How To Convey Your Skills And Personality To Interviewers So They Can See Your True Value

You have a stellar resume. You’ve submitted it to your dream job. And then…you get the call. They want you to come in for an interview! Now what? How do you convey your skills and personality to the interviewers so they can see your true value? We’re going to break down the four most important things you can do to shine in your next interview.

Be kind and respectful
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Part of putting your best foot forward means showing that you possess two of the most important soft skills in the medical profession—kindness and respect for others. If you are lacking in this area, it doesn’t matter what your GPA was or how many certifications you hold; they are going to pass you over for another candidate, even one with less experience. Hard skills can be taught; the ability to show kindness and respect is part of who you are as a person. You either have it or you don’t. Chances are that if you have made it this far in your nursing career, you have it. Now make sure that it’s on full display in your interview!

Smile—be approachable
A smile is contagious. Laugh and the world laughs with you. Although a bit cliché, there is truth in these sayings. Nothing conveys friendliness and approachability more than a warm smile. And you should be smiling! You’re interviewing for a job you want, right? Show your enthusiasm with a genuine smile and a firm handshake. Express your gratitude for the opportunity to be interviewing for the position. Keep in mind that every interview has value, even if you don’t get the job. The experience you gain with each interview sharpens your skills and prepares you for future interviews.

Be yourself—let your personality shine!
Interviews can be formal or informal, depending on the organization and personality of the interviewer. But even formal interviews need not be stuffy. It’s okay to show your personality; you’re a human, not a robot. Let them see who you are. It’s a good way for them to determine if you will fit into their culture and mesh well with other members of the team. And this goes both ways. Remember, an interview is not one-sided. You should gauge them in the same way they are measuring you. Like any relationship, compatibility is important. You may not be a good fit for them—or they may not be a good fit for you. Interviews are a litmus test for evaluating this.

Be mindful of your body language
Body language is so important in an interview. It’s easy to send the wrong message without ever saying a word. Be aware of how you are presenting yourself by avoiding gestures that would come across negatively. These include crossed arms, lack of eye contact, fidgeting, being easily distracted, not smiling, and arriving late.

Crossed arms convey the message of being “closed off” or unreceptive. You want to appear open and interested. Lean forward a bit when the interviewer is speaking and maintain eye contact to show that you are actively listening. Being fidgety or easily distracted can also communicate a lack of interest, so eliminate all potential distractions (have your cell phone on silent and out of sight).

And last, but not least, arriving late to the interview is a big no-no. Of course, you can’t control traffic, the weather, detours, flat tires, getting lost, or any other unfortunate mishap. But if you know you are going to be late for any reason that is beyond your control, it’s important that you call and notify the interviewer. This is not only a professional courtesy, but it shows that you respect their time. They may have another interview scheduled after yours and if you are too late, they may need to reschedule you to avoid getting behind. Always have the name and phone number of the person you are meeting with stored in your phone before heading out to the interview. Ideally, you should plan on arriving about 10 minutes early.

By following these simple guidelines, you will set yourself up for success in the interview. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring a copy of your current resume and portfolio if you have one. And if you don’t have one, let us help! Visit our website to learn more about everything we have to offer. Whether you’re an experienced NP or a new graduate, our custom designed and strategically structured resumes and portfolios highlight your unique professional background and give you the edge you need to get noticed and called for interviews.

Need more interview help? Check out Dr. V’s online self-paced Interview Prep Course inside Dr. V's Private Library, where she goes in depth about how to nail your nurse practitioner interview and land your dream job!