How would you answer this question?!

fluffwad · Feb 10, 2006

Well, you could tell them a bit about who you are as a person, your interests.......new to the area / lived there all your life. Show some depth of personality so that you're not just a name on a job application.

Mags4711, RN · Feb 10, 2006

Can anyone tell me how you would answer this question during an interview.....so, tell me a little bit about yourself?! What are they looking for?

It depends, it can range from just wondering about your career plans or school plans, to trying to figure out if you are a go-getter. Worst case scenario they are trying to get you to tell them personal info that they cannot legally ask. They cannot ask if you are married, if you are pregnant, if you have children, what your religious or ethnic backgrounds, etc...

I would choose my words carefully and be honest. For example: As you probably know, I'm 20 years old and I have been taking classes for XX, I discovered that I really enjoy peds (or geriatrics, or whatever specialty area you are applying for a job in), On a personal note, I like to ice-skate and scrapbook.

AtlantaRN, RN · Feb 10, 2006

What I always liked was "where do you see yourself in five years?"

I've ALWAYS wanted to answer..."In your position..."

linda

"tell me about yourself," since they can't directly ask if you are married, or you have children...that is their "out," if you give that information, it's a plus for them...but I always answer WHO I am, not just what I do...I'm an excellent nurse with the desire to expand my clinical skills; i'm a great co-worker, and I anticipate the needs of my patients as well as my co-workers;

I make it a point to nurture my team members as well as my patients...EVERYONE is my patient...

another good one "what do you do with a difficult patient,"

answer "there are NO difficult patients, only difficult circumstances..."

most people if they are in a bad mood whether it be the patient or family of a patient, it is mostly a loss of control issue...and they are going to take their stress out on someone, and I am a safe person to them, that is why patients and familes can be ugly to the staff sometimes; they are just feeling the pressure of their situation that they cannot control...that is the one that gets you the job...

"What are you looking for," an opportunity to expand my clinical skills (ALWAYS know as much as you can about the facility you are applying for...especially if they are a magnet facility, any accolades they have, any special things that they are known for...)

linda

whiskeygirl, LPN · Feb 10, 2006

Ugh, there is an interview question that shows no creativity by the interviewer! I have gotten asked this every time I have interviewed for a job.

I like to think that the interviewer is trying to understand you better and not just fill time, so to speak.

I basically tell them about my experiences I have had since nursing school

and the ones I am looking for. I am pretty much always looking for new things to learn and to put a better foundation on the stuff I have already learned.

IOW, "I started out working in a Drug Rehab to get a handle on street drugs, their use, their effect on the body and mind, and psych. While there, I took on some administration roles such as writing policy and procedures and scheduling. From the drug rehab I went to working in Labor and delivery, I assisted in vag births, scrubbed in for c-sections and assisted with newborn transition. After that I went to work in an Internal Medicine clinic where I was a primary for a very busy internist. I did EKGs, ear flushes, scheduling and assisting with in-office procedures (colonoscopies), draw labs and organization of the physician’s practice as well as dealing with ins. co's and referrals. Today, I am looking for a position that will allow me to combine everything I have learned in the past to build on can be challenged."

HTH,

WG

MultipurposeRN · Feb 10, 2006

Don't you sometimes just want to say, "In my former job in the Adult Entertainment Industry, I learned how to multitask and deliver just the right product to the consumer at just the right time..." or, "I was an exotic dancer at Tips, Inc."..... alas, if you want a nursing job that's probably not the right answer. LOL :chuckle

whiskeygirl, LPN · Feb 10, 2006

Multi-

I like your sense of humor!!! That will have me laughing inappropriately for days!

WG

maolin · Feb 10, 2006

This question is deceptive - they are actually asking for your sales pitch on what you will give to this position. This is your opportunity to sell yourself for the job - highlight your special traits - organization, leadership, experience, etc. They are NOT asking about your hobbies or life history. They are searching for a comprehensive summary of your professional self.

I highly recommend 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Ron Fry. ISBN 156414464X.

Good luck!

Columnist · Feb 10, 2006

This question is deceptive - they are actually asking for your sales pitch on what you will give to this position. This is your opportunity to sell yourself for the job - highlight your special traits - organization, leadership, experience, etc. They are NOT asking about your hobbies or life history. They are searching for a comprehensive summary of your professional self.

This response is spot on.

NEVER give personal information during a JOB interview. Stick with your work history, education, charitable work, etc. This is not like speed dating, where the interviewer is trying to find out if she wants to become best friends with you. Just give, as maolin said, "a comprehensive summary of your professional self."

rngreenhorn · Feb 11, 2006

Don't you sometimes just want to say, "In my former job in the Adult Entertainment Industry, I learned how to multitask and deliver just the right product to the consumer at just the right time..." or, "I was an exotic dancer at Tips, Inc."..... alas, if you want a nursing job that's probably not the right answer. LOL :chuckle

Well lets see... My friends... uhhh strike that.... my one friend says I'm high strung and mean spirited.

I'm task oriented.... provided the task is something I am interested in. Otherwise the management can take this "task" and shove it.

I'm very goal oriented. I always meet my personal goals and don't care whose toes I step on or what rules I break to meet them. I mean really, rules are suggestions... right?

I work well with others... provided these "others" stay the heck out of my way...

I'm looking for a job that doesn't ask much. I mean really... I am very busy trying to fit the "7 deadly sins" into my schedule.... this "work" business really tends to cramp my style.

So... when can I start?

Hee hee just kidding.... don't try this at home. Stick to the other suggestions....

purple_rose_3 · Feb 13, 2006

Thank you for that book reference. I will definately look into it!