General Healthcare Resrouce's  Blog

How to Answer Common Interview Questions

Oct 26, 2018 10:04:22 AM / by General Healthcare Resources

After submitting your cover letter and resume for a job you want, you’ve landed an interview. Congratulations! Although there is no way to know exactly what questions you’ll be asked during an interview, familiarizing yourself with commonly asked interview questions will help prepare you. Preparing for an interview is important in order to refresh your memory of relevant projects and to deliver your answers with confidence.

We’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked interview questions. While we don’t recommend preparing canned responses for every question, we do recommend taking time to get comfortable with what question you may be asked.

“Can you tell me a little about yourself?”

Although this question may seem simple, people often fail to prepare for it. The hiring manager isn’t asking to hear your complete employment history--your resume should answer that. Instead, prepare a concise and compelling pitch for yourself. Use this time to sell yourself and explain exactly why you’re the right fit for the position. You may want to include 2-3 specific accomplishments that you think the interviewer should know about you. Don’t be afraid to share a person aspect of your life if you think it will benefit your candidacy. Conclude your answer with how your previous experience makes you the best candidate for the position.

interview

“Why should we hire you?”

Companies want to hire employees who are passionate about their job, and you should have an authentic answer about why you want the position. Start by identifying key factors that show you are a great fit. It’s also important to share what attracted you to work for the company. The best answer is one that incorporates your personal career goals with the company or facility’s mission.

“How do you handle stressful situations”

Working in the healthcare industry can be stressful, so it’s important to prove to the interviewer that you are capable of handling stressful situations. The best way to answer this question is to give relevant examples from a previous position when you dealt with a stressful situation effectively. You can also add ways in which you cope with stress in your personal life, like with yoga or reading.

What is your biggest weakness?

For many people, this is a very difficult question to answer, especially without preparation. The trick is answering in a way that presents your weakness as a strength.  An example of a good answer might be: “My biggest weakness is being a perfectionist. I try my best to give patients exceptional care and tend to feel let down when a treatment isn’t effective. However, I use it as motivation to work harder.” Be honest but never portray yourself in a negative light.

“Tell me what you know about this organization.”

Make sure to do your homework prior to your interview. Has the organization been in the news recently? Find out who the main players are. Learn about the history. No matter what position you are applying for, it’s important to know about the organization in order to stand out against your competition. Come prepared and genuinely interested in the company and job.

Landing an interview for a position can be very exciting. It’s also natural to be nervous on the day of your interview. However, with a little preparation, you will come across as knowledgeable, relaxed and confident, and in turn, impress the interviewer.

Topics: Interview