Job hunting season is in full force for nurse practitioners. If you are a new grad, you’ve likely taken the nurse practitioner exam by this point (and passed!) and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of your state license in the mail. You’ve searched job posting after job posting nailing down an interview or two. If you are a seasoned NP, you’ve waded your way through your connections looking for the perfect lead to facilitate your career transition.
Regardless of your reasons for seeking a nurse practitioner job, approaching your next interview intentionally is essential. No matter how much brain power you hold or how experienced you are as an NP, if you fumble your way through your interview, prospective employers will give you the boot. A little foresight on interview day can help your best side shine. What do you need to remember day-of for your next job interview? Use our checklist.
Bring a copy of your resume for everyone in the room.
If you aren’t sure how many people will be attending the interview, as a general rule bring three copies. Print your resume on quality white paper. Even if you have submitted your resume online, a physical copy come interview day is a must.
Dress to impress.
Guys, it’s time to dust off the suit and tie. Likewise, ladies should wear a suit or professional dress. Even though working in healthcare lends itself to a casual wardrobe, a professional appearance is of utmost importance on interview day.
Bring a lab coat and stethoscope if your interview has a job shadowing component.
Some clinics and hospitals like to show off their facilities during an interview and may even request that interviewees job shadow with a practicing provider for a few hours to survey the clinical environment. If this could be a component of your next interview, come prepared. Make sure your lab coat is pressed and clean for the occasion.
Don’t forget a folio with plenty of paper and a pen for taking notes.
Nothing says last minute like showing up with a loose, blank sheet of paper or even worse no note taking materials at all. Even if you feel that you can recall the details of the interview later, jotting down a few notes shows active listening and leaves an impression on interviewers.
List three to five questions you have for your interviewer.
Asking your own questions during an interview shows foresight and engagement. Don’t ask about salary in the first interview unless the prospective employer brings it up first.
Live in a large city? Don’t forget cash and coins for parking.
Nothing is worse than coming out of a stressful interview to find a pricey parking ticket on your window. Anticipate your parking situation before you leave the house.
Get the interviewer’s info. Bring name, contact information, and directions.
Get your interview off on the right foot with a seamless commute. Know where you are going and who you are meeting. Make sure you know how to reach your interviewer in case of an unanticipated delay.
Leave early!
Allow plenty of time for traffic, getting lost, and any weather delays that may arise. Arriving late to an interview is a sign of irresponsibility and causes employers to question your future reliability. You don’t want to start your interview off on the wrong foot.
Bring a smile, a firm handshake, self-confidence, and a positive attitude.
You’ve earned this! It’s your time to shine!
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