Pre-Virtual Healthcare Interview Checklist

Virtual Interviews: What to Expect and How to Stand out from the Crowd

Many healthcare companies use a phone screen as the initial step in the hiring process.  Usually, a nurse recruiter will call to ask about your background and experience to see if it aligns with the open position.   For example, most nursing homes and assisted living facilities in New York State require at least 1 year of previous experience in long-term care within the last 3 years.    

  

A phone interview, however, will be a little longer than a phone screen.  It is more in-depth.  Consider phone interviews as your opportunity to explain why this healthcare job is attractive to you as well as the skills and qualifications as a nurse that you can offer.  

  

Everything goes well?  

  

Congratulations! You landed your next interview.  

Regardless of whether your interview is in-person or virtual, preparation is key.  

  

Virtual interviews are just as important as in-person interviews, so, prepare!  

  

__ Confirm your interview  

Not only will this simple act show your genuine interest in the opportunity, but it also provides time for rescheduling and cancellations.  

Note: If you cannot make your interview, reach out to reschedule or cancel!   

A no-call-no-show for a virtual interview is just as bad as no-call-no-show for an in-person interview.  It will be looked upon as indicative behavior and your interviewer may not be interested in rescheduling.   

Recruiters have long memories. You never know what future bridges may be burned from a lack of transparency.  Healthcare recruiters and HR departments often have a ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and will keep track of your no-call-no-show, which means even if you apply in the future, you may not get another chance.  If you are a nurse or aide, you know how desirable you are however one of the top priorities for long-term care facilities is that show for your scheduled shift, on time.   

  

__ Make note of who will be calling you and save the number in your phone  

Gone are the days when we missed important calls because we thought it was someone calling about our car’s extended warranty.  Do NOT miss your call by not being prepared.  A recruiter's day is jammed packed with calls and even if you return the call that doesn’t mean that you will reach them, chances are they are on to another call with another nurse or aide.  You can leave them a message but it very well may take them a minimum of a few hours to return it if not a couple of days to get back to you.  Think of this call as your only chance because in most times it is.  The game of phone tag that commences after a missed call can be very intense and frustrating for you.  Don't take it personal but keep in mind you are not the only nurse or aide that is looking for employment.   

  

__ Double check your voicemail message  

There’s nothing wrong with a funny or creative voicemail message for day-to-day use, but always consider recording a professional voicemail message when you are job-seeking and interviewing.   A safe message is also the generic automated message with just your phone number.   

  

__ Research the company  

Make sure their values align with yours.  If so, this will also give you time to consider any questions you may have for your interviewer.  If your core values do not align with theirs this will be a waste of your time; you will not be happy there in due time.  Of course, most nursing homes and healthcare facilities focus is on excellent patient care and delivering the highest quality of clinical care but if you see that they don’t highlight or showcase their employees on their website or social media and that is important to you then they may not be a good fit for you.  Or if you are applying for a nurse staffing agency and get hired, orientated and on-boarded without contact from a person, it may be hard for you to contact someone when you have an issue at a facility or with your pay.  Indicative behaviors by an employer may be a warning sign of a rough road ahead for you.     

  

__ Have the job description available for you to refer to  

Using key words from the job description during your interview will show your interviewer that you are attentive, diligent, and passionate about the opportunity.   However most nursing job descriptions are very similar but it may include or refers to some of their core values that makes an easy segment into a discussion.  

  

__ Have an updated copy of your resume in front of you

Yes.  You know your experience and where you have worked but make sure they also have the most updated revision of your resume.  Your interviewer will be looking at dates and longevity and will ask why you left a facility after only a few months.  You may also be a little nervous in the interview and may have a moment of spontaneous forgetting; having your resume in front of you will give you the extra confidence if needed.  Don’t allow the interviewer to ask you any questions that may throw you off. Be prepared.  

  

__ Charge your phone!  And make sure you are in a good service area  

We know this sounds simple but it’s real.  If your phone dies or you lose service you will embark on the game of phone tag that commences after a missed call as discussed above. Keep in mind you are not the only nurse or aide that is looking for employment. A recruiter's day is jammed packed with calls and even if you return the call that doesn’t mean that you will reach them, chances are they are on to another call with another nurse or aide.  You can leave them a message but it very well may take them a minimum of a few hours if not a couple of days to get back to you.  Think of this call as your one chance because in most times it is. Do NOT miss your call by not being prepared.  

  

__ Set aside a quiet space for your interview  

Note: a quiet space can be your car but definitely not while driving.   

Eliminate anything that may distract you or your interviewer.  If by chance you are unexpectedly interrupted, excuse yourself and apologize for the interruption upon your return.  Don’t leave the interviewer waiting too long.  

  

Here is your EZheatlhcarejobs.com   

Pre-Interview Checklist  

  

___ Confirm your interview  

___ Make note of who will be calling you and save the number in your phone  

___ Double check your voicemail message  

___ Research the company  

___ Have the job description available 

___ Have an updated copy of your resume   

___ Charge your phone!  And make sure you are in a good service area  

___ Set aside a quiet space for your interview