Once students earn their nursing degree, they may think that the hardest part is all over now, but it isn’t. Once students graduate from nursing school they have to find a job. They cannot depend only on their skills alone to get a job; they must know how to interview so that they can get those desirable LPN positions. Exactly what types of questions should LPNs be prepared to answer during their job interviews?
List of LPN Interview Questions
The following are interview questions that LPNs may likely have to answer during their job interviews:
- How did you respond the last time your supervisor analyzed your work?
- How do you handle those situations that cause you to be later or absent from your job?
- How many days per year do you feel are acceptable for absences?
- What is the most frustrating experience you have encountered on a past job, and how did you deal with the situation?
- Provide two examples of a time when you did something on your job without being prompted to do so. What was the outcome?
- How would you respond if you found out that another employee was stealing at work?
- How do you handle it when your replacement does not show up for his or her shift? How often have you stayed late when this situation occurs?
- How do you make transitions during shift changes operate as smoothly as possible?
- What do you do with your down time when you are at work?
- How would it affect your mood if your boss asked you to perform a quick task outside of your daily responsibilities? How would your mood change if this happened more than once during any particular day?
- What personality traits make you the perfect candidate for this position?
- Provide specifics of your most current performance interview. What were the areas of improvement? Were there any reoccurring issues?
- How have you handled problems with coworkers in the past?
- What has prevented you from doing your job duties in the past?
- What has prevented you from showing up to work in the past?
Dos and Don’ts During an LPN Job Interview
Dos-
- Do wear professional attire during a job interview.
- Do agree to take a drug screening.
- Do know and understand the Nurse Practice Act for your state before going to the interview.
- Do tell interviewer about criminal convictions and job terminations if they ask.
- Do answer illegal questions asked by the interviewer with information that helps him or her assess your ability to perform your job.
- Do start the interview with a “thank you for meeting me” statement.
- Do remain honest with the interviewer throughout the interview.
- Do enter the interview as if you will get the job on the spot.
Don’ts-
- Don’t respond to scenarios in a way that compromises the privacy rights of patients.
- Don’t exaggerate your experience, education, or skills.
- Don’t provide false statements to the interviewer.
- Don’t provide information for open-ended questions that interviewers are not entitled to have.
- Don’t let a simple mistake during the interview process determine the remaining course of the interview.
- Don’t tell the interviewer any long personal stories during the interview.
- Don’t forget to express your thanks to the interviewer for the interview and his or her time.
Following Up After LPN Job Interview
Following up after an LPN job interview is very important, but make sure not to annoy the employer. It is important not to cross the line when contacting the employer. Here are a few ways to follow up after the interview without annoying the employer:
- A thank you note to the employers lets him or her know that the applicants respect their time and appreciate that they took the time to interview applicants. It is also appropriate to send the employer an e-mail later in the day after the interview. A letter and a follow up note may be overkill, and it may annoy the employer.
- Showing up at the office of the employer is not acceptable unless the employer makes it clear that applicants can show up at will. It is inappropriate to show up at the employer’s office continuously. Employers have daily schedules too.
- Contacting the employer by phone is appropriate after a certain amount of time. Call the employer a few days after the decision deadline unless instructed not to make phone contact. Applicants should only call once because anything more is considered annoying.
Preparing for an LPN interview is very important. Employers are looking for confident, skilled professionals to join their teams. Going into an interview prepared can make the difference between being hired or not.
Need Help with the Nursing Job Process?
Check out our job guide called “Nursing Resume Templates and Job Guide by Nurse Sarah“. Nurse Sarah’s updated eBook guide & template bundle will walk you step-by-step through the entire job process. You’ll learn how to….
- Create a stunning resume and matching cover letter (16 professionally designed templates included with download)
- Ace your nursing job interview with the most common job interview questions (includes sample answers)
- Getting letters of recommendation & putting together your nurse portfolio
- Tips for finding your first nursing job and getting hired fast
- Tips to transition from nursing student to new nurse (talking to doctors, common struggles, etc.)
- Advancing in your career
- And more (see table of contents below)
Resume Templates and Matching Cover Letters Included
How to Buy
You can get an eBook version here or physical copy (affiliate ad) here.