PNP Telephone Interview Tips

An advanced practice nursing telephone interview is most often a brief “get to know you” conversation, but it is still very important to do as much research as possible about the facility, position, unit, and interviewer.    The interviewer will ask questions such as, “Why do you want to work here?” and “Why do you feel you would be a good fit for this pediatric nursing position?”  See additional PNP interview questions.  You should be prepared to answer these questions and do so with enthusiasm!  This is your opportunity to convey your interest and excitement about the open pediatric nursing position.  Make sure you express not only why you want the job, but also how your experience, training, and specialties will benefit the employer and help them meet their objectives.  In addition, an interviewer may ask you to provide facts that support your advanced practice nursing resume.  Expect that they will want you to include some context about your performance in previous positions or situations.  Make sure you study your resume prior to the interview, and print a copy to reference throughout the call. 

So what are some good questions for you to ask during a telephone interview? 

If the person you are speaking with is in a role such as HR Manager, or Recruiter, you will want to ask more general questions such as “Who will the person in this role report to within the unit?” or “Can you please tell me a little about the culture at your organization.”  If you are speaking with the Physician or Director within the unit, you can ask more specific questions such as, “Can you please tell me about the role of the pediatric nurse practitioner within your unit” or “What is the patient population within the unit?” At this early stage of the interview process, do not ask questions about compensation, salary, benefits, vacation time, etc.  The purpose of the telephone interview is to get an in-person interview and the compensation specifics should not be brought up by you until an offer has been made and your PNP contract negotiations are in process. 

An advanced practice nursing telephone interview typically lasts between 30-45 minutes but could be as quick as 15 minutes.  At the completion of the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, let them know you enjoyed speaking with them, and ask what the next step is in the interview process. A best practice is to ask permission to follow-up with a phone call or e-mail if you have not heard back by a predetermined date.  Finally, be sure to write a thank you e-mail within 24 hours after the interview.  This is not only polite, but is also an essential communication that assures the interviewer you are still interested in the position and would like an invitation for an in-person interview. 

Check back for tips on overcoming a lack of "on-paper experience" to obtain your ideal pediatric nursing position. 

See more PNP interview tips!

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To inquire about these jobs visit Melnic Consulting Group or contact: Jill Gilliland 800-886-7906 jill@melnic.com