GET THAT JOB: Interview Basics

1. GET THAT JOB: Interview Basics Tiffanie Hoffmeyer, PhD, MSN Ed, RN

2. This presentation will cover: • Appearance: Professional and Polished • Attitude: Confident not cocky • Panel interview prep • The drill down! (Commonly asked questions by interviewers) • Questions from interviewees • So why you?

3. APPEARANCE ”You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. --Will Rodgers PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

4. First the color! #1 is blue • BlueBlue, particularly navy, is another great neutral color for interview outfits. Blues convey feelings of calm, trust, and confidence – great qualities for an interviewer to sense in you. Blue is also many people's favorite color, and wearing an interviewer's favorite color will always make a great first impression. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

5. Other good colors… • WhiteCrisp and clean, white is a great color for shirts and blouses. The color conveys truth and simplicity and adds a bit of brightness without being too overwhelming. • GrayGray is another great neutral color for interview outfits. It evokes sophistication and neutrality. Gray is a great color to wear as a suit or dress; it allows you to look powerful but is not quite as domineering as a black suit or dress.​ • BrownBrown is a neutral color that evokes feelings of calm. It is a great solid, neutral color for an interview. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

6. Rethink the black… • BlackBlack is a very popular color for suits and dresses in interviews. However, black is a very commanding color that conveys a lot of power, authority, and even drama. This is a good color for a job in a conservative environment like a law office, or for an interviewee applying for a high-level executive position. However, black can be a bit overwhelming in a more laid-back office environment and can make you appear unapproachable. Using black as an accent color (for example, in a scarf or tie) can give you a sense of authority without being overwhelming. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

7. Jewelry • Women should avoid dangling earrings and arms full of bracelets, and men should wear little or no jewelry other than a watch and/or wedding band. No jewelry is better than cheap or loud jewelry.  • When it comes to piercings and tattoos, depending on where you are interviewing, you may want to consider covering your tattoos and taking out your rings. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

8. Shoes and Belts • ShoesStay away from overly casual shoes, like flip-flops or sneakers. You won't make a good impression. Also avoid really high heels and platform shoes. Closed-toe pumps in a neutral color are best for women, and for men, slip-on or lace-up dress shoes are the best bet. • BeltsIf your pants or slacks have belt loops, wear a belt to tie your outfit together. Your belt should match your outfit and/or your shoes and bag. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

9. Attention: Women

10. What not to wear: • Heavy perfume • Plunging necklines • Heavy makeup • Tight-fitting clothing • Short hemlines • Bright colors • TIP: Don't let subliminal negative impact ruin your chances at getting a job. Use perfume or cologne sparingly (or consider skipping it completely).

11. Keep it professional and polished PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

12. Attention: Men • A pristine button down, grey or black slacks, and​ coordinating tie is a staple ensemble that works in nearly any office environment. • It's also an easy look to throw together. All you have to do is choose a tie, and you're ready to go. With the rest of the outfit so simple, you have some leeway to choose a patterned tie, which will stand as the centerpiece of the outfit. • Because it's a simple look, though, it's important to make sure that each piece of your outfit is in good condition, and fits well. Make sure your button down is wrinkle-free (and clean!) and take the extra effort to ensure that your slacks are pressed and pleated.

13. With or without the jacket is fine

14. PRESENT YOURSELF WITH CONFIDENCE If you struggle with this, fake it until you make it! PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

15. Attitude is Everything… • Wallflowers are not pretty • Appear confident without arrogance • Smile and sit up straight • Demonstrate competence through coming prepared • School your face and body language • Why not you? You’re pretty great. Remember Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t you’re right.”

16. COME PREPARED FOR THE INTERVIEW Do not let the interview simply happen to you. Be an active participant. In order to do this, you must come prepared. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

17. Panel Interviews • Nursing positions may require a panel interview • When scheduling, remember to ask the person setting it up how many people you can expect to be present. • Bring three more hardcopies of your resume than the number of people expected. • If number is unknown, bring 6-10 copies in a professional looking portfolio • Always bring a pen in your portfolio • School yourself carefully when entering the interview room with multiple people present

18. Have Responses Ready! • Give an example of how you work in a team. • Give an example of how you handle conflict. • May give you a patient case scenario based upon the type of patient common to that unit. • List your three greatest strengths • Top three weaknesses • How can you contribute to our team? PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

19. Some organizations require you to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to present to the panel. • Content may include: • Why do I want to be a _______ nurse? • My philosophy of nursing is _______ • Contributions I have made to nursing _______ • What quality of care means to me. • An example of how I contributed to patient safety. • An example of how I disseminated information. • Clinical Case Presentation: Perhaps from immersion • Where do you see yourself in five years? • Why I am an excellent candidate PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

20. What Questions Do You Have? • The interviewer will ask you what questions you have for them. • During the interview, if you had questions now is the time. • It is a red flag to an employer if you have no questions. They may question your interest in the position. • Let your questions show you did your homework. • Example: QMC T5 Neuro: A potential question may be: • I understand T5 is a med/surg/tele neuro unit. What opportunities for advancing my neuro knowledge are offered? • Another question could be regarding a current initiative that unit is working on. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

21. The Most Dreaded Question So, why should we hire you for this position? PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

22. EXTRA TIPS Hints that help set you apart from other candidates. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

23. Last Thoughts • Nursing jobs are very competitive: You are one of many • Make a great first impression • Come prepared! Know the organization’s mission, vision, unit basics, and type of patient • Practice answering questions with a friend prior to the interview • Come early and consider commute traffic and parking issues way in advance. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

24. Old Fashioned Tip That Still Works Hand write a thank you card to the primary interviewer and mail to the organization. I am not saying email or typed! No hand deliveries! This sets you apart from the others. PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview

25. Questions PowerPlugs Templates for PowerPoint Preview