Chapter 04: Employment Considerations: Opportunities, Resumes, and Interviewing

24. The graduate nurse understands information that is necessary for a resume when making which of the following statements? (Select all that apply.) a. "I need to include my name, address, and phone number." b. "I should include the name of the position that I am applying for." c. "I need to include where I received my educational training." d. "I need to list my previous employer(s)." e. "I should include avoid putting references on my resume."

A,B,C,D The graduate nurse should include the following on a resume: name, address, phone number, name of position applying for, educational training, previous employer(s), and references. Age and marital status are not included on the resume. This information will be obtained by human resources after the person has been hired.

23. What actions should the graduate nurse take to assess an organization? (Select all that apply.) a. Talk to those who work in the organization of interest. b. Read the organization's mission statement. c. Evaluate the reputation of the leadership. d. Listen to rumors about the organization. e. Read and analyze the recruitment materials.

A,B,C,E To properly assess an organization, the graduate nurse should talk to those who work in the organization of interest, read the organization's mission statement, evaluate the reputation of the leadership, and read and analyze the recruitment materials.

9. The nurse can list when of the following as information that is not routinely included in a resume? a. Age b. Education c. Professional memberships d. Occupational experience

A. Age A resume is a concise, factual presentation of a nurse's education and professional history. Age is not considered an important point in a resume, and prospective employers cannot request this information during the interviewing process. Date of birth and so on may be asked at a later time during the employment process. Any type of occupational or work history is to be included along with membership in professional organizations.

12. The knowledgeable nurse can list which strategy as one that will foster a successful interview for the interviewee? a. Demonstrate interest in what the interviewer has to say. b. Exercise the option to disagree with the interviewer. c. Check off on a list when each item is covered by the interviewer. d. Answer questions with as much detail as possible.

A. Demonstrate interest in what the interviewer has to say. Recruiters appreciate applicants who know some basic facts about their institution and show an interest in what the interviewer has to say. Becoming familiar with the institution before the interview will demonstrate interest. Do not contradict or argue with the interviewer. Answer questions succinctly and concisely; do not expound on ideas.

21. Which of the following actions by the graduate nurse would not be advised during an interview campaign? a. Plan 3 interviews in a day, b. Identify a date to begin employment. c. Ask questions about the interview process. d. Research the prospective employer.

A. Plan 3 interviews in a day The graduate nurse should identify a desirable date to begin employment, ask questions about the interview process, research the prospective employer, and plan no more than 2 interviews in one day.

18. A new graduate uses social networking (i.e., Facebook) as a means of communicating with family and friends. What is important for the new graduate to consider when posting information on Facebook in terms of seeking employment? a. Use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot. b. Set the Facebook site to public so recruiters can search and find. c. Provide pictures of family and friends and remove any inappropriate information. d. Avoid using social networking sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, because employers do not like them.

A. Use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot. It is important to make a good impression with a potential employer; remember that the new graduate's appearance on the social networking website will be what an employer first sees. Be sure to use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot, and make the Facebook account private to prevent employers from searching for you if you want to use the Facebook account for family and friends. Potential employers may dismiss you as a candidate after viewing inappropriate photographs or information. LinkedIn is primarily a website for job networking.

23. Which of the following actions should the graduate nurse take to ensure a great first impression? (Select all that apply.) a. Arrive at the interview right on time. b. Establish eye contact during the interview. c. Minimize distracting nervous mannerisms. d. Show enthusiasm and body language. e. Smile when introduced.

B, C, D, E The graduate nurse should establish eye contact during the interview, minimize distracting nervous mannerisms, show enthusiasm and body language, and smile when introduced. The graduate nurse should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to gather information about the organization or spend more time with the interviewer.

10. The nurse is applying for a job and is determining whether or not to submit a resume or a curriculum vitae. What is the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae? a. A resume more accurately represents a nurse's job and professional history. b. A curriculum vitae will get longer as the nurse becomes more professionally experienced. c. A resume will contain the nurse's continuing education activities. d. The two are very similar and can be used interchangeably.

B. A curriculum vitae will get longer as the nurse becomes more professionally experienced. A curriculum vitae will become longer as it begins to reflect the nurse's professional activities of continuing education, positions in professional organizations, and contributions to publications. Both a resume and curriculum vitae accurately represent job and professional history and contain continuing education activities. A curriculum vitae is used by individuals in academia.

4. The nursing professor is assisting a group of nursing students in creating resumes. The professor instructs them to include which of the following demographic data? a. Career goal b. Address c. Experience d. Education

B. Address The student's name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address should be at the top of the resume page. Students should be sure to provide correct, current information so employers can easily access the contact information. Career goals, experience, and education are not considered to be demographic data.

