Question:
Dear Donna,
I recently interviewed for a part-time position and forgot the most important thing I wanted to stress in my interview. Despite plenty of practice, I failed to sing the praises of the facility. Needless to say, I am so mad at myself because I believe I did well otherwise. I had not interviewed since 2006, and I think nerves took over. Is there any way to mend this situation?
Nervous About Interviewing
Dear Donna,
I recently interviewed for a part-time position and forgot the most important thing I wanted to stress in my interview. Despite plenty of practice, I failed to sing the praises of the facility. Needless to say, I am so mad at myself because I believe I did well otherwise. I had not interviewed since 2006, and I think nerves took over. Is there any way to mend this situation?
Nervous About Interviewing
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Nervous About Interviewing,
It's normal to be nervous when going on an interview, especially when you haven't been on one for some time. But there is still time to do what you want to do.
If you haven't sent the traditional thank-you note, do it now. Briefly state in the note the things you wanted to say about the employer and why you'd love to work there. If you already sent that letter, send an email to the interviewer with the additional information — but keep it brief and to the point. Don't go overboard.
For future reference, read “Interview to Knock Their Socks Off” (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/KnockSocksOff) and “Follow-up is Good Form” (http://news.nurse.com/article/20120101/DD01/120124005).
Best wishes,
Donna
Dear Nervous About Interviewing,
It's normal to be nervous when going on an interview, especially when you haven't been on one for some time. But there is still time to do what you want to do.
If you haven't sent the traditional thank-you note, do it now. Briefly state in the note the things you wanted to say about the employer and why you'd love to work there. If you already sent that letter, send an email to the interviewer with the additional information — but keep it brief and to the point. Don't go overboard.
For future reference, read “Interview to Knock Their Socks Off” (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/KnockSocksOff) and “Follow-up is Good Form” (http://news.nurse.com/article/20120101/DD01/120124005).
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nurse.com’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/Asktheexperts/Deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://Events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
