David Morrison (PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGE/COURTESY OF DAVID MORRISON)

In your pajamas

With a travel-assignment interview, you have one tremendous obstacle removed from all the other job interviews you have probably suffered through: You don't have to be seen. A face-to-face interview is not feasible when taking a job that might be thousands of miles from where you reside. This translates to telephone interviews and therefore removes the need to "dress to impress." For some, removing the awkwardness of a face-to-face interview can be a big relief. If you feel like interviewing in your pajamas and bunny slippers, feel free.

Another advantage is that you decide when you are interviewed, as you often will not have a scheduled time for the interview. Based on my experience, the majority of your interviews will probably occur spontaneously.

After your recruiter submits your name for an assignment, facilities will decide if they would like to speak with you. If so, you may receive calls from the managers of the units to which you applied. Those calls could come at virtually any time of the day. If they do not reach you, it is up to you to decide when you are ready for the interview (within the times they give you, of course).

Your recruiter might notify you of when a facility representative will be calling. If so, do try to make yourself available. But if you are not ready for some reason, the manager can leave a message on your voicemail, and then you can set the time to return the call. If you do this, you must also remember that in the time you put off the call, the manager still has the opportunity to interview and possibly hire someone else.

This is a real interview

Even if you do choose to conduct your interview in the aforementioned pajamas and bunny slippers, you must remember that this is a professional interview. Don't be afraid, however, to let your personality do some of the talking. Often, the interviewer will have your résumé or skill set to reference. In this case, the interviewer will be looking at your personality and how you might fit in with the rest of the unit.

Be prepared to accept

I have been on enough "regular" interviews to know that it is not common to be offered a job on the spot. That is not necessarily the case with the travel-assignment interview. If a nurse manager likes what you have on paper (your résumé or skill set) and likes your personality, he or she very well might offer you the position on the spot. Think about what you would say in this situation before it occurs. If you need time to think about it, you don't want to fumble your words and make it appear as if you don't really want the job.

Close the deal

Once you have completed your interview, you should hear from the facility within a few days. If your recruiter has an offer from the facility, you should take a moment to make sure the contract covers anything you discussed in the interview (whether it be specific time off or terms of employment such as "no floating"). When you receive your contract, remember to verify once again that everything you expect has made it into writing.