Interview with HR tips please!

Published

I'm not sure where to put this but I'm putting this in the Canadian forum thinking maybe some of my fellow Canadian new grads have had experienced the same thing.

I have an interview sometime this week--but the thing is, it's with Human Resource. My fear is that she'll bring a nurse manager from a unit that is hiring and I'm not too sure how to prepare before hand. I have no idea how to approach this or what kind of question s/he will ask me. S/he hasn't even mentioned or asked me which floor I am interested in applying and to be honest, I don't really have a preference. I'm a new grad, and I know the market is tough so I'll take anything. I really really REALLY want to work in this hospital--no matter what unit. I did most of my placement that facility... and let me tell you--it's not perfect but most of the staff nurses I've worked with have been awesome and supportive. I just really want to be part of the health care team at this facility.

Please share your thoughts and ideas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Interviews with HR recruiters tend to be much more generic than those arranged through a specific unit. There are far fewer clinically-oriented questions and many more interpersonal, organizational and prioritization-related questions. They cannot expect a person to appear before them fully prepared to interview for every single service provided by the facility. That's ridiculous. If a manager from a specific unit is present, they'll be assessing the interviewee on the same factors that HR does, and while they may ask some specific questions related to their area, they're likely not to be extremely detailed. I would guess that this interview is a preliminary where the HR person would then recommend you to areas that your responses would be most suitable for. Then you'd have another more specific interview for that area, with time to prepare.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you =).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Research common nursing questions and prepare your answers before you go to the interview. In fact, make sure you prepare answers for behavioral questions then practice. Goodluck!! I am also currently looking for a job and just passed my CRNE this June :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Research common nursing questions and prepare your answers before you go to the interview. In fact, make sure you prepare answers for behavioral questions then practice. Goodluck!! I am also currently looking for a job and just passed my CRNE this June :p

Yea I'm in the same situation lol.

Do you know of any good sites or resources that help you with behavioural interviews?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It takes a lot of time to actually think of an answer for behavioral questions. I actually put all my questions and answers on Microsoft word haha. I just listed all the nursing experience I had when I was in Texas and then incorporate it to the possible questions. Just list a lot of problem/situation - action - results. :p I just wish someone would call me back already so I can actually use it haha. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

Be prepared to answer questions such as:

Tell me about yourself (what brought you to nursing, do you have a philosophy of nursing, work or clinically related experiences).

Describe a time when you were involved in a work related conflict, and what was the outcome?

What are the differences between the social and medical model of healthcare?

Describe a clinical experience you had where you were required to prioritize your care, and what was the outcome?

How do you rectify errors or mistakes in practice? What did you learn?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

And make sure you know the values and mission of the organization, and how you would be a good fit.

These are common behavioural questions for nursing. I would suggest thinking about and preparing your answers beforehand, and you will do fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion