Drawing from her extensive experience interviewing hundreds of grad nurses over the past five years, Anna, our Founder, reveals her expert tips for acing your grad interviews and landing your dream role.

Be sure to follow @nursify.au on Instagram and Tik Tok as Anna uncovers more hints and tools leading up to interview time.

Hey there, it's Anna! Firstly, congratulations on progressing to the interview stage. That’s a big achievement!

Stepping into an interview can stir up all kinds of emotions - excitement, stress, nerves… even for people with years of experience.

But they don't have to be daunting! The key to succeeding in your interview and making a lasting impression is found in your preparation.

But firstly, let’s talk about confidence - because it’s a game-changer! Think of it as your interview superpower, and employers can sense it straight away.

The thing about confidence is, it doesn't just magically appear; it’s something you develop with practice.

Being able to confidently convey your knowledge and skills is so important. Because even if you look like a strong candidate on paper, if you can’t communicate this effectively, you might be overlooked.

So, let’s dive into some interview preparation together to make sure you are well prepared, radiate confidence, and put your best foot forward.

Here’s your 10 step guide to mastering your job interview:

1) Do Your Research

Before your interview, you need to get to know the organisation inside out. You should have a clear sense of their mission, history, and the demographic/community they serve. Make sure you understand the organisation's culture and values, by attending information sessions, reviewing their website, social media content, and speaking to people who work there.

2) Understand Their Needs

Read the job description carefully and make sure you have a sound understanding of the role and necessary skills. You want to mirror their language from the job description when highlighting your own skills and qualities.

3) Dress Appropriately, Act the Part… & Be Punctual!

Whether it’s a face-to-face or virtual interview, first impressions are important, so make sure you are well presented and dress professionally.

Can you wear scrubs to a nursing interview? Despite the saying, “dress for the job you want,” the simple answer is: no. You must dress professionally – no scrubs or denim.

Also, be aware of your body language. Make sure you maintain eye contact, keep an open posture, smile, and project a positive attitude.

Finally, don’t just be punctual, be early! Plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your interview to show that you're reliable.

4) Build Rapport

Interviews are all about building a relationship and connection with your prospective employer. Embody qualities that are essential for graduates, such as strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, enthusiasm, a caring personality, and an eagerness to learn.

5) Think Before You Speak

Don’t let nervousness derail you. Before answering a question, pause, take a breath, and gather your thoughts. This demonstrates your ability to think, respond thoughtfully, and stay in control.

Remember, it's perfectly acceptable to request clarification by asking them to repeat the question or taking a sip of water to maintain composure.

6) Practice Makes Perfect

Practise speaking loudly and clearly to improve your communication skills and articulate your thoughts effectively.

You can create your own set of interview questions and answers and role-play with friends, taking turns being the interviewer and the applicant.

Alternatively, practice in front of a mirror where you can observe your body language, facial expressions, and overall presentation.

7) Master the STAR Method when Answering Behavioural Based Questionsunknown node

Behavioural questions are essential for hiring managers to understand how a candidate will perform on the job.

Here are some clues that an interviewer is asking a behavioural question:

Tell me about a time/situation when…
What would you do if…
Have you ever experienced…
How would you handle…

When you hear this type of question, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help you organise your response clearly. This approach ensures you provide a clear, concise and authentic answer, while emphasising your role in the scenario and the impact of your actions.

S: Describe the background information about your example

T: Explain your role and responsibilities in the situation

A: Explain the steps you took to address or resolve the problem

R: Describe the outcomes of your actions and how they contributed to improving the situation, along with the lessons learned

Using the STAR method will really enhance the quality of your responses.

8) Prepare Your Questions

When you get to the end of the interview, the employer will invite you to ask questions.

Make the most of this opportunity and ask insightful questions about the organisation and the role. This not only shows that you’re engaged and enthusiastic about the role, but also helps you gain a deeper understanding of the job and the company's culture.

Consider asking questions like:

What is your organisation’s culture like?
What type of orientation, training and support is provided to graduates?
How does the organisation prioritise staff wellbeing and work life balance?
What opportunities exist for continuing education and professional development?

9) Check Yourself!

That’s right, mastering the interview is all about mindset. Do not let self doubt hold you back.

Approach the interview with a positive mindset. Trust in your capabilities and believe in yourself.

It's natural to have some self-doubt, but don't let it overpower you.

Here’s a tip: Visualise yourself succeeding in the interview. Picture yourself confidently answering questions and impressing the interviewer. Visualisation can be a powerful tool to help boost your confidence and calm those nerves.

10) Most importantly, Evaluate Fit

Remember, the interview isn't just about the organisation deciding if they want to hire you, it’s about you deciding if they’re the right fit for you.

You need to determine if the organisation aligns with your career aspirations and long-term goals.

Ask yourself - How did the interview make me feel? Did they make me want to work there?

Trust your instincts!

Alright, I know what you’re all thinking - so let’s address the elephant in the room!

What questions are they going to ask me?!

Truth is, they might throw any sort of curve ball your way. From patient care and clinical scenarios, to ethical dilemmas, to adaptability questions, you should be prepared for just about anything!

But don’t sweat! We’ve got your back with a list of typical interview questions to help get you started:

Tell me about yourself.
Why did you decide to be a nurse / midwife?
Why do you want to work here (at this hospital)? What interests you the most?
What are your professional goals?
What challenges do you anticipate facing in your new role as a graduate nurse, and what strategies have you developed to overcome and manage these?
Everyone has strengths and areas for improvement. Could you describe what you excel at and where you feel you could use additional support?
Describe a situation where you were under a lot of pressure. How did you deal with it?
Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?
Can you provide an example of a time when you have improved your own practice based on feedback received from others?
What do you do when you don’t know the answer to something at work — whether it’s how to address a situation or the answer to a patient question?
Can you provide an example of a time when you worked well within a team? What were the benefits and outcomes of that teamwork?
Our hospital’s values are '__________________'. Can you provide an example of how you would demonstrate one of these values as a nurse/midwife?
- Tip: Be prepared to discuss multiple values, as some hospitals may ask you to address more than one.

Alright, that’s a wrap!

After following these 10 key tips, you’re all set to excel in your upcoming interview.

It’s important to remember that interviews aren't just about landing a job; they're valuable opportunities to learn, grow and refine your skills.

So, whether or not you secure this particular position, the most important thing is that you embrace the experience, give it your best shot, and have fun along the way!

How to Ace Your Grad Interviews

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