How would you answer this interview question?

[PA_CoffeeFreak]

Before walking into a hospital to apply for a job I wanted to make sure that I get through all of my interview questions before doing so. This question has me stumped. How would someone who doesn't like you describe you?

[bymysoultosqueezeRN]

I got the same question! Mine was what would your enemy tell me about you? I said I usually get along with people and don't have any enemies I can think of, I was stumped too, then she asked something about my previous employer, what I didnt like about him etc. My interview was terrible all together, she woman who interviewed me asked me tell me how would i orient you if i hired you umm I'm sorry but isnt that your job to tell me how I would be oriented? She was referring to the fact that i dont have any nursing experience, oh and it was a nursing home btw

[PA_CoffeeFreak]

Did you? Ugh. These questions that automatically assume you have issues with social skills drive me nuts but perhaps they're intention is to find out how you cope with difficult people. Being a new grad isn't exactly a pleasant experience and sometimes the reason can be your coworkers lol.

Were you asked why do you want to work on our unit? Or describe the qualities you look for in a unit? When I'm applying to these hospitals I'm not looking for a particular unit. I'll go anywhere lol.

[bymysoultosqueezeRN]

yes i was asked why i wanted to work there, i dont even remember my answers because I was so nervous since it was on the spot interview when i went to fill out an application. she didnt like me too much, i could tell, and then she was like you don't have your bsn yet right? um no it would be on my application or resume, i didnt know it was so important to have one at a nursing home. oh and when i told her i was starting my rn-bsn in September she asked me how i would be able to go to work and school. i was also asked what my impression of nursing was which i obviously have no clue about since nobody wants to hire me. my impression is that nursing schools need to stop taking our money and cut the nursing shortage bs.

[PA_CoffeeFreak]

Thanks for all the valuable info. My hubby keeps wondering why I just don't prance right in to fill out an application and I keep telling him its because they may decide to do an on the spot interview. Even if you had been hired I'm not sure it would have been the best place to work at anyway.

[SlightlyMental_RN]

I think someone that doesn't like me would describe as the following:

-Always gets to work early, which makes others that come in last minute look bad.

-Tries to see other peoples side of the story and possibly changes her opinion when more information is received, rather than sticking to her view.

-Pathologically happy.

-Too dang smart--throws off the curve. :chuckle

Actually, I found that question to be a fun one to contemplate, because it gave me the opportunity to think about what traits I have that make others dislike me. Interesting.....

[PA_CoffeeFreak]

Good response Jen... You do have the opportunity to take a negative and make it into a positive.

[Diaper, RN]

" This question has me stumped. How would someone who doesn't like you describe you? "

I agree, I'll give a 'positively negative' response.

Here's my answer: "For those who doesn't like me, they will tell you that I'm a little bit obsessive compulsive with type A personality and I tend to get stressed out when my work's not done. "

Interviewer: How did you solve the problem?

Me: When I get too stressed out, I'll talk to my supervisor, coworkers or friends. When I have time, I'll go to the gym and work out.

* * *

My suggestion is that don't say anything 'too negative' such as "I'm unorganized, poor time management skills..."

Good luck !

[Diaper, RN]

My interview was terrible all together, she woman who interviewed me asked me tell me how would i orient you if i hired you.

My answer: If I'm selected to work here, I'll follow my preceptor and observe the way how she/he provides care to the patients. When I feel a little bit more comfortable with the routine, I'll start assisting and providing care to the patients. If I have any doubts, I'll ask my preceptor."

The key thing iin here s that they want New Grads to ask questions. From my experiences, many nurses think that it's scary if the new grads don't ask any questions.

Good luck.

[llg, PhD, RN]

My interview was terrible all together, she woman who interviewed me asked me tell me how would i orient you if i hired you umm I'm sorry but isnt that your job to tell me how I would be oriented?

If you are claiming to be a professional nurse (and wanting to be treated as a professional), you should be able to identify your basic learning needs. It's a pretty standard question used to see if the applicant is aware of what they need to learn and capable of asking for it. People who "don't know what they don't know" are very scary to work with -- and sometimes, downright dangerous.

[DITN]

God I hope I don't get questions like this when I go to interview...assuming of course I make it through nursing school and pass the NCLEX.

I do agree with others though in that you should try to turn it into a positive, and don't say things like "poor critical thinking" or time management skills. To me that would probably throw up a red flag and prompt them to not offer you the job.

My answer would be that sometimes I ask too many questions and that I'm often too critical of myself.

Interviewing just scares me in general...especially panel interviews.

[GINARNBABY]

I would say I am not sure?!?!