If you are applying for a nursing position it is important that you come away from the interview having left a positive impression.
It is vital that you do all you can and are ready to face whatever questions come your way. Interviews are often, as we all know, nerve-wracking experiences, so it is always best to do as much preparation as you can beforehand.
Before we dive into what might be talked about at your interview it is worth mentioning that first impressions are very important. You will Want to be dressed Smartly and come across as a warm, friendly person.
It is also vital that you read the job description thoroughly and are fully aware of what is required. That way you will be able to focus your answers to give the employer exactly what they want. It is also worth bringing with you any documentation that your potential employer may wish to see. Doing some research into the organisation or trust that you’re interviewing with is also not a bad idea.
The main focus
There are two main things that the employer will want to cover.
Qualifications and past experience
First up, you are most likely to be asked all about your training qualifications. Expect to be asked questions that focus on:
- Your understanding of clinical procedure
- The NHS
- Your understanding of governance
- Questions about where you trained and any previous experience you may have
You will want to ensure that you are brushed up on all of these topics
Core skills
The interview will also cover the core skills required for the role. Expect to be asked about bedside manner, your ability to manage time, and how well you work within a team. This is the part where the interviewer will be looking to see if you would make a nice fit in their company. They may also cover the application of your knowledge, such as asking you about specific procedures and how well you work with certain technology in a ward environment.
Questions you may want to ask
An interviewer isn’t just looking at the answers you give, they may also be able to take information from the Questions that you Ask Them. Employers want to see that you are taking an interest in the role and sometimes asking a good question can be as important as giving good answers.
- Could you describe the working culture in the Hospital /Home / Company?
- What do you (the employer) think is the most challenging part of the role?
- How are staff supported to develop and learn more?
- How will my performance be evaluated if I were to get the role?
- What is the team on the ward like to work with?
- What are the most significant issues that the ward may face going forward?
Useful online resources
Finally, here is a small list of online resources that may come in handy as you prepare for your job interview.
- Department of Health (England)
- Health of Wales Information Service
- Scotland’s Health on the Web
- Health and Care Northern Ireland
- Royal College of Nursing