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234 unit 3 | Professional Issues CikguOnline
box 14-2 before you are contacted again. It is appropriate to
get this information before you leave the second
Do’s and Don’ts for Interviewing
interview. If you do receive an offer during this
Do:
visit, graciously say “thank you,” and ask for a little
Shake the interviewer’s hand firmly, and introduce yourself.
time to consider the offer (even if this is the offer
Know the interviewer’s name in advance, and use it in
conversation. you have anxiously been awaiting).
If the organization does not contact you by the
Remain standing until invited to sit.
expected date, do not panic. It is appropriate to call
Use eye contact.
your contact person, state your continued interest,
Let the interviewer take the lead in the conversation.
and tactfully express the need to know the status of
Talk in specific terms, relating everything to the position.
your application so that you can respond to other
Support responses in terms of personal experience and
specific examples. deadlines.
Make connections for the interviewer. Relate your
responses to the needs of the individual organization. Making the Right Choice
Show interest in the facility.
Ask questions about the position and the facility. You have interviewed well, and now you have to
Come across as sincere in your goals and committed to the decide among several job offers. Your choice will
profession. affect not only your immediate work but also influ-
Indicate a willingness to start at the bottom. ence your future career opportunities. The nursing
Take any examinations requested. shortage of the early 1990s has led to greatly
Express your appreciation for the time. enhanced workplace enrichment programs as a
Do Not: recruitment and retention strategy. Career ladders,
Place your purse, briefcase, papers, etc., on the interviewer’s shared governance, participatory management, staff
desk. Keep them in your lap or on the floor.
nurse presence on major hospital committees, decen-
Slouch in the chair.
tralization of operations,and a focus on quality inter-
Play with your clothing, jewelry, or hair.
personal relationships are among some of these
Chew gum or smoke, even if the interviewer does.
features. Be sure and inquire about the components
Be evasive, interrupt, brag, or mumble.
of the professional practice environment (Joel,2003).
Gossip about or criticize former agencies, schools, or There are several additional factors to consider.
employees.
Adapted from Bischof, J. (1993). Preparing for job interview questions. Job Content
Critical Care Nurse, 13(4), 97–100; Krannich, C., & Krannich, R. (1993). Inter-
view for Success. N.Y.: Impact Publications; Mascolini, M., & Supnick, R. (1993). The immediate work you will be doing should be a
Preparing students for the behavioral job interview. Journal of Business good match with your skills and interests.
and Technical Communication, 7(4), 482–488; and Zedlitz, R. (2003). How to
Get a Job in Health Care. N.Y.: Delmar Learning. Although your work may be personally challenging
and satisfying this year, what are the opportunities
for growth? How will your desire for continued
include the following (Knight, 2005; Muha & growth and challenge be satisfied?
Orgiefsky, 1994):
Development
■ Dress professionally. Do not wear sandals or
You should have learned from your interviews
open-toed shoes. Minimize jewelry and makeup.
whether your initial training and orientation seem
■ Be professional and pleasant with everyone,
sufficient. Inquire about continuing education to
including secretaries and housekeeping and
keep you current in your field. Is tuition reimburse-
maintenance personnel.
ment available for further education? Is manage-
■ Do not smoke.
ment training provided, or are supervisory skills
■ Remember your manners.
learned on the job?
■ Avoid controversial topics for small talk.
■ Obtain answers to questions you might have Direction
thought of since your first visit.
Good supervision and mentors are especially impor-
In most instances, the personnel director or nurse tant in your first position. You may be able to judge
manager will let you know how long it will be prospective supervisors throughout the interview