7. The nurse has an adequate understanding of employment benefits. Which of the following is not included in a benefits package? a. Health insurance b. Car insurance c. Pensions d. Disability coverage

B. Car insurance Health insurance, pension, and disability are common in benefit packages; car insurance is not.

3. Which action by the graduate nurses shows understanding of resume writing? a. Ensures that all of the dates for their employment history are specific b. Does not overstate skills c. Includes a thorough discussion of experiences as a nursing student d. Includes only last two positions

B. Does not overstate skills A resume is a concise, factual presentation of a person's educational and professional history, usually not more than two pages in length. It is important not to overstate skills. Graduate nurses should not include a thorough discussion of their experiences as a nursing student. They should include all employment positions within the past 7 years, including the months and years of employment.

13. During a job interview, the interviewee is asked, "What do you believe your weaknesses to be?" What is the best reply? a. "I've never thought about having any weaknesses." b. "I'm looking forward to strengthening my ability to plan care for a group of patients." c. "My instructors told me I was disorganized." d. "My biggest problem is in planning and implementing discharge teaching."

B. I'm looking forward to strengthening my ability to plan care for a group of patients. It is important to develop responses to probable interview questions. This is not an uncommon question, and the graduate nurse should prepare a positive response, such as "strengthening ability to plan for a group of patients." Telling the interviewer that you never thought about your weaknesses or that you need help with planning and implementing discharge teaching does not indicate that you are prepared for the interview. The other option about admitting disorganization is not a positive response.

11. Assuming all of the following statements are true, which should be included in a resume to highlight information that would be valuable to an employer? a. Desires annual salary of $30,000 to $32,000 b. Is fluent in American sign language c. Is president of state downhill ski club d. Plans to move out of state after 1 year of employment

B. Is fluent in American sign language The ability to use American sign language is a skill that would be worthwhile to the employer because it presents to the employer an extrapersonal skill. The salary, ski club, and relocation plans are not appropriate for a resume.

16. The interviewer says, "We are looking for a bright, interested, empathetic, hard-working person for this position in oncology nursing. Do you fit this bill?" The new graduate nurse is interested, carried a straight C average, and has worked full time while going to school. Assuming the following statements are true, what would be the best answer? a. "I'm definitely interested in oncology, and I think I'm a hard worker. My instructor said I was developing empathy. My grade point average of C doesn't reflect my real ability." b. "My previous employer rated my work as excellent. It was there that I became interested in helping support oncology patients as they cope with their illness. I chose to do independent study on emotional reactions to the diagnosis of cancer and received an A." c. "I worked full time while going to school, so my grades suffered. I've had my share of life's disappointments, so I can sympathize with cancer patients. I will work hard, but I have to make time for my family, too." d. "I'm interested. My parents always told me I was bright. I work as hard as the next person. I've learned not to get too involved with patients."

B. My previous employer rated my work as excellent. It was there that I became interested in helping support oncology patients as they cope with their illness. I chose to do independent study on emotional reactions to the diagnosis of cancer and received an A. The new graduate should focus on strengths and accomplishments during the interview. The interviewee should not provide information or make excuses for a C average. The interviewee should keep it professional (avoid comments about sympathizing with patients); the interviewer does not care about the applicant family's opinion.

1. Which statement by the nursing student indicates an understanding of the purpose in setting a career goal? a. "To guarantee you will achieve your goal" b. "To keep you focused on your job search" c. "To help you define your professional identity" d. "To impress those part of the interview process"

C "To help you define your professional identity" A career goal defines who or what you wish to be professionally. In addition, it will help tie together the elements of your job search—the resume writing, research, employer contacts, and interview process—by giving you direction. Setting a career goal does not guarantee achievement of that goal. It does not help focus on the job search or impress those participating in the interview process.

19. Which of the following assignments should the new nurse question before accepting? a. A 38-year-old man with cellulitis of the right arm b. A 25-year-old woman with a left femur fracture c. A charge nurse over the unit for the day d. A 50-year-old man with right hip replacement

C. A charge nurse over the unit for the day New nurses should not be placed in the charge nurse role until the role of staff nurse has been mastered. New nurses who must accept the role of charge nurse should consider their resources in order to maintain safety for the patients. The other assignments are appropriate for the new nurse.

20. A graduate nurse is in the process of applying for a first time nursing job. What should the graduate nurse keep in mind when using social media networks? a. There is no risk of potential employers searching for the nurse on social media websites. b. Employers cannot use material found on social media websites to eliminate candidates. c. A small percentage of recruiters have eliminated candidates based on material found on social media websites. d. As long as no identifying patient information is provided on the social media website, recruiters can overlook any videos posted about the patients the nurse has cared for.

C. A small percentage of recruiters have eliminated candidates based on material found on social media websites. It is important for the graduate nurse to keep in mind that recruiters search social media websites to gather information about candidates. It is reported that 35% of recruiters have eliminated candidates based on material found on social media websites. Recall that the nurse has an ethical obligation to maintain and protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The nurse should never share or post patient images, videos, or any information pertaining to a patient on any form of electronic media; this includes the use of cell phones, smartphones, cameras, and other electronic devices in the clinical setting.

