How to Prepare for a Nursing Agency Phone Interview

So you've spent hours diligently updating your resume and perfecting your cover letter to ensure you impress the staff at Network Nursing Agency (NNA), with the next step in the application process being a phone interview. You think to yourself; How does this work? How do I prepare? This post aims to guide you through the entire phone interview process to ensure you set yourself up for success.

The Days Leading Up to Your Interview

Do your homework about NNA

What is it about NNA you're impressed with which makes them stand out from other agencies? Do you like that they offer opportunities for career progression in specialised areas or maybe you appreciate their competitive rates of pay and friendly service team? Whatever it is, be clear on your reasoning and practice your response.

Check out their social media channels, website and subscribe to the newsletter to form a better understanding of business. Throughout the interview, demonstrating this knowledge will go a long way.

Lastly, know the mission and core values of NNA and practice articulating how they apply to you and your clinical practice. Can you demonstrate a time where you nursed with inclusion and collaboration?

Prepare Your Answers

Most interviews, phone or not, will begin with basic "getting to know you questions”. This is your time to start the interview with a bang and really impress! Prepare your answers to the following questions as it's highly likely these (or very similar) will be asked.

●  "Why do you want to work with NNA 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?”

As an extra tip here, in regards to the strengths and weaknesses question, if one of your strengths is organisation, use a clinical situation which highlights your organisational skills. A suggestion might be your regular patient rounding with your colleague and how you document succinctly. Giving clinical examples to highlight your idea / point shows depth and greater understanding.

Don't Prepare a Script

It's tempting to pre-empt every question you think you might get asked and prepare a well worded response so you can simply read it. While it's possible, the following may happen;

●  You become flustered and stressed because you can't find your answer to that particular question amongst your notes

●  Your answer doesn't sound natural

●  Your response is delivered in the way that doesn't exactly match the question, making you appear like you failed to listen to what was being asked

Writing down a few key words or phrases may help keep you focused but spending a lot of time formulating the perfect response may get you into trouble, so be careful.

Think about clinical examples where you have for example; worked well under pressure, escalated concerns about an unwell patient and acted as an advocate for your patient and their family.

Consider the Questions You'd Like to Ask NNA

At the conclusion of the interview, the interviewer will ask if you've got any questions for them. While it's not necessary to ask anything, consider the following;

●  How can nurses working for NNA maximise their work opportunities?

●  I'm looking to grow and develop as a nurse. Do NNA offer any professional development opportunities?

●  How far may I have to travel for a shift?

The Night Before Your Interview

Get a Good Night's sleep

Avoid brain fog the next day by going to bed early and getting 7-9 hours' sleep. Embrace sleep aids like an eye mask, ear plugs and even aromatherapy to help you relax.

Confirm The Time of the Interview

You don't want to mess this up!

Day of the Phone Interview

Get Yourself In the Mood

In times of stress and discomfort, which most would agree are emotions felt when interviews are held, everyone "gets in the zone” differently. Some go for a run to burn off energy, whilst others meditate and take deep breaths. 

In the hour before your interview consider;

●  Showering and putting on "interview style clothing” or business attire. Whilst you can stay in your pajamas, it's not very motivating or inspiring. Spraying some aftershave / perfume, doing your hair and even applying some make-up may help place you in a working or winning mindset.

●  Calling a friend to practice your "phone voice” and check your connection can help decrease the nerves.

●  Re-read your notes and glance over your resume in case you're asked about a particular section. Keep it handy for the interview too so you can easily make reference to it.

Eliminate Distractions

About 5-10 minutes before you're expecting the call, try and eliminate distractions and noise. Turn off the TV, place pets in a safe, comfortable space and ensure your kids are occupied.

Being proactive in creating a quiet place will prevent you from feeling rushed. Whilst preparing the room, have a glass of water handy and a pen / paper available to take notes if need be.

During The Interview

Speak Clearly and Slow Down

One of the disadvantages of phone interviews is the interviewer cannot assess your body language or facial expression. You need to be able to articulate your point clearly and succinctly as these other non-verbal cues are not available. Here are some extra tips;

●  Try not to put your hand over your mouth as it will muffle the sound

●  Consciously speak slower if you feel your heart is racing

●  Take a breath before you answer each question

●  If you're getting flustered, ask the interviewer to give you a moment, then start again

●  Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you didn't understand or hear clearly enough

After The Interview

It always pays to send a thank you note within 24 hours of the phone interview. Show NNA how you appreciate the opportunity and express your continued interest in a job.

In summary, there is plenty to consider when applying to NNA. But always remember, NNA wants you to be successful and continue to grow in your nursing career. Don't be frightened. Be yourself and allow NNA to see your true personality. Best of luck.