At GROW, we’ve helped countless Filipino nurses secure rewarding positions in the USA, UK, Germany, UAE and Singapore. Through our experience, we’ve gained valuable insights into what hospitals look for during an interview. Here are GROW’s top tips to help you shine in your next nursing job interview:
- Do Your Homework
Understanding the healthcare institution you’re applying to can make a huge difference. We suggest diving deep into the hospital’s mission, culture, and recent news. This information not only prepares you for potential questions but also shows the interviewer your genuine interest in their institution.
- Understand Your Unique Selling Points
Each nurse brings a unique set of skills and experiences. Before the interview, identify what makes you the best candidate for the role. Are you great under pressure? Do you have specialized training or experience with the hospital’s patient demographic? Highlighting these points during your interview can increase your chances of success.
- Highlight Your Team Spirit
Nursing is about collaboration. Your ability to work well in a team is something every hospital will value. Use examples from your past to demonstrate your teamwork skills, whether it’s solving conflicts or helping in a critical situation.
- Illustrate Your Adaptability
Nurses often need to adapt to changing situations and technologies. Make sure to highlight your adaptability by discussing instances where you learned and adopted a new system quickly or managed a sudden change or emergency smoothly.
- Master Situational and Behavioral Questions
Many hospital employers use situational and behavioral questions to assess your nursing skills and thought processes. Be prepared for questions like “How would you handle a situation where…?” or “Can you share an instance when you…?”. Our advice is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to deliver effective responses.
- Let Your Passion Shine
Empathy and a strong desire to help others are at the heart of nursing. Show your passion for your profession in your answers. Talk about why you chose nursing and what you love about it. Passion can leave a lasting impression.
- Come Prepared with Questions
Finally, show your interest and engagement by preparing some questions for your interviewer. Ask about the team you’ll be working with, professional development opportunities, or what a typical day looks like for a nurse at their hospital.
Here’s a bonus tip for online interviews:
- Mastering the Virtual Interview
In today’s digital age, it’s common for initial interviews to take place online, via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams but it’s important to remember that just because its virtual does not mean that you should just wing it. You still need to prepare and treat it just like a face to face interview would:
Technical Preparation
Ensure your technology is up to scratch. Check your internet connection, camera, and microphone beforehand. Position your camera so that it’s at eye level and frames your upper body and face well. Also, make sure you’re familiar with the platform’s functions like muting/unmuting and video on/off.
Location and Background
Choose a quiet location with good lighting, free from distractions. Your background should be professional and neat. Make sure it doesn’t distract from your face and expressions.
Dress Professionally
Even though the interview is online, treat it with the same seriousness as an in-person one. Dress professionally from head to toe. This will not only show the interviewer your professionalism but also help put you in the right mindset.
Body Language
Good eye contact and positive body language are just as important in a virtual interview. To maintain eye contact, look at the camera rather than your screen. Keep your body language open and engaged.
Prepare Notes
One advantage of virtual interviews is the ability to have notes handy. You can prepare and keep important points nearby but ensure it doesn’t disrupt the flow of the conversation or cause you to lose eye contact with the interviewer.
Remember, the same rules apply to virtual interviews as they do to in-person ones. Be punctual, professional, and prepared.
Ultimately, an interview is not just about being assessed, it’s also your opportunity to assess the hospital as a potential workplace. So, equip yourself with these tips and walk into your interview with confidence. Remember, every interview is a learning experience, so don’t be disheartened if things don’t go as planned. Good luck!
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