Beyond all the perks that come with each travel nursing assignment, there is one additional plus that comes before you even sign all the papers.  99% of the time the interview for a travel nursing job takes place over the phone, which is usually much less stressful than interviewing in person.

While you can choose to wear sweat pants and let your hair go uncombed, the phone interview is still an interview and requires you to be on top of your professional game. So whether you’re just starting out in your travel nursing career, or you want to just freshen up your interviewing skills, this list of tips will help you ace your next phone interview.

Tip #1: Do all your homework and have your notes in hand.

Prior to the interview, do some research about your potential employer and keep any notes (plus your resume) within reach for easy reference during the call. Your interviewer will appreciate that you took the time to research their facility and if you get stumped on a question, you’ll have everything you need right in front of you.

Tip #2: Let your personality do the talking.

When the interview begins, remember to take a deep breath and smile when you start talking. Your interviewer is already familiar with your skills and background, so make sure your personality and character come through. Smiling while you speak will help set you at ease and make you sound more positive to the interviewer.

Tip #3: Be informative but concise.

Striking the balance between giving short answers and long winded ones can make a huge difference during the interview. You want to give as much relevant information about yourself and your qualifications without running on too long. If each of your responses and comments focuses on why you’re the right choice for this particular travel nursing job, you won’t need to say much else.

Tip #4: Ask questions.

You may be so excited for the interview that you forget to ask questions about what your travel nursing job will entail. If the interviewer doesn’t offer you the chance to ask questions, be sure to include that in the conversation when the time is right. It will demonstrate professionalism and commitment if you ask about what to expect in terms of scheduling, operations and the environment of the assignment.

Tip #5: Conclude with confidence.

When the interview begins to wrap up, remember to thank your interviewer for their time and for the opportunity to speak with them. It’s important to conclude with a follow up question about what the next steps are in the interview process. This will show the interviewer that you are interested in the travel nursing assignment and eager to move forward in the process.

These tips, plus a healthy dose of just being yourself, will set you up for success on your next travel nursing phone interview. Best of luck!

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