ONS Career Guide ONS CAREER GUIDE 2018.web | Page 7

conservative jewelry and makeup, and
wear little or no perfume as some people
can be sensitive or even allergic to various
fragrances. Be sure that your nails are
clean or manicured and wear professional
shoes—women should steer clear of shoes
like stiletto heels.
On interview day, arrive early; in fact,
consider doing a practice drive beforehand.
“If you’re going somewhere you’ve never
been before, go a day ahead,” Barrett said.
“Do a dry run and find out about parking.”
When your interviewer or an office ad-
ministrator greets you, shake hands firmly
and have good eye contact.
Actively listen to your interviewer and
“repeat a question back to be sure you’re
providing the answer they are looking for,”
she said.
Be aware of your body language, and
avoid chewing gum and using cell phones—
avoid any object that isn’t directly related to
the interview.
Close Out the Interview
You’ve finally made it to the end of the
interview—congratulations! Your attire was
perfect, you answered all of the interview-
er’s questions carefully and concisely, and
your behavior and attitude were exception-
al. What should you expect at the close of
the interview and beyond?
At this point, you should clarify any
unanswered questions while staying
positive and enthusiastic. Reinforce your
interest in the role by asking when you
should expect to hear from the company,
and ask for a business card so you can
follow up with a thank-you email or hand-
written note.
Salary is not usually discussed until
the position is offered, but when the time
comes, be realistic about your salary based
on your experience and degree. Websites
such as glassdoor.com or salaryexpert.com
clarify the average salary in the industry
you work in. Also, don’t forget to discuss
Do some research on the company or institution
that you’re applying with, as well as the company
culture and the role you’re interested in.
Top 8 Reasons Why People
Don’t Get Hired
1. Poor follow up
2. Overly ambitious or arrogant
3. Poor understanding of the role
4. Failure to communicate clearly,
concisely, and in a compelling way
5. Not differentiating yourself from other
candidates
6. Unable to follow directions in the
application process
7. Presented self poorly
8. References did not support you
other benefits once you are offered the
position, such as bonuses, vacation time,
medical coverage, and education days. n
Barrett, S. (2018). Effective interviewing skills: Create a
lasting impression. Session presented at the ONS 43rd Annual
Congress, Washington, DC, May 18, 2018. Retrieved from https://
ons.confex.com/ons/2018/meetingapp.cgi/Session/1618
Wherever you want to go,
certification can help you get there.
Whether you want to move up, move on, or start moving forward,
becoming certified in oncology nursing should be your next step.
ONCC offers certification programs in:
• adult oncology nursing
• pediatric oncology nursing
• breast care nursing
• blood and marrow transplant nursing
One is right for you. Learn more at www.oncc.org.
ONCC is the premier provider of nationally accredited certification
for nurses in oncology and related specialties.
ONS 2018–2019 CAREER GUIDE
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