How should I prepare for panel interviews?

Eric Cartman · Jun 6, 2012

When I was a new graduate, I had a panel interview at a VA hospital. There was a total of 6 people present for the interview, who each asked me select questions. No NCLEX material. Very typical interview questions and work place scenario interventions. Here are a few examples:

- What will you be able to provide our unit?

- Please elaborate on this part of your resume. "Caring and compassionate work ethic"

- Is it a problem to show up for your shift 2 minutes late?

- How do you handle a coworker who "YOU" believe is violating a patients rights?

Then later in the interview I was asked - How do you handle a coworker who "IS" in violation of patient rights?

- Why do you want to work on this unit

I was asked about 30 questions and I can't remember them all. What I do recall is the tricky questions, or the ones that had plays on the wordings.

I didn't get the job after 2 full panel interviews. But hey, I made it to round 2 being a new graduate, so I felt pretty darn good about making it that far in the interview process.

Best advice, keep researching nursing interview questions and think about how you would answer them. That's the best way you can prepare. Also, know what your resume says and why it says what it does. Don't just have something worded fancy because it sounds professional. Be able to explain why you have written what you have.

bigtim · Jun 6, 2012

Panel Interviews is more efficient than the traditional one on one, so this is going to become more common than rare.

Preparing for an interview:

1. What makes you different from other applicants/new grads? This has been a question posed in 90% of all the interviews I had.

2. What is your weak point? Never leave your answer without stating how you are addressing your weak points. My go to answer: Being too nice. Neutral, to the point, and easily remedied with stating "I tell the CNAs that they have a job to do, and I have a job to do." something along those lines.

3. What have you done ever since graduation? I hope you answer with "I went and got an EKG certification, ACLS, PALS"

4. Go back to point number 3 and read the underline portion of it. That is how I got landed my job at a hospital.

5. What goals do you have? Why do you want to work here? Research about the community, the hospital specialty floors, etc.

6. DO NOT USE ROTE MEMORIZED terms. When the other 999 applicants say the same thing, the hiring mangers will roll their eyes in disgust. I am a team player. I am a caring nurse. I like patients. THOSE TERMS better be used with : I am a team player as I have shown at my previous employment that I go out of my way to help etc....

7. Be yourself. If you are a robot and show no emotions, no expressions... then you are like the other 999 applicants. I made my last interview where I landed my job from a typical 30min interview into a 1 1/2 hour engagement. Make yourself stand out. Engagement with good eye contact, SMILE.

8. Go back to number 3, again, this is what my manager told me what was the deciding factor.

nyteshade, BSN · Jun 6, 2012

I've been one of the nurses on those panel interviews, I was looking for a good fit for the unit. Be prepared to tell those nurses what you can bring to the unit that others cannot. It seems like a lot of pressure, but be yourself, and smile.

Inori, BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2012

Thank you everyone for taking time out and replying to me. I'll keep your tips in mind and practice some mock interviews so when i get the actual interview i'll not be as nervous.