Research the Potential Employer
Having a deep knowlege of your potential employer will give you confidence and help you convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Using the web you can discover every thing you need to know for your interview. After you have conducted your research, prepare a list of at least 5 intelligent questions to ask the employee during the interview. Avoid yes/no questions and questions that can be answered with simple background research. Let your questions show your commitment to your profession.
8 ideas of things to research:
- Goals & Values
- Future plans and direction (are new units planned, will they be expanding soon?)
- Organizational structure (how do they operate?)
- Patient base (who do they serve?)
- Find out the reputation of the employers in the surrounding community by searching sites like Yelp.
- If it is a hospital to which you are applying, you may be able to find its financial status online.
- Other than online research, you can learn a lot by asking people you know about their interactions with the employer (as either customers or as employees).
- If possible, visit the hospital or medical facility prior to your interview.
Bring Pertinent Documents
Things to bring:
- 4 copies of your resume (multiple copies in case you are interviewed by more than 1 individual)
- Typed list of references
- LVN license
- Any letters of recommendation
- Pen & Notebook (Have you list of questions in your notebook, & write down any other questions you think of during the interview)
It’s a good idea to have your documents proofread be one or more people.
Dress Professionally
If there is any question, it is usually much better to be overdressed than under-dressed. With that said, your goal is to dress appropriately. For nursing jobs, formal business-wear is the safest option. A pantsuit, dress, or skirt of appropriate length matches with a jacket and low-heeled closed-toe shoes is often the best possible choice. Make sure your clothes are pressed and clean. Attention to detail is of utmost importance, and how you dress for an interview speaks loudly to an employer about what kind of employee you will be.