Nursing

Book excerpt: Best practices for brushing up your interviewing skills

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, January 14, 2011

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education!

Interviewing and hiring, like any other skill, takes practice. It is an art, and like all artists, the more you do it the better you get. You may want to do an occasional interview even if you don't have an immediate opening. You might sit in with others who are skilled and observe them as they do an interview. If you are looking for practice, ask your recruiter or colleagues if you can do some interviews with them. Get some coaching from someone who is skilled, and can observe you during an interview and give you feedback.

Here are some things to remember during interviews:

  • Maintain positive body language: Smile, relaxed but interested posture, etc. They will be able to think better if they stay relaxed.
  • Take notes: Jot down key words that will help you remember their answers.
  • Let them know the next step: When they will hear from you and how. Be specific with dates and mode of communication.
  • Do not ask personal information: Any chitchat at the beginning of the interview can revolve around the weather, your directions, etc., but avoid personal questions (kids, marital status, etc.). Your HR department has a list of illegal questions; if you keep your questions focused on the job, you will be safe.
  • Watch your time: You are in control of the interview. If they start getting too verbose, gently redirect them as needed. Sit in view of a clock so that you can notice the time without having to look at your watch.
  • Give them some positive feedback during the interview.
  • If there will be another person sitting in on your interview, be sure to tell the candidate ahead of time.


Source: Adapted from Lead! Becoming an Effective Coach and Mentor to Your Nursing Staff. For more information, visit www.hcmarketplace.com.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education!

Most Popular

Related Articles