Graduation season is officially upon us! Which means ceremonies will be conducted, diplomas handed out, and gifts passed around. Ultimately? Dream jobs will be landed. It’s a process, though, that starts with obtaining that initial interview. Between me and you, getting the interview is only half the battle. When you get to that interview, you’ve got to own it, with a capital ‘O.’ It’ll feel like an interrogation, and you know what? It kind of is. Be sure to answer every question thrown your way with confidence and finesse. Remember, you want the prize! For those hard hitting interview questions and the do’s and don’ts of answering them, read on!
1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Don’t say that you want to work in the medical industry because you ‘love it.’ Anyone can ‘love it.’ I can love it, you can love it, and your next door neighbor can love it. Our collective ‘love’ for the industry doesn’t necessarily make any of us the right fit for the job.
Do try to show that you ‘love it.’ Tell the interviewer about your history with the industry; perhaps your first experience with the medical industry. And if you have one, do share an early success story. You want to come across as genuine.
2. Tell us a little about yourself.
Don’t give the interviewer a complete, chronological schooling and work history. Everyone went to school, everyone worked, and you’re no exception.
Do zero in on your particular strengths and how they relate to the job you’re interested in. If you can, do give particular examples as well.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Don’t try to be funny. ‘Sitting on a beach somewhere near the equator,’ is not an acceptable answer. At all.
Do show that you’re ambitious, career-minded, and committed to a future with the facility you’re interviewing in.
4. What salary are you looking for?
Don’t give an exact number. You know how it is. The first person to name a price, for all intents and purposes, loses.
Do walk a fine line. Try and reiterate how committed you are to the job, and express that you wish to be paid the appropriate amount for this particular job. If you must state a number, try to give a rather broad range based on research you’ve done.
5. Why should I hire you?
Don’t tell the interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the job. Maybe you are, maybe you aren’t; let the interviewer determine that.
Do reiterate your qualifications. Let the interviewer know why you’re unique.
6. What motivates you?
Don’t say, ‘doing a great job and getting rewarded for it.’ True, but booooring.
Do use this question as an opportunity to capitalize on YOU. Give an answer that puts you in a positive light and showcases your character. Perhaps difficult patients motivate you. And if so, let the interviewer know why. Was it because no other nurse was able to get through to this patient and you were the first one who could??? Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner here!
The questions will come fast and hard. No doubt. But at least you’ll be somewhat prepared now. Here’s to hoping you get to scrub in real soon!
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