How to prepare for your nursing or healthcare assistant job interview?

After all of your hard work and education in nursing schools, you are ready to look for a nursing or healthcare position. Whether you are looking for your first nursing job, a new challenge, or a promotion, the job-hunting process consists of the same steps: sending out resumes and attending job interviews. The majority of young nurses and healthcare assistants focus on their cover letter and resume, ensuring that the correct information is communicated to potential employers. However, they neglect to prepare for nursing job interviews because they believe they can answer questions about the nursing wing. It is always exciting when you are scheduled for a nursing job interview, but there are steps you must take to prepare for it.

Here are some of the most important things you should do to prepare for your nursing job interview:

Things you need to do before the nursing job interview:

There are a few things that you should do before attending a nursing job interview. They are listed below:

1. Learn about the organisation

It is important to do research about the organisation and the nursing position you have applied for. You should have a solid idea of who you will work for and a fundamental understanding of your nursing job duties. One of the common questions you might get during an interview is, "Why do you want to work here?" If you are able to cite specific information about the job and the organisation, you will be able to demonstrate more convincingly why you are interested in the position.

Spend time researching the organisation online; in particular, read pages such as "About Us," which will provide a summary of the company's mission, vision, and other insights.

Review the job description and make a list of pertinent points to discuss during the interview. Look for the skills and qualities listed that you have confidence in.

2. Research recent news about the organisation

Take time to read the articles about recent nursing organization-related articles to gain a better understanding. Consider the awards they have won, the funding they have received, and the events or activities they have organised. By bringing up these topics during the interview, you will give the impression that you have a deeper understanding of the organisation, giving you the upper hand.

3. Learn important names

Use LinkedIn or the nursing organization's homepage to identify the key leaders and decision-makers in the nursing group you're interested in.

4. Read employee reviews

Check out sites such as Indeed and Glassdoor to learn how former and current employees feel about the company.

5. Review your own work history

Think about a few of your best achievements that you'd like to highlight and include them in your answers.

6. Rehearse answers to common questions

There are some common questions that nursing hiring managers frequently ask to assess your qualifications and suitability for a nursing or healthcare facility. You might not be able to prepare for all of the questions they might ask, but you can practise answering some of the most common questions hiring managers will probably ask at a nursing job interview. Some common nursing job interview questions include:

1. Introductory questions

2. Why do you want to be a nurse or healthcare professional?

3. Why are you interested in joining that specific nursing organisation?

4. Where do you see yourself within the next five to ten years?

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

6. What do you think is the hardest part of being a nurse?

7. Personal hygiene

You should consider getting a haircut, manicure, and pedicure; trim your beard (men); and present your best appearance. Complement your dress with some subdued accessories, and polish your shoes if necessary.

8. Dress-up well

Dress appropriately for a nursing job interview in order to make the best impression. Unless the hiring manager specifies a certain dress code, you can opt for business-professional dress. For men, this includes a suit and tie, while for women, it means a button-down shirt or blouse. Do try out your outfit the night before the nursing job interview to check if it fits perfectly and is free from wrinkles and stains.

9. Arrive early

If you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your interview, you can check in at the front desk and receive additional directions. You can use your free time to observe how people interact and what kind of work environment and culture you can expect.

Tips on how to behave during the nursing job interview:

There are dos and don’ts to follow while you are in an interview. They are as follows:

1. Make a great first impression: When you first meet the manager, maintain eye contact, shake their hand, and introduce yourself.

2. Offer your nursing resume and portfolio—don't just hand it to them; instead, ask if they would like a copy.

3. Don't take control over the interview: It is acceptable to pose questions, but allow the nursing hiring manager to direct the conversation.

4. Don't lie: When answering the questions, be truthful and don't provide false information. If they catch you in a lie, they will form a negative opinion, and you will likely lose your chance of employment.

5. Follow basic manners: Turn off your phone before entering the nursing interview room; use thank yous; yes (not yeahs); no (not nahs); and don't forget to use formal greetings. Do not lean back on the chair or perch on its edge. The most effective way to impress during a nursing job interview is to smile and maintain eye contact. Thank the interviewer at the conclusion.

Following up after the interview:

This is a MUST! You can send a formal email thanking the hiring manager for allowing you to attend the nursing job interview, highlighting your enthusiasm for the position and the organisation.

Extra tips for a nursing job interview:

In addition to evaluating your knowledge and skills, the organisation hiring nurses would also evaluate your aptitude and flexibility. They will also evaluate your leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. As you share your experiences with patients, they will evaluate your caring and compassionate nature. Try to sound more open-minded as opposed to set in your ways, and let your passion for working in the nursing field shine throughout the interview.

Nurses Group offers a variety of nursing and healthcare employment opportunities. If you are naturally compassionate and caring, we invite you to attend our nursing job interview.