MMA Healthcare Recruitment

INTERVIEW
SURVIVAL
GUIDE

Interview Survival Guide MMA Recruitment Version 1 1

Preparing for a job interview can be stressful and
overwhelming. While there are certain elements of a job
interview that are out of your control, there are some things you
can do to prepare. Good preparation for an interview can make
the difference between a callback or even being hired on the
spot. If your interview is on Skype, watch this video.

1. Interview Timing
Arrive/be ready at least an hour beforehand to allow time for
contingencies. This cannot be stressed enough. This shows the
potential employer that you are serious about wanting the job, eager,
and punctual. These are all positive things to show the interviewer
before even meeting them. The worst thing you can do is to arrive to an
interview late. This says to a potential employer that you may be
irresponsible or undependable. This is not a good first impression. Even
though there really may have been traffic or a flat tire, employers have
heard it all.

2. Do Your Homework
Researching the company and facility you are interviewing for is
essential. Many interviewers ask questions about the company or will
simply ask what you know about their organisation. Being
knowledgable can impress your potential employer. One of the easiest
ways to gather information about your employer is by visiting their
website. We will provide you with links to company websites to learn
more about who they are and what they do.

3. Expect the Unexpected

It is often impossible to judge how the interview will play out. It is up to
the applicant to prepare themselves for what may happen. Potential
employers may ask tricky questions to test how you handle certain
situations. In our next section we will discuss some common interview
questions.

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4. Common Interview Questions

4.1 What inspired you to be a Nurse?

This question you should be comfortable in answering. It is asked
during almost every interview. There are various forms of this question
including Why did you become a nurse? Regardless of how it is
phrased, this is an important question. It is aimed at the core of every
nurse. If you havent thought about this yet, think about it now! There
are various reasons for wanting to become a nurse. Many want to help
others, some are inspired by other family members or friends, still
others are intrigued by the medical side of nursing. Most likely the
answer is multi-faceted and complex. There is no wrong or right answer
to this question, just be sincere and truthful to yourself.

4.2 Why do you want to work here?

This is also a very common question. There are many settings and
facilities in which nurses can work. Your potential employer wants to
know why you chose their facility. The answer to this question can be
augmented by researching the company before hand. It is essential to
obtain some background information about the organisation you plan to
work for as this can provide concrete reasons to work for them and let
the employer know you did your research. In particular, look at the
companies mission and vision statement and also their core values.

If a facility have a good reputation, it is most likely well deserved. Show

the interviewer that you did your homework and let them know that you
like their positive reputation. Find out if the facility you are interviewing
for has a special focus or function; rehabilitation, oncology, etc. If you
are drawn to a facility because you want to work in a certain speciality,
let the interviewer know that. They will likely be happy you chose them
over similar facilities.

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 4.3 How do you handle stress?

This is a question interviewers love to ask. Stress is an inevitable part of

any job, especially nursing. Nurses have some of the highest levels of
job related stress of any career. Some stressors vary depending on
position and facility, some are universal and others are specific to how
you have learned to cope with stress. They key to this is learning what
works for you. Once you figure this out, you can easily relay this to a
employer. Good ways to manage stress on the job can include simple
things such as deep breathing or counting to ten. As clich as they
sound they can often work. Other more creative ways to manage stress
include preventing it in the first place. Good organisational skills and
time management skills can make the difference between a crazy or
stressful shift and on that is more under your control. Collaborating with
other team members and not being afraid to ask for help when it is
needed are also great ways to decrease stress. It is important to
remember that as nurses, we are there for patients and their families.
We are there to ensure high quality care. It is important to stay calm and
focused during stressful situations.

4.4 What is your biggest strength?

Employers often ask for greatest strength or strengths during an
interview. This can provide valuable insight into you as a nurse and your
self-concept. Take time to think about a complete and honest answer to
this question. Do not misrepresent or exaggerate yourself to sound
good. Everybody has their own strengths. It is important to recognise
these and highlight them. Common answers to this question can
include; patience, intelligence, creativity, problem solving ability,
dealing with stress, interacting with patients and families, etc. The list of
possible answers to this question is potentially unlimited. It is important
to be confident but not arrogant. Be assertive and proud of your
strengths.

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 4.5 What is your biggest weakness?

This is commonly asked before, after, or together with the previously

mentioned question. When preparing for this question, take the time to
really think about your weaknesses and how you can improve them. Be
honest with yourself and find areas where you need personal or
professional improvement. There are several ways to approach this
question. One way to answer this question with a positive spin is
answering by stating a weakness in which you have or are currently
improving. This shows a potential employer that you are conscientious
and capable of self-improvement. Consider the following example:
Being organised was not always my strong point; however at my last
job I worked with a co-worker who I admired for her time management
ability. She helped me to develop a system for time management and
organising my day. This has helped me and I plan to continue my self-
improvement. (Please use your own examples during interviews based
on your own personal experience).
In the previous response, the nurse identifies a potential weakness,
organisational skills, then goes on to explain how they recognised the
weakness and are attempting to fix it. Another great way to answer this
question is to focus on nonessential skills. These are skills that are not
necessarily needed to complete a job. For example, as a nurse
communication skills are very important. Some nurses are great at
communicating one on one with patients or in small groups with family
members yet they lack the ability for public speaking to larger groups of
people. If this is true, be honest. State your weakness but dont forget to
emphasise the strength that goes with it.

4.6 Do you prefer to work alone or as part

of a team?

This question can be a tricky one to answer. One way to overcome this
is to simply not pick one option. Spin the answer to show that you have
the ability to work in both situations. Nurses are part of a larger
healthcare team which is responsible for patient care. Emphasise your
ability to collaborate as well as being able to work independently. Both
are critical in nursing.

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4.7 How would you handle a family member who
is unsatisfied with a patients care?

