Interviewing tips from a GMC student

Career Services spoke with Gwynedd-Mercy College student, Joe Danihel, who recently interviewed for a nursing job. He provided some details on what the experience was like and some suggestions on how others can succeed in their interview.

Tell our readers a little about yourself.
My name is Joe Danihel, RN '07 ASN, '11 BSN and I recently completed an interview for a nursing position.

How did you prepare for the interview?
Prior to even applying for the position I came to Career Services for help with my resume. The staff helped me edit and format my resume so that I would stand out from other candidates. After finalizing my resume, I applied for the position and was asked to interview. I then returned to Career Services for help regarding the interview process and to gain some insight into what I might encounter during the interview. The staff was helpful once again with reviewing questions and tips to succeed in an interview.

What were some of the toughest questions you were asked?
"How would you describe yourself?" This is a tough question to answer. You want to be sure to highlight your positive attributes without bragging or sounding self-centered.

"Tell me three flaws that you have." This is another difficult question because you don't want to go into any details that may leave a bad taste in the interviewers’ mouth, but at the same time you want to be honest as to areas you want to improve.

What advice would you offer other GMC students who are currently going on interviews?
Be confident. The interview is your time to shine. Go into it as confidently as possible and do all you can to make the potential employer see that you are the best person for the job. Also, remember to ask the interviewer questions. They will most likely give you the opportunity at the end of the interview to ask them questions, so take full advantage of it. Try formulating a few questions prior to going on the interview, that way when the time comes you are ready.

If you could do the same interview over again, is there anything you would change?
I don't think so. Thanks to the help of Career Services I felt fully prepared and confident for my interview. Everyone is going to be nervous, but being prepared is the best way to overcome some of that anxiety.

What was the outcome?
I got the job!