If you were the person responsible for hiring new employees, what qualities would you look for in a candidate? Do you think you possess those qualities?

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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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

Anonymous Answer

"Seeing that this is a profession for growing and learning, I would hire someone who is passionate and has the desire to grow and learn."

Rachelle's Feedback

Try completing the question by drawing ties to the qualities you mention, and the qualities you possess.

"Seeing that pediatric nursing is a profession for growing and learning, I would hire someone who is passionate and has the desire to grow and learn. It's important to me that I take new courses and workshops throughout the year, for my own professional growth."

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Anonymous Answer

"Being honest, trustworthiness, and hardworking are a few qualities I believe a worker should possess."

Lauren's Feedback

Great response. I added more depth to your response to further drive your point.

"I am a firm believer in leading by example. I take pride in my work and appreciate it when colleagues think and do the same. I would hire employees who had the same level of honesty, trustworthiness, and a reliable work ethic that I possess. I believe these traits are innate in successful nurses, and I would want to hire individuals with like-minded values and qualities."

Anonymous Answer

"Someone that has a good worth ethic is dependable, a team player who has a positive attitude, and has a desire to grow and learn. Yes, I feel these are all qualities I possess. I am a hard worker and will make sure all the tasks I need to get done are finished. I'm dependable and always show up early to work so I am ready to go as soon as my shift starts, I work well on a team and pull my weight to make sure my portion of the task is completed, I'm positive despite busy shifts or things that happen out of my control, and I ask questions and am eager to learn new things so I can be the best nurse possible to provide exceptional care to my patients."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! The question is likely seeking information about your understanding of how the organization can function best with the right people aboard. All the qualities you name absolutely contribute, and I especially like how you circle back to your candidacy.

How to Answer: If you were the person responsible for hiring new employees, what qualities would you look for in a candidate? Do you think you possess those qualities?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Pediatric Nurse job interview.

6. If you were the person responsible for hiring new employees, what qualities would you look for in a candidate? Do you think you possess those qualities?

How to Answer

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion