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  • Josie Tate

How to Answer the 3 Most Common Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions


The resumes, cover letters, and applications you’ve sent are finally gaining you some traction. You’re getting emails and phone calls inviting you for an interview. Woot! Woot!


Whether your interview is virtual or in person, adequate preparation is key.

One of the first things you should do is to research the company. Check out their website, Linked In profile, and other online resources. Researching the company is important because it shows you’re not only interested in working for the hospital or clinic, but that you’re informed about what they do. You should be aware of basic factors such as the patient population, demographics, services and resources offered.


The “About” section tells a great deal about your prospective employer. This is typically where you’ll find the mission, vision, and value statement or core values of the company. Getting an understanding of the core values can give you a glimpse into the big picture goals within the company. During your interview, you can ask deeper questions that further shows you’re serious about a potential partnership.


Remember that the interview process is a two-way street. They will ask you questions, and vice versa you should ask the interviewer questions as well. While it may seem intimidating, the interview is a conversation to see if the job is a good fit for both the employer and employee.


>>Here are the top 3 most common interview questions<<


Why do you want to work here?


Why did you apply for this position?


Tell me about yourself.


Many interviewers ask the first two questions in the beginning of the interview to get a feel for how you engage, what you can bring to the table, and what you can do for them. Remember, the ultimate goal of the hiring manager is to fill a vacancy within a business.


Why do you want to work here? This is a great time to recall your research and show your knowledge of the department or clinic. Talk about how the company’s goals align with yours. Your answer should reflect what you can do for them.


Why did you apply for this position? This question is similar to the above question. Here the interviewer is asking what do we have that you want. Obviously, they are not looking for you to shed light on the details of your personal situations. You want to answer in a way that conveys your skills match their needs and choosing you for partnership is ideal.


Tell me about yourself is undoubtedly a question you’ll be asked at some point in the interview. This is a freebie question that you should ace. Of note, you're not regurgitating everything in your resume. Rather, you’re giving a succinct response that highlights your strengths and paints a picture that you’re what they’re looking for. At the end of your short 1-2 minute pitch, your interviewer should be thinking (or say out loud) tell me more.

For more help on the interview process and landing your perfect position, check out this resource.


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