A nursing interview can be stressful at any point in time, but the unknowns that come with online interviews carry a slightly different set of challenges. While you should always prepare for a nursing interview, the preparation is a little different for a virtual interview, where you control the environment.
We’ve pulled together a few tips and tricks for you to consider as you prep for your next online interview for a nursing position. Set the Scene for the Interview
You are in control of the interview set up, and the environment around you sends a message to your potential employer about how well you’ve prepared and your organizational skills.
When setting up for your virtual interview:
- Find a quiet space with fast internet and as few distractions as possible, such as outside noises, other people or mess.
- Ensure the lighting in the room is adequate and that your interviewer will be able to see your face without any issues.
- Position your computer camera to show your head and shoulders.
- If possible, try to schedule the interview at a time when you’re typically focused and alert.
The goal is to present a clean and professional environment that draws attention to you and your interview answers and questions, rather than distracting interviewers (or yourself!) with what’s happening in the background.
Practice With the Technology
The day of the interview should not be the first time you use the video interview technology. To prevent hiccups in the sign-on process, download and practice using the tool ahead of time.
Are you able to log in? How do you turn on the video feature or adjust the sound? Is the video quality good and the audio clear? If possible, run through a practice interview with a family member, friend or fellow nurse to make sure everything is working as expected from a technical perspective.
Pay Attention to Body Language
Aside from making sure the tool is functioning properly, it’s also nice to practice things like body language and hand gestures in a virtual environment.
You’ll find it’s a little different than in person, and you may need to remind yourself not to do things like slouch, swivel your chair or look at notes. Do your best to appear calm and collected, making “virtual eye contact” with the camera on your computer whenever possible. And, if you use hand gestures often when you speak, it’s helpful to know how much of your body is visible in the video and whether or not your interviewer will be able to see these gestures.
Although the interview is online, your interviewer will still be able to see the top half of your body. Be sure to dress professionally, similarly to an in-person interview.
Nursing Interview Questions and Topics
Just because the interview is virtual doesn’t mean you should slack on research or preparation. Thoroughly research the potential employer and position before the interview. You’ll want to prepare for questions around the following topics:
- Relevant experience around the skills and duties listed in the job description
- Company culture and values and how you fit in with the company
- Work ethic and experience in the field
- Your professional goals
- Challenges that you’ve overcome as a nurse or nursing student
- How you handle anger, stress and mistakes
- Your passion for nursing and helping others
Questions to Ask
At the end of the interview, it’s common for your interviewers to offer you the opportunity to ask any questions. This is your chance to make it clear that you are serious about the position. Ask one to three questions about the position and what your role will be.
For example:
- Does the unit have any long-term goals that you’re working toward?
- Could you tell me more about training for new nurses?
- What are the expectations from the leadership team for new nurses?
Properly preparing for a virtual nursing interview helps to set you up for success in the interview process and in beginning a new nursing position. Virtual interviews are different from in-person interviews, but the same principles apply. Remember your schooling and experiences, act professionally and try to relax the best you can.
