Securing agency work as an enrolled nurse, registered nurse and / or midwife can be a long and stressful process. Not all nursing agencies operate in the same way or offer their employees the same benefits, making interview preparation challenging. This post will give you an array of tips to make the phone interview process with VNS Nursing Agency a breeze.
1.Review the Interview Details
Before the phone interview with VNS Nursing Agency, you’ll want to make sure you’re organised. In order to do this (with the least amount of stress) ask yourself the following questions in the days leading up to your phone interview;
● Do I have the correct time and date for the interview?
● Did I supply VNS with the right contact details?
● Are my headphones, with microphone capabilities, in good working order? (if you want to use them)
● Have I contacted my references to ensure they are aware I am undertaking an interview?
● Have I got all the requested information handy?
● Have I organised for potential distractions (pet’s, family members, etc.) to be occupied and safe for the duration of the interview?
2. Prepare Your Responses
Most interviews will start with a few questions about you and why you want the job. Preparing your answers to these questions can boost your confidence and give the interviewer the impression that you’re well prepared. Here are some questions you may be asked;
● “Why do you want to work with VNS Nursing Agency?”
● “Why are you a good fit for our agency?”
● “Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your nursing career so far?”
● “Thinking about your nursing, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?”
● “When can you start working with us?”
While it’s tempting to prepare and write a script for ALL your answers to expected questions, as the interviewer cannot see your notes, avoid doing this. You’ll come across like a robot who isn’t natural. Jotting down a few key words or phrases is all you need to keep you focused.
3. Research All You Can About VNS Nursing Agency
Spend some time learning all you can about VNS. Visit their social media pages, review the website and even consider subscribing to their newsletter. Understand and practice articulating why you want to work with VNS Nursing Agency and why you are a good fit.
Being able to recall the VNS mission and core values is also great, but being able to correlate the values to how you practice is even more impressive. Use examples and demonstrate how their values align with yours.
4. Aim for 7-9 Hours Sleep Before the Interview
Embrace the use of sleep aids like an eye mask, ear plugs, a fan, essential oils and even aromatherapy to help you relax and wind down. You don’t want to be waking up in the morning with brain fog and not as sharp as you could be.
5. Get Yourself In the Right Mindset
Before the phone interview, you need to “get into the zone.” You need to be focused in order to answer the questions in the most succinct and accurate way. To do this, consider showering, gulping down on a big glass of water and putting on your interview attire. While it’s easy to stay in your tracksuit or pajamas, changing into smart casual clothing, doing your hair and even applying some makeup and lipstick can positively impact your headspace - think of this as your superhero suit!
6. Eliminate Noise and Distraction
If possible, take yourself into a quiet, distraction free part of your home. The TV should be off, with the pets and kids safely occupied. Give yourself the best possible chance to answer the questions without having your attention captured elsewhere.
7. Be Ready 5-10 Minutes Before the Allocated Time
Go into your quiet place and practice your answers a few minutes before the scheduled call time. Don’t get caught out doing the dishes, hanging the washing on the line and then rushing at the last minute to be ready. You don’t want to be stuck with a loud, busy environment if you’re holding the interview outside of your home either.
8. Speak Clearly and Slowly
Position yourself at a desk or table, sit up straight and be confident when you're speaking. Avoid laying in bed or on the couch, putting your hand to your mouth (as it can muffle the sound), chewing gum or playing with something in your hands. If you’re nervous, consciously slow down your speech and take a breath before answering each question. This will ensure your answers are calculated and well thought out.
In summary, phone interviews are a time effective method of recruitment however they are not without their challenges. Be disciplined in your preparation and practice articulating the common questions first. VNS Nursing Agency looks forward to hearing your voice through the phone interview and hopefully meeting you in person very soon. If you’ve got any questions regarding your interview, don’t hesitate to give the friendly team at VNS a call.
Good luck.
Emma Smith
Registered Nurse - Emergency
