HR interview

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2011

It's sort of a screening to see if the HR person thinks it's worth the unit manager's time to really interview you.... they want to know experience (even if not at the same position you interviewed for), interests, overall presentation, etc--- it's very generic. THEN, if the HR person thinks you may fit (and if 1000 other people w/more experience haven't been through her office) you get called back.... just go looking professional. They may or may not give salary info (I didn't get that until the job offer). In some ways it's sort of nice, since it gives you a chance to see someone there, and it not be THE interview.... gets rid of some nerves :)

MrChicagoRN, RN · Aug 17, 2011

I was wondering if anyone can give me tips or what to expect
What exactly does this mean, how can I prepare?
thanks

Getting to know you, see how you fit.

Probable questions for the new grad:

Tell me about yourself Don't include your brothers, sisters, pets, or hobbies unless relevant to;---->

Why did you become a nurse?

Which clinicals were your favorites? Your least favorites?

Why do you want to work here? And don't say, I need a job. Study their website and come up with something positive about the institution if you need to.

It's important to present a positive, personable & professional attitude. If they like you, you may move on to round 2.

Good Luck

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Aug 17, 2011

Wear a suit and be prepared for some generic questions of;

Tell me about yourself

Use 3 words to describe yourself

What would your coworkers say about you

Tell me about a time you had a dissagrement/confrontation with a coworker

Wear do you see yourself in 5 years

There was one company that I did an HR interview for and then I interviewed for 3 different spots within that company.

Look at the HR as the gatekeeper to unit managers if HR likes you then your resume will be forewarded on

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2011

Yep...if HR doesn't like you, nobody else will get the chance :)

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2011

Hr is THEE most important person to impress...they are the 'gatekeeper' and they determine who sees you and who doesn't and my understanding is that they also get a 'vote' in who the unit director picks as well. My experience is the HR person is going to ask behavioral questions like the one posted above....good luck!

rnccf2007, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2011

You may also want to prepare yourself for the "behavioral interview," which is becoming increasingly popular, as opposed to the traditional interview that asks direct questions such as the dreaded "tell me about yourself" and "what are your strengths and weaknesses?" In contrast, the behavioral interview asks questions such as "Tell me about a time that you had a difficult situation with a co-worker. How did you handle it? What was the outcome?" The behavioral interview is based on the premise that how you acted in the past will probably influence future actions. I went through 3 interviews for my current position, the first a telephone interview with a HR representative, which turned out to be a behavioral interview. I had to pass this test (lol) to get access to the gatekeeper/nurse recruiter for my second interview (behavioral) and my third with the nurse manager of my unit (behavioral).

rnccf2007, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2011

Hr is THEE most important person to impress...they are the 'gatekeeper' and they determine who sees you and who doesn't and my understanding is that they also get a 'vote' in who the unit director picks as well. My experience is the HR person is going to ask behavioral questions like the one posted above....good luck!

Too funny, you must have posted this when I was writing my post. I too predict behavioral questions.

boot2 · Aug 21, 2011

thank you for all the tips & advice!