Have you ever been responsible for hiring new employees? If so, what qualities did you look for in a candidate, and do you feel like you possess those qualities?
"If I were hiring someone, I would look for someone who is passionate about the job and about patient care. I also feel that being approachable and willing to learn is very important. An interview does not allow a great deal of time to get to know someone, so an interviewer has to lean on instinct and experience."
"We all possess different qualities and that is what makes a great team. If I were responsible for interviewing and hiring new employees, I would look for someone who has a genuine interest in the job and a desire to grow and learn. None of us knows everything there is to know about each disease or treatment. Being willing to learn and share what we've learned with one another makes us a better team and benefits our patients and those who will need care in the future."
There is more than one reason for asking this question. First, the interviewer wants to know what qualities you think are important to perform this job. Second, and most importantly, your answer will tell the interviewer if you hold yourself to the same standard as you do others. If you want to see certain characteristics in your peers, you should be able to tell the interviewer with confidence that you possess those traits, as well. This question is one that interviewers often use to distinguish sincerity on the part of the candidate.
"I believe that honesty is important no matter what job title a person holds. I have found that being honest with people creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Those qualities, I feel, are essential when building rapport with patients and co-workers."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have not been in that position, but if I ever find myself in that position, I would look for a person who is curious to learn new things and is able to work with a team.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are certainly important skills to look for. Hiring the right people will be essential if you are ever in the position of owning or running a clinic. To dive deeper into these thoughts - what indicators would tell you that someone is curious to learn or is a positive team player?
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