Interviewing for the first time is INSANELY stressful. Especially when it’s for your dream job! I’ve had my fair share of opportunities to sit on both sides of the table, not just as the interviewee but also the interviewer. One of my favorite perks about my current role is serving as a member of the interview committee where I get to help management find the perfect candidate for open RN positions in the NICU!
Here are a few questions that I have been asked when interviewing for NICU jobs and some I would consider asking my future candidate in an interview:
1. Tell us a little about yourself. Why this unit, and why this hospital?
2. What are your 3 strengths? What are 3 areas that you can improve on?
3. How would your last manager/instructor describe you?
4. What does family-centered care mean to you?
5. Describe your ideal preceptor.
6. We all make mistakes. Can you tell us about a situation where a mistake was made or you observed one and what you did about it?
7. Scenario question: You find out that a colleague has been gossiping about you to other nurses on the unit. What would you do?
8. Have you ever been faced with an upset customer/patient/family member/parent and how you handled that?
9. The NICU can be a very stressful environment. We treat very sick babies who sometimes don’t survive or get to go home. Do you have experience with death and dying?
10. What do you perceive your biggest challenge will be in your new role?
11. What are your long term goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
12. Why are you the right person for this job? Why should we hire you?
13. Do you have any questions for us?