I have an interview :)

Re: I have an interview :)

Sophie — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:19:59 GMT

Fab news! Enjoy

Re: I have an interview :)

Bantambec — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:57:54 GMT

I start on 28th November

Re: I have an interview :)

Avril Louise Jackson RVN — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:28:36 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS

Re: I have an interview :)

Bantambec — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:48:15 GMT

I need to give a months notice with the practice am at now.

Re: I have an interview :)

Sarah Southworth RVN CertVNECC — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:50:57 GMT

congratulations

Re: I have an interview :)

Victoria Nielsen RVN — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:14:11 GMT

Congratulations!!

Re: I have an interview :)

Katie Mansfield — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:43:06 GMT

congrats

good luck - when do you start?

K x

Re: I have an interview :)

Redhen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:05:30 GMT

It went very well thanks guys.

I had a list of questions (longer than those listed) and asked questions as and when they popped into my head. I researched the practice in great depth from their website and gauged possible queiries. When I calmed down and relaxed a bit it was easier. Observed a dental, washed some kits, added humour, a bit of diplomacy where my current practice came up and.............they offered me the job!! It helped that I had some life experience too, being a mature student that I will be. 10 years I been waiting for this !

Am considering my options, as I need to make sure I have ample childcare in place (which I have for my current job anyway so shouldnt be a problem)

Am so excited but nervous!

Thanks again

Re: I have an interview :)

Sal the 1st — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:38:44 GMT

I wasnt suggesting that somebody should be pushy about asking when training should start - but I do think it is a general question that can be asked during the interview process

Re: I have an interview :)

annaschu — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:06:11 GMT

Having interviewed for student nurses a fair few times I would suggest the most frustrating interviewee is the one that just sits mutely and provides single word answers to questions, at the other end of the scale over confidence and talking over the interviewer is also a bad idea!

As per previous posts, imagine yourself being given a tour of the clinic and have some questions ready for particular scenarios, they won't be expecting you to have much techincal knowledge but demonstrate an enquiring mind and a keeness to learn and you'll be 90% of the way there!

Showing that you aren't afraid to ask questions demonstrates that you have potential to be a good team worker and that you won't be phased by talking with clients which can initially be quite daunting. For example, in the consult room ask the daily routine - is it morning consults, then operations followed by a break then afternoon consults, if there's seperate cat and dog wards show that you understand that this set up is much less stressful for the patients and can help speed up recovery or if they don't have seperate wards ask them what sort of things they do to minimise stress for the cat patients - (be careful not to sound critical though, we can't all have the perfect practice!)

Although it's important for you to know when your training will start and that you'll be properly trained don't labour the point. As you know there's plenty of applicants for very few training places so try not to come across as mainly concerned about what YOU'LL get out of the job, if you appear pushy then they will be straight on to the next candidate. This doesn't mean that your training isn't important, but should it not work out at least you'll have a job and be learning whilst you wait for another opportunity.

Hope this doesn't all sound negative, just some tips from previous experiences. Demonstrate enthusiasm, a genuine love for the job, keeness to learn and that you're easy to get along with and the job is yours... good luck and let us know how it goes!

Re: I have an interview :)

Avril Louise Jackson RVN — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:34:45 GMT

Amendment to my own post... obviously you will want job security if you are leaving a current job that is secure to you and so it is something you should bring up if you are going to leave a job for this career :)

Re: I have an interview :)

Avril Louise Jackson RVN — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:26:08 GMT

Hi, congratulations on your interview and fingers crossed :)

My advice would be not to have a set list of questions as this may restrict you. Yes have questions in the back of your mind but how an interview pans out depends on the questions you are asked plus your observations of the practice. In my interview I remember commenting on a picture of a tortoise which led to a discussion on chelonia then homeopathy!!! No idea how that happened but it was a natural conversation and I got the job.

Be yourself, show some humour, show an interest in what's going on that day. Ask to be shown around and ask the appropriate questions as you are shown around eg. "this is our isolation unit" you might then ask what is your nursing protcol or SOP for barrier nursing.

The interview is to showcase your own talents, education, interests and abilities. The interviewer will want to know what you will give to their practice and so I wouldn't ask about job security personally. Job security is becoming a dwindling feature of a poor economic environment and a source of apathy for a lot of people, not something I would bring up in first interview.

Good luck anyway :) keep us posted x

Re: I have an interview :)

Sal the 1st — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:10:03 GMT

how about asking how soon they anticipate it will be before you start your official training? - it doesnt harm to ask, and at least that way you will find out if you will start your training straightaway or there will be a probationary period prior to starting training (some of the less than honest practices can keep trainees waiting for ages to start training properly by constantly extending a probationary period or saying that the new trainee cant start training until the previous trainee has passed)

Re: I have an interview :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:44:51 GMT

I didn't want to read and run!

Sounds like you are very well prepared

I have never been involved in interviews or hiring, so can't give much advice sorry.

I'm sure someone will be along with better advice soon!

Good luck!