everyone and every facility have a different way of going about interviewing. There are many
different selection styles and techniques that exist to find the best fit.
Phone Interviews
Recruiters often conduct phone interviews to sort out candidates. This is the first step in getting
your application seen by a hiring manager.
The interview should last about 30 minutes. At this stage, they are deciding whether to move
forward with the hiring process or not. Your recruiter will discuss the company and the job
requirements with you. Use this opportunity to ensure the company meets all your needs in an
employer as well.
Virtual Interviews
Once your recruiter has determined it is a good fit, you can move on to the next step of the
process. Virtual interviews were more popular at the start of the pandemic. They are still used in
many instances today.
When real-life conversations are not possible, online interactions are a viable alternative. Expect
to show up like you would in an in-person meeting. Wear something nice, express gratitude for
being selected, and show them why they should choose you.
In-Person Interviews
A face-to-face interview allows you to showcase your personality, unlike a phone interview.
Much of how we communicate is through body language.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use body language to your advantage during an interview.
Additionally, there are tips for video interviews as well.
Tips from a Healthcare Recruiter
Healthcare recruiters are the perfect person to help prepare for your interview. They are
screening and talk to potential applicants every day. If you’re applying for a job, develop a close
working relationship with them.
Watch CHG Healthcare’s video here. This quick 5-minute clip will explain one healthcare
recruiter’s best interview tips. Listen to her explain how you can stand out from the crowd and
land your next dream job.
Interview Preparation Checklist
It is possible to stand out from the crowd of applicants so that you can find a position that meets
your career objectives. Read this article here if you don’t know what your current career goals
are. We discuss ways nurses can take control of their career paths.
It’s important to note, this is not an exhaustive list. What you do to prepare for an interview may
look different from someone else. Whatever works for you is what works best. Listen and be
kind to yourself throughout this process.
● Research the company
○ What is their mission?
○ Does their vision align with yours?
● Research the unit
○ How does the unit you are applying for fit within the organization’s mission?
● Research your interviewers
○ Do you share anything in common with them?
○ What does their healthcare background look like?
● Prepare statements/answers to common interview questions
● Show up rested and confident
● Highlight yourself in the best light possible
Common Interview Questions
The interview process allows a company to get to know you. Although every interview will be
different, you should prepare a few statements. Common interview questions like:
Tell me about yourself
● Tell me about a time when…
● Tell me why you want to work here.
In very large organizations this could be your only time to sell yourself so make the most of it.
This is your time to prove you are the right person for the position. Presenting yourself well with
prepared stories that highlight your experience is important.
The best way to feel prepared is to practice. Learn how to come up with statements for common
interview questions in this article. Thus, you can familiarize yourself with them and start thinking
about how to respond.
Questions to Ask Your Interviewers
Just like how the hiring team wants to get to know you. The interview process is an opportunity
for you to interview them. This is your time to make sure the culture and role are right for you
and your current chapter of life.
Most interviewers will allow you to ask questions toward the end. Ask the team to elaborate on
any questions you have that have not been answered yet.
Questions to consider asking during your next interview:
● How is teamwork recognized at this organization?
● During times of high patient volumes, what steps are taken to ensure safe patient care?
● How does the company ensure staff has a healthy work-life balance?
Register here if you are a nurse looking for your next healthcare job opportunity.
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