Interviews are a necessary – but sometimes nerve-wracking – step in gaining employment in travel nursing jobs. Many travel nurses wonder what is the best way to prepare for and conduct themselves during interviews. To provide some guidance, we talked with Leslie Brown, Regional Branch Manager of Aureus Nursing, to learn her top tips, advice and insight on interviewing for travel nursing positions.
Aureus Medical: From the standpoint of a first time traveler, how does the interview process work? Are there interviews with a recruiter first and then a facility? Are they by phone or in person?
Leslie: Typically most of our interviews with our candidates are over the phone, as we are working with candidates and facilities nationwide. The interview with the recruiter is focused on qualifying the candidate’s work history and experience, skill set and priorities that are driving them to make a change in their career. This helps the recruiter make the best job match for both the candidate and the facility. From there, the candidate will need to submit their profile information which includes application, resume, references and skills checklist, and we then send their profile over to the hospital and request an interview with the hiring manager of the open position. They will then interview with the hospital over the phone. From there, we would gain an offer request from the hospital and have another discussion with the candidate to confirm the assignment and requirements overall.
Aureus Medical: Is the interview process for a travel assignment different than an interview for a direct hire (full time) position?
Leslie: The main difference in the interview process for direct hire over travel is the length of time. Instead of one phone interview, there are often times two or three interviews including Skype calls or on-site visits. Additionally, an interviewee will meet or interview with several people. We are experts in the process from the initial interview to how to give notice. We are here to assist in every step of the way.
Aureus Medical: What are some of the points a nurse should keep in mind when talking with a recruiter for the first time? What kinds of questions will be asked?
Leslie: Even though the interview may be over the phone, it’s still important to show strong professionalism and questions will be asked to learn about your background, work experience and skill set, along with your motivators. What priorities do you have in your job search? What is motivating you to want to be in a certain location and what do you enjoy doing with your free time outside of work? That is the beauty of travel assignments – we want to help you secure jobs in those dream locations that may lead to new experiences and fun both at work and with your time off!
Aureus Medical: Who coordinates the interview with the facility – the traveler or the staffing agency?
Leslie: Your recruiter will arrange the interview with the facility.
Aureus Medical: What is the average time frame between when a nurse interviews with a facility and a decision is made?
Leslie: This can vary quite a bit depending on the facility. Some hospitals will make a decision as fast as within an hour of us sending over the profile and others will take days, sometimes weeks. Typically a couple days is the ideal turnaround time for an interview.
Aureus Medical: What information does Aureus provide the healthcare facility prior to the interview? What should a nurse be prepared to cover and what will the facility already have?
Leslie: We put together a profile which includes the resume, references and skills checklists along with any other requirements for that facility. We are very thorough with our qualifying process and will provide the facility with any requests of the candidate as well within the profile, such as time off requests, etc.
Aureus Medical: Who is the interview usually with – an HR representative or the hiring manager?
Leslie: Usually the hiring manager will conduct the interview. This is great because it gives the candidate a chance to ask any questions directly about the unit, facility or team they will be working with.
Aureus Medical: What are some points to keep in mind when interviewing with the facility?
Leslie: Be prepared, be professional and ask questions! Make a point to ask the questions needed to determine if this is a good fit for your skillset as well as the environment in which you would be working.
Aureus Medical: What are some dos and don’ts for interviews with facilities?
Leslie: Don’t assume anything, always ask if you are having questions or concerns. Do show good energy, positivity and ask questions. Facilities are looking for candidates who are skilled but also good team players.
Aureus Medical: What are some tips on preparing well and putting the best foot forward when interviewing with a recruiter as well as the healthcare facility?
Leslie: When interviewing with a recruiter, take notes so you know the differences between the companies you talk with. Show professionalism and dependability as these two qualities are highly desirable by the agency and the facility. Being organized and timely with follow-up is important as we know it also is for the candidate. Research the agency and/or facility prior to talking to them, as this can trigger some key questions on things that are most important to you with this job change.
Aureus Medical: What are some of the common errors and missteps nurses make in the interview process?
Leslie: Not giving time off requests upfront as these won’t always be approved.
Aureus Medical: What are some things you wish nurses would remember and consider when interviewing?
Leslie: Professionalism and dependability. These two things can make or break a relationship and reputation in working with someone.
Here are some additional interview tips from Aureus Medical:
- Be prepared to answer specific questions about your work history and relevant experience. If you have a resume, be sure to have it on hand. Think about ways that your prior professional roles have helped prepare you for success at the facility for which you’re interviewing – interviewers want to hear an engaging, cohesive narrative!
- Spend some time researching the facility ahead of time so that you are familiar with their mission, values and work.
- Take the opportunity to find out more information about the specifics of the role, for example ask about floating policy, unit size, scheduling, traveler expectations and orientation, etc.
- Don’t forget to smile! Make a great first impression by being enthusiastic, speaking professionally and having a positive attitude.
- If at the end of the interview you feel that you are interested in the position, say so and ask for the job! Don’t get off the phone without expressing to your interviewer that you want the position, that you are the best person for it and that you want to find out what the next step is.
- If you have any specific schedule requests, discuss them during the interview so they can be approved before receiving an offer.
- Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, and as soon as you have finished the interview, call your account manager.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but with the tips and insight above, you can go into your next interview with confidence.