7 Things I Wish More Nurses Knew About the Interview Process
Interviews can feel intimidating, especially in the nursing world, where competition is high, and expectations are even higher. Whether you're a new grad nurse or an experienced nurse looking to transition into a new role, understanding the interview process makes all the difference.
As a nurse manager and career coach, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle - not because they weren’t qualified, but because they didn’t know how to navigate the interview effectively. Here are seven things I wish more nurses knew about the interview process.
1. The Hiring Manager Wants You to Succeed
One of the biggest misconceptions about interviews is that hiring managers are there to trick you or catch you off guard. Or that this is a tough test that you need to ‘pass’ and the manager is going to grill you with complicated questions with the intention to make you ‘fail.’ That’s simply not true!
As a nurse manager myself, I want to find the right candidate as quickly as possible. Waiting for candidates, scheduling interviews, conducting interviews – it all takes time and energy. I want nothing more than for this candidate to do well in their interview and show me that they’ll be a great fit for my team!
Most hiring managers are rooting for you to impress them - because their goal is to find the right person for the role as soon as possible. They’re looking for a nurse who fits the unit’s culture, can handle the demands of the job, and will contribute positively to the team. Instead of approaching the interview as a test, see it as a conversation where both sides are trying to determine if it’s the right match.
2. Your Résumé Got You in the Door, But It Won’t Get You the Job
Your résumé was strong enough to land you the interview—congrats! But now, the focus shifts to how you communicate your experiences in person.
Hiring managers don’t just want to hear you regurgitate what’s on your résumé . They want to see how you think, how you interact, and how you handle different situations. This is why storytelling is key. Be prepared to share real patient experiences, teamwork examples, and problem-solving moments that showcase your skills in action.
3. Behavioral Questions Aren’t Just for Show
Many nurses struggle with behavioral questions like⤵️
🩺 “Tell me about a time you handled a difficult patient.”
🩺 “Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a patient.”
These questions are not just filler—they help hiring managers assess how you respond under pressure and if your decision-making aligns with the hospital’s values.
The best way to answer? Use the STAR Method:
⭐Situation: Briefly explain the scenario.
⭐Task: Describe your responsibility in the situation.
⭐Action: Share the steps you took to resolve the issue.
⭐Result: Highlight the outcome and what you learned.
4. Confidence Matters More Than You Think
Even if your answers are strong, your delivery can make or break the interview.
Hiring managers pick up on nervous energy. If you’re avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or speaking too fast, it can make you seem unsure of yourself—even if you’re fully qualified.
✅ Sit up straight.
✅ Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
✅ Take a deep breath before answering questions.
😎Confidence isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about showing up prepared and believing in your ability to do the job.
5. Asking Smart Questions Can Set You Apart
At the end of the interview, you’ll probably hear: “Do you have any questions for us?”
Your answer should never be "No."
Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re serious about the role and gives you more insight into whether the job is the right fit for you.
Great questions to ask:
✅ “What qualities make someone successful in this role?”
✅ “What challenges is the unit currently facing?”
✅ “How does your team support new hires during their transition?”
6. Practicing Out Loud Is a Game Changer
Most nurses prepare for interviews by writing down their answers or typing them up - but this isn’t enough.
When you practice out loud, you’ll notice if you’re stumbling over words, rambling, or leaving out key details. This is why mock interviews are so valuable. Try recording yourself or practicing with a friend, mentor, or career coach to refine your delivery.
7. Rejection Doesn’t Mean You Weren’t Good Enough
Didn’t get the job? It’s disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you weren’t qualified.
Sometimes, another candidate was simply a better fit for that particular unit. Other times, the hiring manager already had an internal candidate in mind. Check out this blog on why internal candidates often have a leg up, and what you can do about it as an external candidate.
Instead of seeing rejection as failure, use it as a learning experience:
✅ Ask for feedback if possible.
✅ Reflect on what went well and what you could improve.
✅ Keep applying! The right opportunity is out there.
Interviews don’t have to be intimidating when you know what to expect and how to prepare. By understanding the hiring manager’s perspective, refining your storytelling skills, and practicing your delivery, you’ll walk into your next interview with confidence.
If you're looking for interview help & support - check out the products and services offered at New Nurse Support. If you're going to be preparing for your first new grad interviews, message Jeannie for more information about New Grad Nurse Interview Bootcamp.
