How to Answer: We are interviewing several candidates for this position. Why should we hire you?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nursing job interview.
2. We are interviewing several candidates for this position. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
Often one of the final questions during the interview, this is your final chance to sell yourself to the interviewer on why you are the best candidate for the job. This is a good question for you to have a prepared, but not rehearsed answer where you can talk about the skills you bring to the table and how they will benefit the organization and the patients. As well, you can discuss your personal traits that you feel put you above the competition for the position.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
1st Entry Level Example
"Pursuing a nursing career has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl. As I made my way through nursing school, my dream of becoming a nurse developed into a passion for helping those patients that are in need of psychiatric help. I know that your psychiatric inpatient unit requires a nurse that is both compassionate and able to handle a large patient load on any given day. You'll find that my past work experience and references will point out that I am a go-getter who can handle a large workload while providing excellent care to my patients."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Entry Level Example
"Although I am sure you are interviewing more experienced candidates, I feel that I am the best candidate for this position. I left a successful career in IT project management to become a nurse, which proves that I have a passion for nursing and am committed to the profession. Also, in addition to my newly acquired nursing skills, I have a host of IT, data, project management, and informatics skills that I can bring to the table and add to the team. I am not sure, but I doubt you will find another candidate with such a diverse skill set."
Written by Kelly Burlison on March 17th, 2019
1st Experienced Example
"Throughout my career as a nurse, I have demonstrated that patient care is a top priority in any job that I have held. It has always been my dream to work on an obstetrics unit and I know that everything that I have worked for in my career has brought me here, speaking with you. My compassion and drive to succeed in this position make me the top person for this job and you'll find quickly that I will be a top contributing member of your obstetrics nursing team."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
2nd Experienced Example
"As a nurse who has worked over 20 years in the field, I have developed many skills in my time working in family practice, urgent care and general surgery. These skills will translate well into your emergency setting. You'll find that I'm a very patient centered nurse who is driven to be the best that I can be each and every day that I report for duty. Being a successful nurse requires this drive to succeed along with a passion for the craft and without those traits, I wouldn't be the nurse that I am today."
Written by Ryan Brunner
1st Answer Example
"As an experienced nurse, I am very organized and dependable. I have worked in many settings throughout my nursing career and have had the opportunity to work with very experienced nurses. This has been incredibly helpful as I grew over the years because these experienced nurses were such amazing mentors. They helped to show me from the very beginning of my career the value and importance of being part of a team. That is now one of the traits that I pride myself on, being a team player. Caring for some patients can be quite complex, and I truly believe we must be willing to work together as a team and help one another provide the best care."
Written by Tabitha Cumpian on January 31st, 2023
User-Submitted Answer
"I feel that I am a great fit for this job because I have many years of experience. I am self-driven, professional, and willing to learn new things. I will bring respect for and trust in my co-workers, and I will work hard to meet the goals of administration to the best of my abilities."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
These are all fantastic reasons to hire you! You sound very enthusiastic and capable while also bringing a willingness to learn and grow. If you'd like to learn more about answering 'Why should we hire you?' we also have a guide here that you may find helpful: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/How to Answer: Why Should We Hire You?/
User-Submitted Answer
"Nursing has not only been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. It is not only a passion of mine to take care of those in need; it is who I am. I am the oldest child of four; being the very best caregiver is part of what makes me me. I care for my patients as I would care for my family member. I am also educated not only as a nurse but also as a scientist, enhancing my critical thinking skills and attention to the smallest change. I am part of this community."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
These are wonderful reasons to hire you! When it comes to these advantages, it's a good idea to give more specific detail on how they will benefit the employer. It seems like your background as a scientist will be a more unique factor than your dream of being a nurse since childhood. For that reason, I suggest leading with that fact. I've provided some suggestions for you below. We also have a guide here that you may find helpful: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/How to Answer: Why Should We Hire You?/
"I believe you should hire me because I have been educated as a nurse and also a scientist. This diverse education has enhanced my critical thinking skills and ensures that I give attention to the smallest changes in my patients. My education as a scientist will benefit (organization name) by...(discuss in detail what is 'in it for them' should they hire you). I am an active part of the nursing and healthcare community with a genuine passion for taking care of those in need (how will this benefit the hiring company?) Last, I am a natural caregiver. Being the oldest of four children, I learned early on what it meant to care for others. Should you hire me, I will care for your patients as I would care for a family member."
User-Submitted Answer
"I would be an excellent nurse because I am a good listener and communicator. I am empathetic, and enthusiastic, have strong leadership and time management skills, and work extremely well under pressure with the ability to prioritize my own workload. My passion for this role started from a young age. I’ve always wanted to work with children because the job would be rewarding. I’ve been through difficult times growing up which is why it has always been a passion of mine to be able to help other children in times of need and be beside them to be that person that can make a difference in their situation. I am a hard worker and believe in teamwork. I believe I could be an asset to the team of pediatric nurses you already have here and always wanted to work within this ward, which has shown through my volunteering here as a play specialist before starting university and coming in to revisit the ward at the weekend since I wasn’t able to complete any placements here."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Jaymie Payne Reviewed the Above Answer
Excellent answer! You did a great job highlighting many skills and characteristics that the interviewer would find valuable.
User-Submitted Answer
"I believe I am a good fit for this position because according to your job description, I check the boxes. I am a compassionate, reliable, hardworking, and competent nurse willing to contribute and grow in your trust. I believe I do stand out because of my in-depth resilience and thirst to learn and advance in the profession, and my compassionate and sacrificial nature."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Jaymie Payne Reviewed the Above Answer
Great! It's always helpful to connect your skills and abilities to the job description.
About the Author
I began my healthcare career when I was a sophomore in high school and became an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) at a local long-term care facility. I then went on to work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital and home healthcare agency. During that time, I pursued my Bachelor's in Business Administration: Human Resource Management and transitioned to working for one of the largest long-term care and post-acute rehab companies in the country. I supported the talent acquisition function, and in the span of 8 years, I screened and interviewed over 1,500 nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs.
I hold a very special place in my heart for nurses, as it's often a thankless and tiresome job. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse, and I have great respect and admiration for those that choose this career path. As a content writer and interview coach for MockQuestions, my goal is to help you prepare and succeed in your upcoming interview. This article offers interview tips and advice along with 50 practice interview questions and answer examples to help you better understand what to expect and prepare for interview day! Wishing you the best of luck!
Learn more about Jaymie Payne