It's normal to be a bit nervous going into an interview, but failing to perform well could cost you a travel nursing job assignment. Being aware of what habits to avoid and how to best present yourself might seem intuitive, but there are several bad practices that many interviewees are not aware they are employing when looking for a job.
Loosen up beforehand
According to CBS News, an interview is a careful balance between making yourself look desirable and not seeming too overinflated. Avoid being too quiet but don't be bombastic. Explain things when necessary but don't leave out details, as not all staff may be familiar with travel nursing or specific industry jargon. Just thinking about all the intricacies of a single discussion with a recruiter or nursing manager could stress you out, so the most important thing to do is relax. Of course, don't forget to turn off your cellphone. – having your ringtone go off in the middle of an interview is very unprofessional.
Practice the questions
There are many stereotypical inquiries that an interviewer will pose, but many interviewers choose to mix things up by postulating situations or asking difficult questions when a candidate least expects it. As the Huffington Post pointed out, freezing is a critical error. Repeating the question back in a conversational manner or relating it to other experiences, especially if the framing is negative, can give you time to process it and form an answer, which may help you land your next assignment.
Use good etiquette
Remember during an interview to act natural as well as stay calm. Making eye contact, talking in a professional yet conversational manner and smiling where appropriate can relax both you and the interviewer. The way you look can also effect how the interviewer will see you, both during your time together and afterward, so be sure to choose something comfortable but in line with the way you want to be perceived.
When conducting an interview by phone, it can be harder to convey these emotions, but smiling in person can change your tone, providing a positive auditory input. Be sure that when expecting a phone interview that you find a quiet place with no traffic, get comfortable and be prepared for the call. Just like being late for an in-person interview can be harmful to your healthcare career, so too can missing a phone call.