Interview Tips for International Nursing Students and International Nurses
Conexus MedStaff has put together the below tips to help international nurses and international nursing students communicate confidence, enthusiasm and intelligence during your telephone interview with a healthcare organization. This is your time to shine, so make the most of it!
Preparation
Things to prepare before your U.S. nursing interview:
Know who you are and how you got where you are
Know your resume inside out
Be able to recount your big accomplishments
Understand your strengths and weaknesses
Know what you want to do next in your nursing career
Think about your goals and ambitions
Understand the role for which you are being interviewed
Be familiar with the job description so you can align your nursing skills and experience to the role
Learn about the organization
Read the organization's website and perform general online searches about the organization
Does it have a Mission Statement? What are the organization's values?
Prepare some answers to common nursing interview questions (we will look at this in more detail later)
Write down all of your ideas to the above points
Use what works best for you – paragraphs in full sentences, lists of key words, diagrams, etc.
Practice answering questions verbally
Role play with another person playing the interviewer
Practice speaking your answers out loud while alone
Think about the speed of your speech and your breathing
Try to limit unnecessary words or sounds such as “like” and “erm”
Practice smiling in a mirror while you answer your questions verbally – if you smile it shows through in your voice and you interviewer will hear it!!
Interview Day Preparation
Sit in a quiet room without distractions or interruptions
If possible, use a landline with a good connection or check your cell phone connection at your location before you get on the call
Have a glass of water nearby in case of a dry throat
Don’t forget your mirror
Have a copy of your resume near you during the interview
If your mind goes blank on dates then you can easily check
During the Interview
Speak clearly and breathe calmly
If you do not understand a question, kindly ask the interviewer to repeat the question
Use your mirror, and smile!
Project confidence in your voice
Speak with enthusiasm and energy to engage the interviewer
Be positive and avoid negativity
Answer questions succinctly and do not ramble
Focus fully on the question or conversation
Do not begin your response until the other person has finished or you may respond inappropriately
Sell yourself to the organization
Tell them why you would fit well with their values
Tell them what nursing skills and experience you have to fulfil the job description
Tell them your ambitions
Choose your words clearly and professionally
Do not use slang words
Try not to use filler words or sounds such as “like”, “erm”
Short silences are not always bad – it can show you are thinking about your answer
Give specific examples when asked about your experiences
This helps the interviewer gain a deeper understanding of your nursing skills and other abilities
When recounting experiences or accomplishments, never identify patients or family members by name or any other identifiable information
Never speak badly of a former employer or former colleagues
Ask the interviewer questions
You are also seeing if you want the job on offer and feel it will be a good fit for you
Never ask about salary or paid time off as this is something that should be discussed if you receive an offer of employment
End the interview in a positive manner
If you are interested in the nursing role, reiterate your interest and tell them why you think you would fit well within the organisation
Thank the interview for their time and interest in your application