Anders Group provided this article.
Written by: Angie Chung from Anders Group.
When searching and applying for assignments as a travel nurse, one of the most important steps is the facility interview. Interviews are the best and only time to showcase your skills and truly get a feel for the position you are applying to prior to starting. Since most travel assignments are out of state, interviews typically occur over the phone. There are so many frustrating factors when conducting a phone interview. To overcome this disconnect, we want to provide some interview tips and important questions to ask during your interview.
Scheduled vs. Unscheduled
Usually, the facility will coordinate with your recruiter to schedule a time that works best for you and the facility’s hiring manager. In some cases, this prearrangement does not occur, and the facility may call you without prior notification. If you are submitting to travel assignments, you must be prepared to answer any unknown phone numbers, as they could be an unscheduled interviews. If your interview is pre-arranged, make sure you are completely available. There might be multiple candidates being considered, and the facility may select someone else to fill the role before you are able to reschedule. If the facility calls without coordinating a time, answer when you are available and able to be present. If you are distracted, or there is a lot of background noise, this could make the first impression and overall call a negative experience. Let the call go to voicemail, and call them back as soon as possible.
Phone Reception
Make sure you have stable phone reception. Static, cut sound, or a call breaking up during an interview will be frustrating for both you and the interviewer. This can leave a negative first impression that you definitely want to avoid.
Keep Your Personality Bright
As the interview is not conducted in person, it can be very difficult to show yourself off. Be energetic and make sure the facility can feel your enthusiasm for the role. You want to let them know that you are enjoyable to work with. Try to avoid speaking with a monotone voice and animate your tone!
Be Your Biggest Advocate
This is your time to shine! Display your eligibility and the skills you have to offer. Let them know why you are fit for the role and highlight the strengths and values you believe you can bring to the team. If a detailed job description was provided, point out how you meet each qualification.
Ending the Call
Before your interview ends, make sure to ask some questions that you have prepared in advance. This interview is critical for you to understand the position and facility to see if it is a good fit. As the conversation seems to come to a close, end the call by asking when to expect an offer or if you would be the right traveler for their team. After your interview, immediately contact your recruiter to let them know how it went. At Anders Group, we want to hear how your interview experience flowed so we can immediately follow up with the facility and push for an offer.
Asking Questions During an Interview
Asking thoughtful questions allows you to understand the position and signals to the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the role. It also gives you the opportunity to address any areas of concern you may have regarding the assignment.
Here are a couple of necessary interview questions:
- Why is there a travel need?
- What would the day-to-day be like for this position?
- What are the most important skills needed?
- Could you describe the ideal candidate?
- What would be my approximate hours/schedule each week?
- How many people are on the team?
- What is the patient ratio?
- What mentorship is provided?
- Are you okay with my days off during ___?
- Do you have any areas of concern about my ability that I may help clarify?
Phone interviews don’t have to be a frustrating and negative experience. Preparing yourself for any situation and being your biggest advocate can prove to be the best way for you to nail the assignment you want. Although there is a huge disconnect during phone interviews, you can make the experience great!
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.
