Questions to ask employers during interview

[violet_violet]

What are some good questions to ask employers during interviews??? Mines tomorrow...

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

I got 3.5 MILLION hits for this on Google.

[iwanna]

Here are a few:

What on my resume led to this interview?

Why did you choose to work for this company?

What qualifications are you looking for this position? What challenges are there for this position?

And, of course ask if there is chance for advancement.

Good Luck.

[chloecatrn]

Ask about the patient population that the unit usually sees.

What's the usual patient assignment like? How many patients? Acuity?

How is orientation structured? How many weeks? How is it divided classroom/on unit? How many preceptors will you have?

Ask about the clinical ladder. Are there incentives for furthering your education, i.e.: getting a BSN if you're an ADN nurse? Does the hospital recognize participation in shared governance councils when considering clinical advancement? ARE there shared governance councils?

Ask about performance improvement projects that the unit is undertaking. Are they a unit that has identified areas for growth and acted on them? Are staff nurses encouraged to participate in unit based evidence based research?

[mamamerlee, LPN]

I question I'd like to ask is - Tell me a time when you have supported a staff nurse in a sticky situation.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

Understand the orientation and continuing education process offered.

How long will my orientation last?

Will I be offered additional time if I feel I need it?

Will my orientation be provided on the shift I will be working?

Will I have a preceptor or mentor?

Is there an internship program for new grads?

How often do you offer in-services and other education opportunities?

What are your expectations for new hires during the first six months?

Are nurse educators available on all shifts?

Ask about the working conditions.

What is the typical nurse-to-patient ratio on this unit? Is there a maximum?

What are the days/hours available? How long are the shifts?

What is the policy for weekend and holiday rotation?

Is there flexibility to the schedule? Can nurses trade days off with each other?

Who does the scheduling?

Is there mandatory overtime? How often?

Is there an on-call responsibility? If so, explain the requirements and conditions.

How many nurses work on this unit? On each shift?

How long have most of the nurses worked on this unit? (Turn over rate?)

How long has this position been vacant? Why did the previous person leave?

Then ask about the management and administration.

How do you motivate your employees?

What do you do to boost morale?

What is your management style?

How much autonomy do your nurses feel they have?

How do you demonstrate that you value your nursing staff?

How often are performance evaluations done and what is the process?

How much input does the staff have about patient care and other issues on the unit?

How do you handle conflict between staff members?

Are there any challenges that this unit or facility is facing or anticipates in the next year?

Would you support a nurse looking to transfer for career growth or hold him/her back due to your own staffing issues?

How do you ensure safe working conditions for your staff?

What are the career growth opportunities?

Why would I want to work here?

Salary and Benefits

Typically the interviewer will bring up this subject first so wait and follow their lead, but be sure you understand thoroughly and make your negotiations up front.

What is the salary? Is there a shift differential involved?

What is the salary policy regarding weekends, holidays and overtime?

What is included in the benefits package? Is there a salary adjustment allowed if some benefits are waived such as health insurance that your spouse provides?

How much vacation, sick leave and other time off and how is the time accrued?

How are raises handled? Are there merit increases, cost-of-living adjustments, etc.? How often are they given? What is the typical amount?

Are there any tuition reimbursement plans?

Are there any incentives such as sign-on bonuses, concierge services, mortgage or housing assistance plans, etc.? What are the specifics of these options?

How long is the internship/orientation? Is there classroom instruction as well as clinical?

What resources are available to me to help me transition into this role?

Is continuing education offered? Encourged?

How is the scheduling done? Self-scheduling? How far in advance?

Are there mandatory on-call requirements? How much? How often?

What is the charting like? Computer? Paper?

What is your management style?

What is the rapport of the staff with physicians?

Why do you like working here?

often is there turn over?

Are there educational opportunities available, such as wound care classes, palliative care in-services?

What is the greatest challenge that a nurse will face on this unit?

What are the RN/LPN relationships like?

What is the staff morale like? What is done to help keep a positive spirit when things get tough?

These are a few list I have come accross and I keep adding to them to have with me whenever I go to an interivew

[TonyaM73, ASN, RN]

I could have kicked myself towards the end of the final interview by not asking...."Do you want to hire me?" Bold you say? Well yes, but it is better than sitting around for days on end wondering if you blew it.

[steelcityrn, RN]

The expectaions of the employer for this position is by far the most important question. Pay and benefits will be explained towards the end of the interview. If the salary is not what you expected, do not say anything at the initial interview. Wait until a decision to hire you has been made, then you mention that the salary you expecte, or needed to be at upon looking at your budget is such and such amount, would they be willing to negotiate this with you. Keep in mind, the economy is bad, and you do not want to come across as being demanding.

[chloecatrn]

I could have kicked myself towards the end of the final interview by not asking...."Do you want to hire me?" Bold you say? Well yes, but it is better than sitting around for days on end wondering if you blew it.

You're going to get the stock answer of, "We have many applicants for this position. We need to interview all of them before we can make a decision." I would NOT recommend going this direction. The manager could want to hire you, but then candidate Y could walk through the door and be the greatest thing since sliced bread and get the job. Then you're going to feel demoralized and frustrated because the manager had said that he/she wanted to hire you.

[RUN_RN]

"You're going to get the stock answer of, "We have many applicants for this position. We need to interview all of them before we can make a decision." I would NOT recommend going this direction. The manager could want to hire you, but then candidate Y could walk through the door and be the greatest thing since sliced bread and get the job. Then you're going to feel demoralized and frustrated because the manager had said that he/she wanted to hire you."

I have to disagree with the above statement. I interviewed with a panel and at the end of the interview i asked, "What do I need to do to get the job?" Everybody laughed and said what a great question! Weeks later I found out I got the job. The reason why you ask this question is because it shows that you are BOLD and whoever asks the best questions controls the interview. While you listen to the response you jot down little notes about their response, then you respond and summarize what they just said and sell yourself with the qualities they mentioned. Good Luck!

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Mamaerlee, dang I wish I'd thought of that one! You have my undying admiration.

[chloecatrn]

I have to disagree with the above statement. I interviewed with a panel and at the end of the interview i asked, "What do I need to do to get the job?" Everybody laughed and said what a great question! Weeks later I found out I got the job. The reason why you ask this question is because it shows that you are BOLD and whoever asks the best questions controls the interview. While you listen to the response you jot down little notes about their response, then you respond and summarize what they just said and sell yourself with the qualities they mentioned. Good Luck!

That's much different than "Do you want to hire me?", IMHO. Asking what you need to do to get the job shows that you're willing to act on their suggestions (i.e.: secure ACLS certification before starting, take EKG training, etc.) to become an employee that is valuable to their organization. "Do you want to hire me" is a closed ended question that offers little room for suggestion of ways to improve your status as an applicant.