Careers
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected] or @NScareersEd
Thorough preparation can make all the difference when it comes to securing that post you have your eye on in interviews at jobs fairs, says Elaine Cole
More than 40 trusts, charities, agencies and companies will be looking for the brightest recruits at the RCN Bulletin jobs fair in Leeds next month. Here are some top tips to ensure you make the right impression and give a winning performance to potential employers on the day. It might seem a more informal meeting than being invited to an interview, but it is important to make it count – it could be the gateway to an exciting new role. Preparation can ensure that you give yourself the best possible chance of success. Before the interview, work on answers to the most common interview questions. It can help deal with nerves and will stop you babbling. Often questions such as ‘talk me through your CV’ are asked to ease you in. Have a short two-minute answer that you can tell comfortably, perhaps
BARNEY NEWMAN
GET READY TO IMPRESS
Jobs fairs are an opportunity to meet and talk with potential employers
Leeds Jobs Fair rcnbulletin
The Leeds Jobs Fair takes place on
JOBS November 11-12 at the New Dock Hall, FAIR
Royal Armouries. It includes: More than 40 exhibitors from NHS trusts, charities, leading recruitment agencies, armed forces and international companies. Free expert career advice to help you find your perfect job. Free seminars offering a range of services such as advice on writing a CV, choosing the best specialty, and management skills to move up the career ladder. Opportunities to talk to leading employers and agencies face to face and discuss employment opportunities in the UK and abroad. A free revalidation guide for all visitors. LEEDS 2014
For details see www.rcnbulletinjobsfair.co.uk
starting with a strong statement such as ‘I am an oncology nurse with five years’ experience in acute hospitals’. Whatever your approach, practise it. Consider the job and person specification and identify the experience that demonstrates the skills or knowledge gained. Practise articulating each one. Writing an answer down is good, reading it aloud or recording yourself is better, but organising a mock interview with someone who can give you feedback is best. Have a strategy for dealing with questions the interviewer shouldn’t ask, such as ‘are you married?’ If you have gaps or lots of short jobs, find a way of explaining them without sounding defensive. Make sure that you prepare questions – asking if the interviewer has any reservations about employing you is a good way of being able to address any concerns. Also research the organisations you are interested in and prepare your
interview outfit, as dressing well can increase your confidence. During the interview, don’t be afraid to pause to think. Generally, people speak too quickly in an interview, so slow down and take some breaths if you notice that you are babbling. Also make sure you are clear about any next steps.
Follow up
After the interview, write down the questions you were asked and rank how you answered them on a scale of one to ten. Work on the answers in order from lowest to highest for next time. Drop a line to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity to speak to them, as it shows you are interested. If you don’t hear anything back by an allotted time, follow up, and if you are not successful, ask for feedback. Whether or not you secure the role, view it as a good opportunity to engage people, grow your network and improve your technique for next time round NS
NURSING :: vol uses 29 no 10 :: permission. 2014 63 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 14, 2015. For personalnovember use only. No5 other without Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected] or @NScareersEd
Thorough preparation can make all the difference when it comes to securing that post you have your eye on in interviews at jobs fairs, says Elaine Cole
More than 40 trusts, charities, agencies and companies will be looking for the brightest recruits at the RCN Bulletin jobs fair in Leeds next month. Here are some top tips to ensure you make the right impression and give a winning performance to potential employers on the day. It might seem a more informal meeting than being invited to an interview, but it is important to make it count – it could be the gateway to an exciting new role. Preparation can ensure that you give yourself the best possible chance of success. Before the interview, work on answers to the most common interview questions. It can help deal with nerves and will stop you babbling. Often questions such as ‘talk me through your CV’ are asked to ease you in. Have a short two-minute answer that you can tell comfortably, perhaps
BARNEY NEWMAN
GET READY TO IMPRESS
Jobs fairs are an opportunity to meet and talk with potential employers
Leeds Jobs Fair rcnbulletin
The Leeds Jobs Fair takes place on
JOBS November 11-12 at the New Dock Hall, FAIR
Royal Armouries. It includes: More than 40 exhibitors from NHS trusts, charities, leading recruitment agencies, armed forces and international companies. Free expert career advice to help you find your perfect job. Free seminars offering a range of services such as advice on writing a CV, choosing the best specialty, and management skills to move up the career ladder. Opportunities to talk to leading employers and agencies face to face and discuss employment opportunities in the UK and abroad. A free revalidation guide for all visitors. LEEDS 2014
For details see www.rcnbulletinjobsfair.co.uk
starting with a strong statement such as ‘I am an oncology nurse with five years’ experience in acute hospitals’. Whatever your approach, practise it. Consider the job and person specification and identify the experience that demonstrates the skills or knowledge gained. Practise articulating each one. Writing an answer down is good, reading it aloud or recording yourself is better, but organising a mock interview with someone who can give you feedback is best. Have a strategy for dealing with questions the interviewer shouldn’t ask, such as ‘are you married?’ If you have gaps or lots of short jobs, find a way of explaining them without sounding defensive. Make sure that you prepare questions – asking if the interviewer has any reservations about employing you is a good way of being able to address any concerns. Also research the organisations you are interested in and prepare your
interview outfit, as dressing well can increase your confidence. During the interview, don’t be afraid to pause to think. Generally, people speak too quickly in an interview, so slow down and take some breaths if you notice that you are babbling. Also make sure you are clear about any next steps.
Follow up
After the interview, write down the questions you were asked and rank how you answered them on a scale of one to ten. Work on the answers in order from lowest to highest for next time. Drop a line to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity to speak to them, as it shows you are interested. If you don’t hear anything back by an allotted time, follow up, and if you are not successful, ask for feedback. Whether or not you secure the role, view it as a good opportunity to engage people, grow your network and improve your technique for next time round NS
NURSING :: vol uses 29 no 10 :: permission. 2014 63 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 14, 2015. For personalnovember use only. No5 other without Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
