Danish hospital hires nurses through informal drop-in interviews instead of written applications

A regional hospital in Denmark is replacing traditional job applications with casual drop-in interviews, allowing nurses to secure positions without submitting written materials, DR reports.

Kathrine Solsø Thomsen, an emergency nurse, landed a job at Regionshospitalet Gødstrup in Herning eight months ago after attending an informal conversation rather than writing a formal application. “It was a relief not to have to draft a long application,” she said. “It’s easier to talk about and show what I can do.”

The hospital’s approach eliminates the need for cover letters, instead inviting candidates to send a brief CV or a few lines about themselves before a face-to-face meeting. Five departments now use this method, which also lets applicants meet potential colleagues and ask questions about the workplace.

Solsø Thomsen, who was on parental leave when she applied, found the process less stressful. “I wasn’t as nervous before the interview,” she said. “It opens up the chance to be yourself.” Her positive first impression of the team and workplace has held true, she added, describing her current role as collaborative and supportive.

The model has proven so successful that nursing services in Herning Municipality and care centers in Thisted Municipality are adopting similar hiring practices. While the Danish Nurses’ Organisation notes that drop-in interviews are not yet widespread nationally, the hospital has used them since 2023, initially to fill vacancies in its ear, nose, and throat department.

For Solsø Thomsen, the shift marks a welcome change in recruitment, particularly in nursing, where interpersonal skills are critical. “If I had to apply again, I’d prefer a drop-in interview,” she said.