You got the interview! Now what? Be sure to lean on your recruiter for advice to help you lock in the job. Our AB Staffing travel nursing recruiters offer the following advice on how to ace a travel nurse phone interview including preparing answers to commonly asked questions, having questions ready to ask, and knowing a little bit about the facility. You can never be too prepared.
Dress for the travel nurse interview.
Pajamas might seem perfect for a phone interview but you may sound more relaxed and less focused than if you wore interview clothes. If your interview is at a scheduled time, we recommend travel nurses wear what you would wear if you were going in person. You will feel like a professional and it will be reflected in how you speak and answer questions.
Know the area code and make sure they can leave a voicemail.
With all the robocalls happening lately, it can be easy to miss an important call from a number you don’t recognize. Make note of the area code of the facility where you have applied so you can pick up any calls from that number. Also, make sure that your voicemail box is not full and you have a professional greeting for interviewers to leave you a message. Missing the call or voicemail could mean the difference between getting the job and being passed over for another candidate.
Find a quiet place.
Some interviews will be at a scheduled time and others interviewers will call anytime during business hours. We encourage you to find a quiet place to take the call where you are not distracted. Not only is it more professional, but you will also be better able to take notes and ask questions without distractions. Write down the name and contact information of the interviewer so that you can follow up with a thank-you note.
Answer calmly and directly.
Remember to let your personality shine through as you answer questions honestly, calmly, and directly. It doesn’t hurt to take 30 seconds to gather your thoughts or ask the interviewer to repeat the question so you understand fully what they are asking. Illustrate that you are flexible and a team player who has the experience to handle the position for which you have applied.
Prepare before the interview.
As you’re getting ready for the phone interview, think about how you would answer commonly asked questions like:
- What is your experience?
- How does this experience fulfill the job requirements?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- Why do you want to work in our facility or community?
- What are the biggest challenges facing nurses today?
As you prepare, think of stories to share that illustrate your skills and experience. Stay away from talking negatively at previous jobs as it serves only to reflect poorly on you. Instead, focus on what you learned while also demonstrating why you’re the best person for the position.
Learn about the facility.
There’s a reason you’ve applied to be a travel nurse at a particular hospital or clinic. Make sure you write down the questions you have so you don’t forget to ask anything. Here are a few examples:
- What are the expectations for nurses at this facility?
- What kind of support is given to nurses, especially those in temporary positions?
- What specific challenges do nurses face at this location?
- What is the orientation process like?
- What is the nurse to patient ratio?
- How is scheduling determined?
- What are the float expectations?
- How do you handle time-off requests?
There are times when facilities need a spot filled as soon as possible with the best candidate possible. It may help to know you will hit the ground running versus spending time in training. If you’re the kind of person who needs a slower start, it is important to communicate that to your recruiter so they can find the right position for you.
When it comes to tips for how to ace the travel nurse phone interview, our AB Staffing recruiters are here to help. Get organized. Know the type of position you desire. Communicate with your recruiter. Research the facility. Ask and answer questions while letting your personality shine through.
If you would like to learn more about AB Staffing or see what positions might be available for you, give us a call at 888.515.3900 or visit our job site.
