Tough Nursing Interview Questions
After all of your hard work in nursing school and clinicals, it’s finally time to start hitting the pavement with your resume and certificate in hand.
Let the job hunt commence! Even though your nursing training and education has prepared you well, job hunting is never easy. Be prepared for even the toughest administrators and hiring managers by anticipating these tough interview questions, and getting your thoughts sorted in advance.
1. Why do you want to work in the nursing industry?
Good answer: Explain your background and where your interest in nursing and passion for healthcare and helping people comes from. Tell YOUR story – one that explains where you’re coming to your nursing career from.
2. Tell me about yourself.
Good answer: Zero in on your strengths, how you’ve honed certain skills and where your natural talents and interest are. Then connect them to the job you’re applying for.
3. What kind of relationship do you have with your former employer?
Good answer: Never bad-mouth your colleagues or try to pass the buck. Instead, highlight the positives of that relationship and how s/he helped you grow as a nurse.
4. Why do you want to leave your current position?
Good answer: Stay positive, again, and focus on what you’re eager to bring to your next professional role—more creativity, more responsibility, etc.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Good answer: Be honest, and prepare to show the interviewer that you’re a responsible and stable candidate for their open position.
6. What’s your biggest weakness?
Good answer: Avoid clichés, and rather than “spinning a negative into a positive,” talk about your ability to confront and manage shortcomings you once had.
7. What is your desired salary?
Good answer: Avoid exact figures, but make it clear you know your worth as well as appropriate salary ranges given the job responsibilities and your geographical location.
8. Why should I hire you?
Good answer: You can’t trash talk your competition to put yourself ahead, so don’t make any declarations. Focus on everything you know you can bring to the table, and how your skills, personality, and training will benefit the organization.
Good luck!
