4 Tips for Landing Your First Family Nurse Practitioner Job

Congratulations! You’ve submitted your poster presentation and are studying for finals. Graduation is in sight and so are your hopes for landing your first job as a family nurse practitioner.

Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression during a job interview. So how do you present yourself as the best candidate during the interview?

Here's some advice on how to make that great first impression and walk away with the job offer you’ve been hoping for:

1. Do your homework. First impressions are key. It doesn’t take long for a hiring manager to make a decision. Around half of employers (51 percent) know within the first five minutes of an interview if a candidate is a good fit for a position, according to a nationwide survey, conducted for CareerBuilder.

“The best solution to minimize pre-interview anxiety is solid preparation,” said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer for CareerBuilder. “If you don’t read about the company and research your role thoroughly, you could magnify your fear of interviewing poorly and lose the opportunity.”

2. Research your interviewers. For advanced practice roles, a panel interview with individuals from different areas of the organization is standard, according to the tips from Melnic Consulting Group, a nationwide search firm focused on Advanced Practice placements for qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Physician Assistant (PA) candidates. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the names and roles of each interviewer. LinkedIn is a great source of professional information on certifications, education and work roles.

3. Showcase your best qualifications, the Melnic suggests. If you haven’t already, take time to thoroughly read the job description, looking for areas where your skills and qualifications match. Note areas where you are especially well-qualified and also those areas where you may fall a little short. In those areas where you are well-qualified, make a list of strengths you want to highlight.

4. Practice makes perfect. Preparation is key to a successful interview. Many online employment sites feature potential interviewer questions specific to the position you are seeking. You can brush up for the interview by practicing your answers to these questions:

• Tell me about yourself and any hands-on experience you have had as a nursing student?
• What interests you about being a family practitioner?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What inspired you to become a nurse practitioner?
• What are three words that describe you?
• What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Finally, remember to say “Thank You.” At the end of the interview, be sure to express your appreciation and continued interest. Also, highlight one or two reasons why you are the ideal family nurse practitioner for the position. After you leave, write a thank you note to each interviewer and send it within two days of your meeting. This will help you make a lasting positive impression.

Learn more about Chamberlain’s MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track.