This answer is straight forward. Make sure to apologise to the family

member, even if you have done nothing wrong. Then listen to their
concerns and gather any necessary information. Assure the family
member that their loved one is receiving high quality care and that they
will be taken care of. If there are concerns the family member has that
require investigation or follow-up, always do it! Interviewers want to see
you have the ability to problem solve as well as the ability to
communicate effectively and be sincere with patient families. Never tell
a family member that you do not have time for them or their loved one.
Be empathetic and act as if it were your loved one being cared for.

4.8 What would you do if you saw another

staff member.?
.do something wrong? break a policy and procedure? mistreat a
patient? This question has several variations but all are aimed at the
same issue. the interviewer is trying to figure out if you have integrity
and are trustworthy. While it may not be first instinct to rat out a fellow
nurse or other employee, you must remember the bottom line: patient
care and safety. If you see another nurse mistreat a patient or break a
rule that could lead to patient harm speak up! There are procedures in
place that protect whistle blowers. The NMC has guidance for raising
concerns about nurses. Always follow the chain of command in your
facility and report things that need to be reported.

4.9 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This is a question no one can answer for you. This is a question you
need to think about and answer honestly. Interviewers can often spot
dishonesty and answers that are fabricated just to sound good. Think
about where you see yourself in 5 years really think about it if you
havent already. It is important to let your potential employer understand
that you want to further your education and convey this to them.
Employers don't need or want to hear that you want to work for them
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forever; they simply need to know that they will be rewarded for
investing in you as an employee. Try to tie the job you are applying for
with your future goals. Focus on the experiences and knowledge you
want to gain from working at a certain facility. Also focus on the impacts
and influences you wish to have on patients and others working at a
certain facility.

4.10 Scenario Questions

Many employers are asking scenario question during interviews. These
are questions in which a short scenario or problem is presented and
either preceded or followed by What would you do in this situation?
These questions often present a problem with other employees or more
commonly with a patient. For example, they may ask what you would do
if a patient goes into cardiac arrest or presents with certain symptoms.
These types of questions are hard to prepare for and impossible to
predict.

The best way to answer these is to the best of your knowledge. Stay
calm and remember that you are a nurse; you have passed nursing
school and even the NMC CBT! Really listen to the question, ask for it to
be repeated if you do not understand. Then give the best answer you
know how. Do not be afraid to say that you would ask for assistance or
report an incident to a supervisor. Sometimes questions like these may
be asked to gauge a nurses knowledge of their scope of practice. Rely
on your nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills to picture the
scenario, then say what you know is right.

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 5. Questions You Should Ask
By now you should be fairly confident in your ability to answer interview
questions. However, there is another side to interview questions that
many of us forget about. The purpose of a job interview is to find out if a
potential employer and a nurse are a good fit for each other.
Compatibility goes both ways; don't be afraid to ask your interviewer
questions. Of course, dont interrupt them or bring up inappropriate
topics. Do ask relevant questions that will help you in your decision to
accept or turn down a potential job offer. Most interviewers will ask
towards the end of an interview if you have any questions. Asking
questions shows sincere interest and can help to clear up any
miscommunication if present. Below are several sample questions that
are good to ask during an interview.

5.1 What are the daily duties of this

position?
Job duties and responsibilities can vary greatly depending on facility,
patient load and acuity and the healthcare setting. If the interviewer
does not go into some detail about what you will actually be doing on a
daily basis, dont be afraid to ask. Having an overview of the position
can help ensure the position is a good match.

5.2 What is the nurse-to patient ratio?

Finding out how many patients you will be responsible for is very
important. This can vary extremely and can depend on patient acuity,
facility standards, and legal requirements. There are no specific legal
standards for the number of patients allowed per nurse. In high acuity
environments this can be as low as 1:3 patients, but this is not typical.
In todays healthcare working environment nurses are often stretched to
their limits. The important thing to remember is that each patient is
receiving adequate care. Collaborate with others. The patient load may
seem high at first, but once you are comfortable with the job and start
to establish routine you should be able to care for everyone easily.
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6. Questions You Should NOT ask
There are several subjects or question that should NOT be brought up
ding a job interview. These can not only be damaging but can
completely ruin the possibility of employment.

6.1 Did I get the job?

This is not a good question to ask during an interview. Most times the
interviewer has not decided and may not even have the power to
decide. There are usually more applicants to interview. Additionally, the
interviewer is often not the only person who decides who gets the job.
Be patient.

6.2 How much will I make?

This is a highly inappropriate question to ask especially during a first
interview. Asking this question can lead the interviewer to believe that
salary is more important to you than the actual position. Unless the
interviewer brings up salary, be patient with this as well.

6.3 How long until I can get promoted?

Asking this question during an interview can lead to the interviewer
inferring that you are not really interested in the position you are
applying for. While it is good to have aspirations of promotion and
moving upwards on the career ladder, be careful how this is worded. A
better question to ask would be Is there room for promotion with this
position? This shows you are interested in advancing but also
interested in the position you are applying for.

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 6.4 Will I have to take a drug test?

NEVER ask this question during an interview. Asking this question

implies you are worried about a drug test and can lead interviewers to
believe you are an illegal drug user. Nurses should always remain drug
free and clear minded to provide the best quality of care to their
patients. Let the employer bring this up and make sure the results will
be negative.

Practice makes perfect

A great way to prepare for an interview is to practice with a partner. The
partner can act as a potential employer and ask questions. Practice
your answers to some of the most commonly asked interview questions
in chapter 4 of this guide.

Say Thank You

This may seem somewhat old fashioned or even unnecessary. However,
taking time to say thank you after a job interview can be a huge gesture
towards the interviewer. This shows good interview etiquette and it can
reiterate your interest in the job.GOOD LUCK!

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