Weird interviews - Page 2

[QUOTE=redhead_NURSE98!;6828783]Thanks. I don't really need a job. I am just exploring other opportunities. As far as questions about "what educational opportunities do you offer," I have been taught that asking things along the line of, "What can YOU do for ME?" is not a great idea, and those questions kind of fall into that. I try to stay out of that until I have an offer. Plus I don't trust most of their answers anyway, because I've been burnt before. I get them to send me the handbook on benefits.

I have also interviewed people and currently interview potential nurses and other staff on my floor. I hate the stupid list of questions we are supposed to ask, it tells you very little about the person other than whether they can answer expected questions. Some of them can't even do that either...as an attorney I want to say "Excuse me but that didn't answer the question!" lol[/QUE]



I agree that interviewing can feel very contrived. I don't think anyone enjoys it! But you also have to both sell yourself and also be realistic about your capabilities/expertise. Difficult, esp. for new nurses, or those in my position (returning to practice after yrs. away).

And I also agree that one has to be careful not to appear to be asking "What can you do for me?" , but I am always very interested in the commitment to professional development/education that an institution demonstrates. That is the ONLY such question along those lines I would ask, other than "Please tell me about the orientation process." I simply want to know that a potential employer offers educational opportunities and is going to give me an adequate orientation.

So while I NEVER ask about salary or benefits during interview, I do ask the above.

I have just completed several rounds of interviews, and they had a "list" of prepared interview questions, but I found that most of them just were answered naturally/conversationally in the course of the interview, but I am posting the following for nurses (esp new ones) that I was asked over and over again (and that you also referred to) in order that they may be able to spend some time giving thought as to how to answer them and be better prepared. B/c no one wants to get caught tongue tied or blabbing on and on or with pants down!

1.) What are your strengths and weaknesses?
2.) How do you handle stress?
3.) Is the customer always right?
4.) Tell me about a time you handled a disgruntled pt/family member/physician/co-worker.
5.) Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?
6.) Why do you want to work here/why should we hire you?

The bad part about these are you cant do the nursing process jedi mind trick;

"Well it seems that this process is quite frustrating for you, what are your specific concerns?"

I guess though if you time it right you could get them. When they ask if you have any questions