Future of Nursing in Michigan - December 2020

Page 12 The Future of Nursing in Michigan December 2020, January, February 2021
Acing an Interview: Lessons Learned & Tips for Success from
20+ Years of Nursing Management Experience
1) What is the proper way to
dress for an interview?
Ladies wear a nice dress
or dress shirt, dress pants,
or skirt with no/short slit;
ensure the items are not
low cut, more than an
inch above the knee or
excessively tight. You want
to avoid multiple piercings,
especially in the facial
area and brightly colored
Bridget A.
Leonard, DNP,
MBA, RN
hair. Wear a closed toe, low heel if possible as a
walking tour may be part of the interview. Avoid
excessive earrings, bracelets and perfume.
2) What’s the best way to prepare for an interview?
Read the job description, ensure that you
either meet the qualifications or the business
will provide the training during orientation.
Have a friend/family member ask you interview
questions, become comfortable with only
answering the question being asked. Research
the company and take notes on some important
facts. Review the mission and vision of the
company. Do they align with your skills, ethics,
and beliefs? If so, prepare an answer so you
can share the ways you align with their mission
specifically.
What should you definitely know about yourself?
You must know your strengths, opportunities for
improvement, motivation level, ability to work
on a team, ability to lead initiatives and think
outside the box. Most importantly, know your
self-worth. What do you bring to a team?
3) What are some things to say that could set you
apart from every other interviewee?
a) Why should I consider working for this
company, what do you offer that I can’t get
from your biggest competitor?
b) I love learning, growing and conquering
challenges. Is that a possibility working here?
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c) Are there opportunities for advancement?
d) What makes you keep coming back every
day?
e) May I give you a hard copy of my resume?
4) What is a complete turnoff for most
interviewers? Name some do’s and don’ts.
a) Don’t be late.
b) Don’t be more than ½ hour early.
c) Don’t be improperly dressed.
d) Don’t wear strong perfume.
e) Don’t be too comfortable, speaking as if
you’ve known each other for years.
f) Don’t ask about pay.
g) Don’t speak bad about a previous employer
or co-workers.
h) Don’t drop names.
i) Do answer only the question being asked.
j) Do not use your phone or have the ringer on.
k) Do not bring friends, kids or family to the
interview.
l) Don’t chew gum.
5) What’s the best way to handle a group of
interviewers vs. a single interviewer?
Take notes with either single or groups of
interviewers. A single interviewer wants
constant eye contact, wants only the question
being asked answered, wants you to clarify
questions if needed and thanks them at the
end of the interview. When with a group of
interviewers maintain eye contact, appear
confident, repeat the question or ask that the
question is repeated. Try to ask each interviewer
a follow-up question, thank everyone at the end
of the interview.
6) How important is it to do your research on the
company you are trying to get hired by?
Very important. Take time to do some research.
Speak about some of the company facts, it
shows you are interested and have taken extra
steps to assess the company’s needs.
What about researching yourself?
You must do a self-analysis and be truthful about
your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities
for to do better.
7) How should you handle advising the interviewer
about your criminal record or missed time on an
application?
I wouldn’t freely disclose my criminal record
unless asked, yet if it is asked on the application
be truthful as this can be a reason for
termination if information is falsified on the
application. Missed time on an application can
be explained by stating you were caring for the
kids, looking for a different career path or taking
classes for growth.
8) Is it appropriate to ask the interviewer
questions? When is the right time to ask about
money?
Definitely ask questions as this shows interest,
in fact, come to the interview with at least 3
questions in mind. The right time to ask about
money is when the job offer is being made, you
can inform them you need 24 hours to consider
the offer and you may counter their offer if you
feel that the pay is too low (they don’t have to
increase pay, but it usually warrants further
discussion on their end especially if they really
want you to come to the company).
9) How important is it to remove negative or
derogatory things from your social media
accounts before the interview?
This is critical, in todays social media some
employers are visiting your pages to assess
your character even before they contact you
for an interview. When beginning a job search
immediately remove any derogatory statements
and inappropriate pictures.
10) Does an interviewer have the right to your social
media pages?
Yes, they have a right as this is public information
you’ve shared. As business owners they want to
protect the integrity of the company.
If not, how should you handle it if they ask you for
the link information?
If they ask for your link information, feel free to
ask them is it mandatory for employment and
how will the information be used.
11) How important is it to have some personal goals
in mind in case you are asked about it?
Very important, it allows the interviewer to see
you have potential and the desire to do more
inside and outside of the company.
12) How should you handle the tough questions
when you have to think on the spot, especially if
you don’t have an answer?
Ask that the question be repeated. Try to break
up the question in chunks, if you can’t think of an
answer immediately ask the interviewer can you
come back to that question.
13) Give examples of good body language and bad
body language on an interview.
Good: Sitting up straight, maintaining eye
contact, limiting talking with hands, firm
handshake, unfolded arms, relaxed facial
expression, smile, and lean in slightly to show
you are engaged.
Bad: Poor or aggressive eye contact, slouching
in seat, fidgeting with nails/clothes, excessive
laughing, rolling eyes, limp handshake, looking
bored or disinterested, playing with hair, not
smiling.
14) How important is eye contact?
Very important, good eye contact implies trust,
interest, and engagement.
15) Is it ever okay to follow up with the company
before they contact you?
Yes, preferably send a thank you letter via email
instead of a phone call (ask for interviewer’s
business card before you leave so you can have
access to their email) after the interview.
16) Is it appropriate to give a copy of your resume
and cover letter to the interviewer?
Yes, a hard copy shows interest and
professionalism especially printed on highquality
paper. This simple act helps to separate
you from the rest of the applicants.
17) What is your information if people wanted to
contact you?
Email: info@bridgetleonard.com
Website: www.bridgetleonard.com
Facebook: Dr Bridget Leonard DNP
Instagram: IamBridgetLeonard