Getting a healthcare job isn’t solely a matter of having the right qualifications – you must also ace the interview. Employers must be confident that you possess the necessary skills, experience, and attitude to meet the role’s needs. To give you that little bit more confidence and make you better prepared, we present you with some of the most frequent healthcare interview questions and tips on responding to them.
1. Tell Me About Yourself.
Why They Ask:
It’s an opportunity for you to tell them about yourself and provide an overview of your experience and background.
How to Answer:
Keep it brief and emphasize what you can offer as a candidate to the job.
Example Answer:
“I am a caring and committed healthcare professional with five years of experience as a nursing assistant. I have experience in patient care, taking vital signs, and assisting with daily living activities. I enjoy working in healthcare because I can help make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’m interested in this position because I think my skills are a good match for the role and the organization’s values.”
2. What Drives You to Practice in Healthcare?
Why They Ask:
They wish to know what drives you and continues to drive you to practice in the sector.
How to Answer:
Describe a personal experience or tell them why healthcare is important to you.
Example Answer:
“I have always wanted to assist people, and healthcare enables me to make a difference. Witnessing a patient recover and knowing that I helped them to do so is highly rewarding. I also enjoy the dynamic, team-based nature that healthcare offers.”
3. How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?
Why They Ask:
Healthcare is stressful, so they want to know if you can remain composed under pressure.
How to Answer:
Give an example of a time when you successfully managed a challenging situation.
Example Answer:
In my old job at a hectic hospital, I was generally handling more than one patient and handling emergencies. One day I had one of my patients critical and was working on a new admission as well. I stayed calm, assigned priority to the emergency, and collaborated with my colleagues to work on both the patients to be given attention as required. I use teamwork, prioritization, and breathing as a way to handle stressful events.
4. Give an Example of a Situation When You Worked as a Member of a Team.
Why They Ask:
As healthcare is being done in teamwork, they would like to assess whether you can work effectively as a member of a team or not.
How to Answer:
Describe an occasion when working together resulted in something good.
Example Answer:
“As a healthcare assistant, I worked with nurses, doctors, and therapists in close collaboration to improve patient care. We had one immobile patient, so I collaborated with the physiotherapy staff to design an exercise program which was safe for them. Through our coordination, the patient achieved mobility earlier than expected, thus enhancing their healing process.”
5. How Would You Handle a Difficult Patient or Family Member?
Why They Ask:
Dealing with angry families or patients is all in a day’s work. They are trying to gauge if you’re professional enough, and capable enough to handle such a case with sensitivity.
How to Answer:
Demonstrate that you can keep your cool, listen attentively, and resolve issues.
Example Answer:
“When I had a family member of a patient upset about a delayed treatment in the past, I heard them out, confirmed their frustration, and clarified the situation without promising that things were any different. I reassured them that their family member was getting the best care available. Being patient and speaking in plain terms helped diffuse the situation and establish trust.”
6. Why Should We Hire You?
Why They Ask:
They are curious about what makes you stand out from the other applicants.
How to Answer:
Identify your experience, skill, and interest in the job.
Example Response:
“I think I’m an excellent candidate for this position because I have experience and a passion for patient care. I perform well in high-stress situations, am a team player, and always prioritize patients. And, I’m dedicated to ongoing education and being knowledgeable about the latest healthcare trends.”
7. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Why They Ask:
This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you care about the job and the organization.
Top Questions to Ask:
“What’s a typical day like in this job?”
“What are the biggest challenges facing your team?”
“What are opportunities for growth and career development that you offer?”
Last-Minute Tips for Success:
Rehearse your answers aloud so that you sound and feel natural and confident.
Get familiar with the company so that you know their values and culture.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Be positive and professional throughout the interview.
Preparation of these standard healthcare interview questions will make you feel more confident and ready to impress your future employer. Good luck!