Spoiler alert: each of these seven deadly sins has happened during NNP interviews in the past.
We just don’t want them to happen to you.
And, unless you’re faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and maybe even able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, you may be losing sleep as your NNP interview approaches.
Fortunately, we are in contact on an ongoing basis with hiring authorities at nearly every NNP hospital in the US. Using their feedback, we help you avoid danger and almost certain death by pointing out the unforgivable sins that can occur during your interview.
These are just a few of the ‘Deadly Sins’ based on their feedback, so be sure to take note of each one so you can avoid them during your next interview:
1. Bad-mouthing former employers
Remember who you’re talking to here – your next potential employer! Almost inevitably, they too will eventually be your former employer. When you share negative feedback about previous jobs, they will flash forward to your next interview someday when they are the object of your scorn.
2. Dressing unprofessionally
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times – dress to impress. Like it or not, you will be judged on your appearance, and that first impression will factor into your perceived value.
3. Texting
Unless someone very close to you is about to go into labor, turn your phone off. If you happen to have an excellent excuse for leaving your phone on (unlikely), politely inform your interviewer of the possibility of an interruption beforehand. Other than that, leave the phone in the car.
4. A poor handshake
You want to end up ‘in the power seat’ of the interview, meaning that you are offered the job and then have the luxury of choosing whether or not you will accept it. Don’t begin that process by overselling or underselling yourself with a poor handshake.
Try ‘kiss a few frogs’ before the NNP interview– shake the hands of a few strangers until you are clear about what you want to communicate through your handshake.
5. Inconsistency during multiple interviews
There are many stages in the NNP hiring process. You’ll most likely be interviewed by multiple people, and when they collaborate later about your interview you want to make sure they have consistent notes to compare.
If you play hard-to-get in the first series of interviews, and then realize you really want to go for it in the last few, you’ll appear hot and cold to the panel.
When this happens, your panel is likely to pass you up for someone who has shown interest and consistency throughout the interview process
6. Not making eye contact
We’ve already established that you are a highly qualified, over-achieving professional.
In fact, take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve worked hard. You’ll need to carry it forward by asserting yourself through strong eye contact and confidence.
7. Showing up ill-prepared
Your most valuable resource to prepare for the interview will be your NNP recruiter. A qualified recruiter will coach you through the process of interview prep as well as the interview itself. This way you can glean some insight into the culture and nuances of the hospital you are interviewing with.
Once you have done your homework you can sleep easier knowing you have everything you need to ace the interview.
