Page 245 - Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

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232 unit 3 | Professional Issues CikguOnline
Personal Questions ■ You may refuse to answer. You are within your
rights but may be seen as uncooperative or con-
Personal questions deal with your personality
frontational.
and motivation. Common questions include the
■ Examine the intent of the question and relate it
following:
to the job.
■ How would you describe yourself? This is a
Just as important as the verbal exchanges of the
standard question. Most people find it helpful to
interview are the nonverbal aspects. These include
think about an answer in advance. You can
appearance, handshake, eye contact, posture, and
repeat some of what you said in your résumé
listening skills.
and cover letter, but do not provide an in-depth
analysis of your personality.
Appearance
■ How would your peers describe you? Ask them.
Dress in business attire. For women, a skirted suit or
Again, be brief, describing several strengths. Do
tailored jacket dress is appropriate. Men should wear
not discuss your weaknesses unless you are asked
a classic suit, light-colored shirt, and conservative tie.
about them.
For both men and women, gray or navy blue is rarely
■ What would make you happy with this posi-
wrong. Shoes should be polished, with appropriate
tion? Be prepared to discuss your needs related
heels.Nails and hair for both men and women should
to your work environment. Do you enjoy self-
reflect cleanliness,good grooming,and willingness to
direction, flexible hours, and strong leadership
work. The 2-inch red dagger nails worn on prom
support? Now is the time to cite specifics related
night will not support an image of the professional
to your ideal work environment.
nurse. In many institutions, even clear, acrylic nails
■ Describe your ideal work environment. Give
are not allowed. Paint stains on the hands from a
this question some thought before the interview.
weekend of house maintenance are equally unsuitable
Be specific but realistic. If the norm in your
for presenting a professional image.
community is two RNs to a floor with licensed
practical nurses and other ancillary support, do
Handshake
not say that you believe a staff consisting only of
RNs is needed for good patient care. Arrive at the interview 10 minutes before your
■ Describe hobbies, community activities, and scheduled time (allow yourself extra time to find
recreation. Again, brevity is important. Many the place if you have not previously been there).
times this question is used to further observe Introduce yourself courteously to the receptionist.
the interviewee’s communication and interper- Stand when your name is called, smile, and shake
sonal skills. hands firmly. If you perspire easily, wipe your palms
just before handshake time.
Never pretend to be someone other than who you
are. If pretending is necessary to obtain the posi- Eye Contact
tion, then the position is not right for you.
During the interview, use the interviewer’s title and
last name as you speak. Never use the interviewer’s
Additional Points About the Interview
first name unless specifically requested to do so.
Federal, state, and local laws govern employment- Use good listening skills (all those leadership skills
related questions. Questions asked on the job appli- you have learned). Smile and nod occasionally,
cation and in the interview must be related to the making frequent eye contact. Do not fold your
position advertised. Questions or statements that arms across your chest, but keep your hands at your
may lead to discrimination on the basis of age, gen- sides or in your lap. Pay attention, and sound sure
der, race, color, religion, or ethnicity are illegal. If of yourself.
you are asked a question that appears to be illegal,
you may wish to take one of several approaches: Posture and Listening Skills
■ You may answer the question, realizing that it is Phrase your questions appropriately, and relate
not a job-related question. Make it clear to the them to yourself as a candidate:“What would be my
interviewer that you will answer the question responsibility?” instead of “What are the responsi-
even though you know it is not job-related. bilities of the job?” Use appropriate grammar and