232 unit 3 | Professional Issues
Personal Questions
Personal questions deal with your personality
and motivation. Common questions include the
following:
■How would you describe yourself?This is a
standard question. Most people find it helpful to
think about an answer in advance. You can
repeat some of what you said in your résumé
and cover letter, but do not provide an in-depth
analysis of your personality.
■How would your peers describe you?Ask them.
Again, be brief, describing several strengths. Do
not discuss your weaknesses unless you are asked
about them.
■What would make you happy with this posi-
tion?Be prepared to discuss your needs related
to your work environment. Do you enjoy self-
direction, flexible hours, and strong leadership
support? Now is the time to cite specifics related
to your ideal work environment.
■Describe your ideal work environment.Give
this question some thought before the interview.
Be specific but realistic. If the norm in your
community is two RNs to a floor with licensed
practical nurses and other ancillary support, do
not say that you believe a staff consisting only of
RNs is needed for good patient care.
■Describe hobbies, community activities, and
recreation.Again, brevity is important. Many
times this question is used to further observe
the interviewee’s communication and interper-
sonal skills.
Never pretend to be someone other than who you
are. If pretending is necessary to obtain the posi-
tion, then the position is not right for you.
Additional Points About the Interview
Federal, state, and local laws govern employment-
related questions. Questions asked on the job appli-
cation and in the interview must be related to the
position advertised. Questions or statements that
may lead to discrimination on the basis of age, gen-
der, race, color, religion, or ethnicity are illegal. If
you are asked a question that appears to be illegal,
you may wish to take one of several approaches:
■You may answer the question, realizing that it is
not a job-related question. Make it clear to the
interviewer that you will answer the question
even though you know it is not job-related.
■You may refuse to answer. You are within your
rights but may be seen as uncooperative or con-
frontational.
■Examine the intent of the question and relate it
to the job.
Just as important as the verbal exchanges of the
interview are the nonverbal aspects. These include
appearance, handshake, eye contact, posture, and
listening skills.Appearance
Dress in business attire. For women, a skirted suit or
tailored jacket dress is appropriate. Men should wear
a classic suit, light-colored shirt, and conservative tie.
For both men and women, gray or navy blue is rarely
wrong. Shoes should be polished, with appropriate
heels. Nails and hair for both men and women should
reflect cleanliness, good grooming, and willingness to
work. The 2-inch red dagger nails worn on prom
night will not support an image of the professional
nurse. In many institutions, even clear, acrylic nails
are not allowed. Paint stains on the hands from a
weekend of house maintenance are equally unsuitable
for presenting a professional image.Handshake
Arrive at the interview 10 minutes before your
scheduled time (allow yourself extra time to find
the place if you have not previously been there).
Introduce yourself courteously to the receptionist.
Stand when your name is called, smile, and shake
hands firmly. If you perspire easily, wipe your palms
just before handshake time.Eye Contact
During the interview, use the interviewer’s title and
last name as you speak. Never use the interviewer’s
first name unless specifically requested to do so.
Use good listening skills (all those leadership skills
you have learned). Smile and nod occasionally,
making frequent eye contact. Do not fold your
arms across your chest, but keep your hands at your
sides or in your lap. Pay attention, and sound sure
of yourself.Posture and Listening Skills
Phrase your questions appropriately, and relate
them to yourself as a candidate: “What would be my
responsibility?” instead of “What are the responsi-
bilities of the job?” Use appropriate grammar and