22. Which of the following actions would not help the graduate nurse prepare for an interview? a. Practice verbal responses to sample questions in front of a mirror. b. Ask a family member to play the role of the interviewer. c. Begin preparing for the interview the day before. d. Ask for constructive feedback regarding answers to sample questions.

C. Begin preparing for the interview the day before. The graduate nurse should practice verbal responses to sample questions in front of a mirror, ask a family member to play the role of the interviewer, and ask for constructive feedback regarding answers to sample questions. The graduate nurse should not begin preparing for the interview the day before; preparation should begin earlier.

6. A graduate nurse has not heard from a prospective employer 3 days after submitting a resume. Which action should the graduate nurse take? a. Call. b. Write a letter. c. Do nothing. d. Contact another employment setting.

C. Do nothing. Only a few days have passed, so do nothing. If the graduate nurse still has not heard from the prospective employer within 7 to 10 days, give the employer a call to make sure the resume and cover letter were received and to schedule an interview.

17. As the interview is drawing to a close, the interviewer asks the applicant, "What questions could I answer for you?" Which of the following questions would it be most advisable to ask to create a favorable impression? a. "What will happen if I am unable to meet the outcomes for the competency-based orientation?" b. "Do you still have tuition reimbursement for courses to obtain my next degree?" c. "How soon will I be responsible for supervision of other staff?" d. "After completing orientation, when will the first pay raise be given?"

C. How soon will I be responsible for supervision of other staff? Prepare a few questions!. This will be the applicant's opportunity to gather important details and possibly impress the interviewer by showing interest in the position. Keep questions on the positive side and inquire about responsibilities of the position. It would be inappropriate to inquire about pay raises at this time. Inquiries about pay and tuition reimbursement would be appropriate after the job offer has been provided.

14. Employment for new graduate nurses is scarce in your locale. What action might help the new graduate find out about job openings before others know about them? a. Attend job fairs. b. Read the newspaper employment section. c. Read bulletin boards in health care agency personnel offices. d. Send resumes and cover letters to all health care agencies within the region.

C. Read bulletin boards in health care agency personnel offices. The bulletin board at the health care agency will have positions posted before they are formally advertised. Anyone can walk into an institution and review the bulletin board in the human resources office for positions currently available. Job fairs and newspapers advertise employment opportunities to the public. Sending resumes and cover letters to health care agencies does not help the new graduate find out about job openings before the public.

5. Which statement by the graduate nurse indicates understanding of the importance of a cover letter? a. "It is optional." b. "It is necessary only if your resume needs further explanation." c. "It should recapitulate all of the important points of your resume." d. "It should introduce you to the reader."

D. It should introduce you to the reader. Along with your resume, the nurse should enclose a cover letter that gives a brief introduction. The cover letter should summarize important strengths or give information regarding change of specialty (after you graduate and have experience). Remember that this letter should not be longer than one page.

8. What is the best short-term objective for the resume of a new nursing graduate seeking employment on a medical-surgical unit? a. Obtain a position that further develops interests and skills. b. Provide a basis for moving up the career ladder to a supervisory position within 5 years. c. Acquire a staff nurse position with options to use tuition benefits to obtain advanced degrees. d. Obtain an entry-level position as a staff nurse on a medical-surgical unit.

D. Obtain an entry-level position as a staff nurse on a medical-surgical unit. As a new graduate, the best short-term career goal or objective would be to obtain an entry-level position as a staff nurse. Career objectives or goals are not end results (e.g., education or eventual administration positions) but steps to assist the graduate nurse to another point. The objective should be specific to what the nurse needs at the time. Obtaining a position that further develops interests and skills is a good choice, but obtaining an entry-level position on a medical-surgical unit is more specific for a recent graduate.

15. The graduate nurse interprets the phrase "dress for success" to mean which of the following? a. Wear a casual hairstyle and clothing that reflects your off-duty personality or hobbies. b. Buy new, very conservative dark clothing to wear. c. Select clothing that could be worn at a cocktail party. d. Wear a neat hairstyle and well-fitting, tailored, business-like clothes from your existing wardrobe.

D. Wear a neat hairstyle and well-fitting, tailored, business-like clothes from your existing wardrobe. The interviewer may judge the applicant's professional skills by personal appearance. Does the applicant dress neatly, have clean fingernails, and have a neat hairstyle? A prospective employer may anticipate the type of employee the graduate nurse will be by observing dress and personal hygiene. Casual or inappropriate clothing (e.g., cocktail party attire) do not fulfill the phrase "dress for success." It is not necessary to buy new clothing or wear something very dark and conservative.

2. A nursing professor correctly states the expectations of the job market for nursing as a. expected downsizing, decreased number of nursing positions. b. expected decrease in the number of unlicensed assistive personnel. c. expected increase in unlicensed assistive personnel: personnel. d. expected increased hiring of new graduates.

D. expected increased hiring of new graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, which is faster than the average for all occupations." The nursing professor would be incorrect if her or she stated the expectations to be a decreased number of nursing positions or a decrease or increase in the number of unlicensed assistive personnel.