You want to help others as a nurse or care worker, you’re bursting with skills that medical employers desire, yet it’s still daunting going into an interview.
Every one is different and you can’t always guess exactly what your potential new employer is going to ask – but worry not: s1jobs can help prepare you.
If you’re starting off your career or you’re already in the medical sector and looking to apply for a new role, here are the top answers to the top interview questions.
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Why do you think you are a good nurse?
Most people hate talking about themselves, especially when they have to big themselves up.
You worry about not being able to hit that perfect balance between bragging and modesty, but employers like to see you being positive about yourself rather than sounding underconfident.
Show the interviewer how you work according to the six C’s associated with nursing – care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment – and throw in a couple of scenarios when you displayed those traits.
This is your chance to demonstrate why you’re the best candidate, so don’t play down your skills.
How have you dealt with a conflict in the past?
As a nurse, you must be able to deal with stressful situations calmly and effectively.
If you’re not new to the sector, you’ll most likely have examples up your sleeve from working in healthcare where you’ve handled conflict expertly.
But any example in life where you’ve been calm and collected in a stressful situation will help your case.
Your interviewer wants to see if you’re good with people and if you know when to call on a senior member of staff.
What would you consider a ‘good shift’?
Employers don’t just want to hear how you take care of patients but how you take care of your colleagues and, more importantly, yourself.
Hearing how you achieve a work-life balance will impress, because it demonstrates good time management.
A good shift is when you’ve provided great care to patients while remaining happy yourself.
In such a tough and busy environment, there isn’t likely to be a perfect day, so be realistic and draw on your own experiences, showing how you overcame any problems you may have faced.
Can you tell us about an achievement you’re proud of?
If this is your first nursing interview, talk about an achievement from being a student nurse. When did you go above and beyond the usual for a patient, demonstrating compassion and kindness? Avoid generic answers and make it as personal as you can – this is the chance for interviewers to see what’s important to you.
Now let’s get that interview sorted with the latest Medical/Dental/Health Care vacancies from s1jobs.