Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once compared job interviewing to dating—two high-pressure, high-tension situations (except a job interview doesn’t last all night!)  The good news is that interviewing doesn’t have to be as stressful as a date. All it takes is a little preparation and the right mindset. 

As a travel nurse, your interviews will generally be conducted by telephone. This presents its own challenges, but the preparation is just like a face-to-face meeting, except you’ll save a small fortune on hair, make-up, dry-cleaning, and gas.

Prepare like a pro

Have you ever finished a job interview only to realize that you never mentioned your most important skill or relevant experience?  An easy and essential preparation is to make a list of your specialized skills, and attach it to your résumé. Keep these documents in front of you during phone interviews, so you can quickly refer to them.  This way, nerves won’t get the better of you when you’re asked a challenging question. This simple technique will relax you, bolster your confidence, and help you shine.

Twenty questions

Naturally, the position you’re discussing should be a good fit for both you and the hospital. “You should interview the interviewer as much as she interviews you,” says Erin Klarsfeld, a Travel Nurse Recruiter for Onward Healthcare. “Make a list of questions to ask—this conversation may be your only chance to evaluate this opportunity.”

Your goal should be to learn all you can about the facility’s management style, its scheduling and floating policies, the patient mix and population, its policies pertaining to travelers, and, of course, the job’s responsibilities. Ask about the shifts you’ll be working and the nurse-to-patient ratio.  Try to get a feel for the needs of the patients that you’ll be working with. Your Onward Healthcare recruiter can help you by providing you with a list of great questions to ask.  Keep a notepad handy, with the name of the position and facility written at the top, and jot down pertinent information.

Asking questions gives you a chance to define yourself, without having to rely on canned job interview statements like, “I’m dedicated and hard-working.” Showing a sincere interest in the position, the facility, and its patients earns you high marks for enthusiasm and professionalism.

Details, details

Do your interview in a relaxed environment, so you can focus and be calm. Just before the appointed time, take a moment to remove distractions. (If your dog barks incessantly, put her in the backyard.) Then, make the call from a reliable phone line that won’t be interrupted by call waiting.

Once the conversation begins, let the interviewer take the lead. Keep your answers direct, thorough, and relevant. And don’t forget to ask your questions!  Express your interest in the job, and thank your interviewer before hanging up.  This phone meeting is like a first date—enthusiasm works for you, and indifference works against you. If you want the relationship to go further, it’s wise to communicate that when you have the chance. 

By Barbara Eisner Bayer, Featured Contributor