7 Tips for Nailing Nursing Interviews

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Whether you’re a recent nursing school graduate or a seasoned registered nurse (RN), you want to make a good impression during a nursing interview so the hiring manager remembers you. Remember that the employer is speaking to many candidates and ultimately wants to find the right person for the nursing job, so be prepared to demonstrate why that’s you.

You can make a good impression and stand out among a sea of applicants in several ways. To help you prepare, we’ve pulled together our top seven tips to help you learn how to put your best foot forward in an RN interview and be remembered as a top candidate.

7 Tips for Nailing Nursing Interviews

1. Submit a Polished Resume 

An effective resume gives the potential employer a birds-eye view of your education, accomplishments, skills and leadership experience. You should include the following elements to get your resume noticed:

• A career objective or personal statement
• Work experience or clinical rotations (if a new nurse graduate)
• Education
• Licenses and certifications 
• Any other relevant professional activities or volunteer roles

2. Research the Hospital or Facility 

One of the most common RN interview questions you will be asked is to describe why you want to work at the specific hospital or facility. Having a clear answer prepared will demonstrate that you did your research. 

Here are a few ways to “study up” on the hospital or facility, to not only help you learn about it but to also help you get a feel for its culture and values:

• Visit the hospital or facility’s website and review its mission, vision statement and core values. Think about how you can contribute to that mission as a future employee.
• Do you know any RNs who currently work there? If so, ask them what they like about working there and what advice they can give to help you land the job.
• Find out what awards or recognitions the hospital or facility has received.
• Read employer reviews to learn facility pros and cons from former travel nurses or employees.
• Scan social media and see what employees and patients post about the facility.

RELATED: How to Answer Common Nursing Interview Questions

3. Present a Strong Portfolio

Want to set yourself apart from everyone else interviewing? Prepare a professional portfolio as your “brag book.” It should provide examples of everything you mention during your interview. Some facilities require employees to keep these portfolios as part of the clinical ladder system, so if you already have one, feel free to use it as long as it’s relevant.

Use clear divider sheets to separate the sections and choose color copies, as they’re always the best option. Items to include:

• Cover page 
• Personal statement of nursing
• Resume
• Degrees/Diploma
• Licenses and certifications
• Recommendation letters 
• Awards, special training and performance reviews
• Synopsis of any quality improvement projects that you helped initiate

You can use a three-ring binder or get a fancy leather one. Remember, your professional portfolio is a valuable tool as you grow in your nursing career. 

4. Dress Professionally

It’s essential to have a professional appearance in an interview. Although some employers may have a relaxed dress code, remember that you don’t work there yet, so pay close attention to your appearance. 

A professional interview look includes:

• Interview attire: Choose a polished “business casual” look with closed-toe shoes and minimal accessories. If you don’t have interview attire, wear a clean pair of ironed scrubs. Avoid street clothes such as jeans and sneakers.
• Hygiene: Shower and wear deodorant, choose a neat hairstyle and ensure your fingernails are trimmed and clean. Remember to brush and floss your teeth and use mouthwash before the interview.
• Makeup: Wear conservative makeup and avoid strong perfumes or body sprays that could be distracting.

5. Arrive on Time

Being punctual to something as important as a job interview says a lot about you, your priorities and how you may behave as an employee. An employer sees being late as being unreliable, so if you’re delayed due to an unexpected circumstance or emergency, call the interviewer as soon as possible and explain the situation.

6. Show Your Enthusiasm

A positive attitude goes a long way, especially when you don’t yet have experience in the job for which you’re interviewing. Having a positive outlook, a great attitude and being personable leaves a lasting impression on your potential employer and helps the interview flow more like a conversation as opposed to feeling one-sided. It’s also important to smile since, even during a phone interview, your tone comes across as positive when you do.

7. Send a Thank You Note

Finish the interview process with one last step. After the interview, follow up by mailing a thank you card or email. This is an often-forgotten touch, but one that potential employers truly appreciate and will definitely make you stand out from other applicants.

This follow-up is also an opportunity to reiterate your strengths and how you would be a perfect addition to their team. You can write something like: 

“Hello Dr. David, 

Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday for the Registered Nurse position in your telemetry unit. It was such a pleasure to learn more about the hospital’s mission, values and team. 

As we discussed, my many years of experience in the field, qualifications and ability to solve patient situations promptly make me a great candidate for your organization. 

I look forward to hearing from you, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

If you’re a new graduate nurse, make sure to include a summary of how your clinical rotations have allowed you to learn different skills that will help you when caring for the relevant patient population and being part of the healthcare team. 

Take Your RN Career to the Next Level

Interviewing for a new job can be exciting and often nerve-racking as you progress through each step of the process. It’s important to show you’re confident and capable by being prepared every step of the way. With a polished resume and a bit of proactive research, you’re taking the steps you need to excel at nursing interviews. Start your job search today with the thousands of travel and staff nursing jobs listed on Vivian Health.

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