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Discussion

Why HR would call to do a general interview?

Hello,

I have applied to about 5-10 different positions at this particular hospital over the last 3 months. Well, I got a call from an HR assistant that they want to schedule me with so and so for an interview. At the end of the phone call, I ask which position this is for (so I can be prepared) and she says it's just a general interview.

Has anyone had this happen before? What is it they were looking for? In all the hospital I've ever applied to, I've never had this happen, so I have no idea what to expect.

Thanks to anyone who can give me some info ;)

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    • Featured Replies

    • Experts

    It sounds like they are seeking to interview candidates for available positions, rather than only placing the interviewees in the positions applied for.

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    Yes, I've heard of this before. Rather than interviewing you for one specific position, the goal is to get an understanding of your overall personality, abilities, skills, qualifications, etc. in order to hopefully place you in one of their open positions that best suits their needs. This saves them from interviewing many people for each position. Instead they can interview a smaller group for all of their open positions.

    It also saves you from multiple interviews for different positions. I'd just be prepared for lots of general, typical interview questions. Tell me about yourself, why are you a good candidate, what skills do you have that makes you a good employee, etc. Good luck.

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    • Author

    Thanks guys, I thought that was probably the reason. I have such a diverse background, so I better get organized. I have an idea which open positions they have that I would be most interested in.

    I was just thrown because I figured the managers on specific departments would want to interview me before hiring me onto their floor, so don't know if I will still have to interview with specific managers possibly?

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    My interview for a New Grad Residency program was a general interview. After I interviewed, one of my inquisitors raced up to my boss' office and said, "He would be great for your floor!"

    HR called and left a job offer on my voicemail the next day.

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    • Experts

    If you make it through the general interview, yes, you will probably have to interview with the direct managers of the units they collectively feel you are most suited for. HR is just a filter.

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    • Admin

    When I interviewed for my job, I had to have an interview with both the unit coordinator and HR (which was done over the phone). Both had to give a go ahead before I could be offered the position.

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    The general interview weeds out those who unfortunately are going to reveal some obvious unsuitability for the job. You will still interview for specific positions after this interview is completed.

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    This is pretty common. The HR folks are looking for overall "fit" for the organizational culture whereas the hiring managers will be focusing on job-specific elements. The HR interview is a great time to find out about benefits, scheduling, career ladder & other types of policies and procedures.

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    • Author

    Thanks again everyone! I had never had this happen before, but it makes sense especially with the size of the hospital.

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