An interview question

A

ally1966

Cathlete
Hello, all! I'm very excited -- I have an interview next week for a summer internship. I'm in nursing school, and the position is "nurse intern" on a cardiac floor at my local hospital. It's been a l-o-n-g time since I've done any kind of job interview -- I worked in the same job for 15 years before returning to school -- and this is my first interview related to nursing. So, I'm wondering if those of you out there in the field can tell me what kinds of questions to expect? Any advice as I start my "mental preparation?"

Thanks in advance!
Allison
 
Hi Allison, and congratulations on your interview! I'm an old timer and retired many years ago. I don't think they even had such a thing as nurse interns back in the day.

My best advice to you is that you go into the interview with the same enthusiasm demonstrated by your post here. I think regardless of where you interview, the interviewer wants to see someone who is fresh faced and filled with excitement.

I know this isn't very helpful, but I wish you well and will keep my fingers crossed.

Michele:)
 
Well, I'm not in the medical field, but I do quite a bit of interviewing, and I will concur with Michele that what interviewers want to hear is that you're excited to be working at that particular place and why (this is an up-and-coming hospital, the staff is said to be very professional and I can learn a lot, etc., etc.). You cannot believe the number of times I've asked the question, "Why did you apply for this job," and gotten some answer along the lines of, "Well, it was available." That is the WORST thing you can say because we want folks who are eager to learn and eager to work.

Also, it is a good idea to poke around on their Website or in their marketing materials for some things that are going on, so that you can reference those as you're speaking. Not pompous-like, but just making it clear that you've taken the time to learn about the organization.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great!

Marie
 
Thank you for your thoughts and advice! I'm glad to hear that enthusiasm is an asset...I was going to say in my earlier post that I will be sure to display it, appropriately (not in a Tom-Cruise-on-the-Couch sort of way...). I do think my energy and eagerness to learn are things I can offer, and I would really appreciate the opportunity to develop my skills -- technical and personal. I guess there's nothing wrong with saying that?! I also like the idea of having some things I can talk about based on what's going on, Marie.

Thanks again for your replies and good wishes!
Allison
 
Be prepared to answer these questions and I think you will be all set:

1. Tell me a little about yourself (yes they have the resume but they will probably ask).

2. What qualifications make you a good candidate for this job?

3. What made you apply for this job (I agree with the above poster that "b/c it was available" is a simply *awful* answer).

4. Where do you see yourself in the future?

Good Luck :)
 
A second to the post about finding out about the hospital. Show that you have done your research and when you tell them why you want the job, make reference to how you can fit into their situation and how you can help them. Be prepared for them to give you possible situations that may arise and how you would respond. The number one thing that employers are looking for now are employees who will be responsible (yes, showing up to work on time) and who will actually work while they are at work (OK, that's 2 things). Good luck!
 
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