You find an advertisement for what appears to be the perfect position for you. All you need to do is call, set up an appointment, and hopefully, the job is yours. Right?

If you really want that to-die-for position, you’d better back up and think about what it might take to get it. The reality is that despite a nursing shortage, other nurses may also view that advertisement as the perfect job. You need to do something that will give you an edge over the competition — something beyond just showing up for the interview.

Nurse recruiters who interview countless nurses suggest specific tips for success that require investing time before, during, and after the interview.

1. Research the Organization

“Learn as much as you can about the facility and its mission,” suggests Ilona Mallon, RN, MSN, nurse recruiter at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Maryland Health Care System, headquartered in Baltimore, MD. Understanding the facility’s focus of care can help you ask and answer questions knowledgeably. “It’s also important to know what the position requires,” adds Mallon. “You can always ask for the job description ahead of time to better prepare for the interview.”

2. Dress Professionally

“You don’t need an expensive suit, but being neat, clean, and presentable is very important,” advises Joan Orseck, RN, coordinator of nursing recruitment at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ. While researching the dress code can be helpful, the most important factor is projecting a well-groomed look, because whether you like it or not, you will be judged on your appearance.

3. Arrive Early

“It’s wonderful to be early,” says Cheryl Hecht, RN, MSN, manager of nursing recruitment at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA. “I’ve had nurses arrive as early as 45 minutes before the interview because they were unsure of the directions; this shows a real desire for the position.” Following the initial interview with the recruiter, you may meet with several different managers, so arriving late affects everyone’s schedule and upsets the tone of your interview. Arriving early also allows time to collect your thoughts and observe some of the dynamics of the facility.

4. Come Prepared

“Bring the information you need to complete the application,” says Mallon. So often, she says, applicants leave blanks — an incomplete address, or no telephone number for a reference. “This is a legal document that is signed to signify its validity, so it’s vital that you consider it important. Writing ‘see resume’ on the application is never acceptable,” she adds.

To a recruiter, carelessness in this first step toward employment can reflect a lack of thoroughness and follow-through — or at the very least, an inability to follow directions. “Bring your current licenses, your CPR card, any advanced certifications, and a list of references, with complete addresses,” says Mallon. “You can also bring copies of previous evaluations and awards of achievement.”

5. Watch Your Body Language

While all recruiters work to provide a comfortable interview atmosphere, the first few minutes often determines the tone. “In the first five minutes of an interview, I’m observing how the applicant presents him or herself through body language,” Orseck explains. You can project a positive, interested attitude by smiling, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake.

You want to make a good impression from the moment you enter. Greet the receptionist cordially and with confidence. How you appear and relate to each person you meet speaks volumes about your communication skills and your attitude about others. “All of these factors help me ascertain something about the applicant and suggest whether he or she really wants to be part of our staff,” says Orseck.

As the interview begins, find a comfortable position so you don’t appear tense. Lean slightly forward; this posture shows an interest in what is being said. Show you’re receptive by avoiding crossing your arms and legs. Try to appear relaxed and confident.

6. Tailor Your Resume

Your resume can’t be written in stone. Along with updating it as your career progresses, you’ll need to view it with a critical eye for each position you pursue. “The resume should focus on the position you’re seeking,” Hecht says. “Concentrate on the skill set required for that position.” If the position is for a QI analyst, or a research or case manager position, you should highlight your computer skills.”

“Bring an extra copy or two, especially if you’ve e-mailed your resume, because an e-mail version never looks as good,” she continues. Hecht prefers a resume of one to two pages — a shortened version that gives a brief description of your progressive experience in related positions. Pastel colors are acceptable, and the paper should be of good quality. Avoid gimmicks like designs or graphics. “The resume should be tasteful, formal, and professional.”

Along with your resume, you should always send a cover letter, addressed to the appropriate recruiter, stating which position you are applying for.

7. Evaluate Your Strengths

During the interview, you will be asked questions about your work experience, educations, skills, and interests. This is the time for you to stress your strengths. “It’s important to be prepared for a performance-based interview and this can be difficult,” says Mallon. The nurse manager, for example, will ask questions that must be answered from clinical experience. When asked how you might handle a specific clinical situation, try to weave your love of nursing and other core strengths, such as strong communication or organizational skills, into your answer.

Use specific examples to illustrate your point whenever possible. “If you’re especially proud of a particular patient experience, offer that example,” suggests Hecht.

8. Bring Questions

During the interview, you will have an opportunity to ask questions, so be prepared. “When I see a nurse open a notebook, with a short, prepared list of questions to ask, I know this nurse has prepared for the interview,” says Orseck. Should you ask about salary if nothing has been mentioned? “Yes,” Orseck says. “You just shouldn’t make this your first question. Anything work-related is an appropriate question to ask.”

9. Tying It All Together

Just as that first impression is a lasting one, you want to leave on a positive note, as well. “During closure, tell why you think you’re the best person for the job, reinforce that you have the right qualifications, and close the interview with why you’re interested in this specific position,” Mallon advises. You can also ask about the time line for the final choice, and when you should call back. As you leave, thank the interviewer by name for the interview.

10. Follow-up

After your interview, write down the name and title of the person who interviewed you, so you can send a thank-you note. “Follow up is very important and extremely appropriate,” says Hecht. “An acknowledgement note to the nurse manager and the nurse recruiter is good. It’s also smart to follow up with a phone call to see if the references were received.” A slow response for references, she adds, can delay a job offer. When you call, be prepared to offer additional references if there’s a delay.

Hecht sums up what all recruiters look for: “a nurse candidate that brings past experiences and can articulate how he or she would successfully fit the position and the facility.” So, do your homework, and you can create that winning image — the image of a caring professional who prepares for the interview, recognizes the mission of the facility, and gets the job.

Margaret Hawke, RN, MA, is a contributing writer for Nursing Spectrum.