What You Should and Shouldn't Do During an LPN Interview

You did it! You landed your first LPN job interview. Are you sure that you are ready? Of course, you want to make the best impression possible. You have been practicing, but you are still nervous. The good news is that it is perfectly normal to be nervous before a job interview. However, knowing what you should and shouldn't do during your interview can help you calm your nerves.

Should Do

Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. This not only will give you a bit of time to relax before your meeting, but it will also show your potential employer that you are truly interested in the position and are capable of being prompt.
Show up with any documents you may need for the interview. This typically includes a copy of your resume, your college transcripts, your nursing license, a state-issued ID, and your Social Security card.
Be friendly and respectful to everyone you come in contact with including secretaries, other interviewees, and your interviewer. Offer your hand for a firm handshake before the interview and try to maintain a smile even if you are nervous.
Be honest! It is never a good idea to be dishonest during a job interview. While you do not need to tell your potential employer about your job as a stripper, do not lie about your criminal history. The truth could very well come out during a background check.
It is perfectly okay to ask a few questions about the facility and the responsibilities of the position at hand. However, keep your questions brief, only ask two or three, and wait until the interviewer asks you whether or not you have any questions.

Shouldn't Do

Do not arrive late, not even by a few minutes! Arriving late shows your potential boss two things: that you are not truly interested in the position and that you cannot be reliable. Employers want to hire staff members who are prompt.
Try not to fidget. Although interviewers realize that most job candidates are nervous during job interviews, it is best to act as calm as possible. This will show your interviewer that you can handle new situations with ease.
Never talk about things that are not relevant to the position at hand. Most employers are not interested in the volleyball game you won last week or the party you attended the night before. Stick with conversation related to the job you are applying to.
Do not bad-mouth previous employers. Even if you left a job because you did not like your employer, do not say this during your interview. A more effective thing to say is that you left because you were looking for a job that would suit your skills better.
Never show your disappointment. If you feel as if your interview did not go very well, try your best to hide any disappointment you may have. Instead, offer your hand to the interviewer for another handshake and thank him or her for taking the time to talk with you.