Interview Questions

Re: Interview Questions

Amanda — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:14:06 GMT

Hiya,

Ive currently been interviewing for a new qualified. My main aim was to try and find out what sort of person they are and try and establish whether or not they would fit in to the current team. Some of the questions I asked are as follow (just for a few pointers!)

What qualities can they bring to the practice? Any hobbies? Distance to travel each day? How much cpd have they done in last 12 month? What sort of equipment are they currently using i.e fluid pumps, blood pressure monitoring etc? Have they ever nursed icu patients?

It is very handy to have their cv prior to the interview. Its also a good idea for someone to take notes and leave it to one person to ask all the questions.

I hope this helps! Good Luck

Re: Interview Questions

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:49:02 GMT

Oops!

Re: Interview Questions

Victoria Nielsen RVN — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:32:34 GMT

'Innit'

Re: Interview Questions

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:08:29 GMT

[quote user="Vickipr"]

Thank you everyone for the great tips.

Feeling a bit less nervous now

Mark, what a random question about Westminster Abbey... My dad got the classic 'If you were an animal what would you be?' in a job interview the other day, and at the end of the interview he was asked to write the company a letter within one week explaining why he wants to work for the compnay in 500 words...! I don't think I'll get that complicated!

Thanks again,
Vicki x

[/quote]

Yeah, I don't like it when people follow a form *too* religiously. A 500 word essay won't reflect on how you'll work in their team, unless the job involves writing large amounts of text. That's what an interview is for - to tell them why you want to work there, 'innit?

Re: Interview Questions

Vickipr — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:58:31 GMT

Thank you everyone for the great tips.

Feeling a bit less nervous now

Thanks again,
Vicki x

Re: Interview Questions

Busy bee — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:03:16 GMT

Hi Vicki

I took an interview last week and I too was a bit nervous :-) I agree with the above, it is good to have their CV in front of you and also had a list of the questions I was asking attached to it. Some of the questions included, where do they see themselves a few years down the line (ie referral centre, etc), are there areas of vet nursing they are particularly interested in - equally are there any areas they aren't so confident in that you would may offer extra CPD/guidance on. I also asked if there were any physical issues or allergies that we would need to be aware of, flexible re shifts, and the usual holiday/sickness cover.

I haven't got my list in front of me and can't remember the others, I hope this helps a little though! :-D

Re: Interview Questions

shelly jefferies — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:57:25 GMT

I personally would ask about there nrusing interests, whether they have an ambition for something in the future. I always find the most telling thing is to have them come work a morning in the practice to see their handling and people skills.

Re: Interview Questions

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:17:15 GMT

First off, see if you can get a copy of the CV's and cover letters beforehand, to give you an idea of who's coming. It's a good idea so you're not doing this absolutely cold. Second, avoid asking them random questions like 'how tall is Westminster Abbey in 50p coins balanced on their side'. It's a load of [mumblemumble] and you won't really do much except confuse the applicant. (Ok, I can see that it might help you see how your applicant reacts to an unexpected situation, but really, we're all adults here and there's no need to trick anyone.)

I'd suggest sticking to questions relevant to your practice's nursing needs. I'd probably ask about phobias or allergies, for instance. Be careful - legally you may not be allowed to ask about sick time or absence records - however it would be good to know ahead of time if a canary will cause anaphylaxis or anything like that.

Other things I'd personally ask: what was their favourite patient, favourite client, how did they handle a particularly difficult patient or client.

Are there any unusual jobs or work that she'll be expected to do in the practice? Ask them if they've done it before. (Feeding the practice bird, or maintaining a specific piece of kit.)

Good luck!
(Oh, and Westminster Abbey is 2528 50p coins tall. They didn't ask me this, asked a friend of mine at interview once.)