An interview is a chance for potential employers to learn more about you, and for you to learn more about the company. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions that are important to you. As an LPN, there are some specific questions you may want to ask during your interview.
Questions about the company can help you get a better understanding of the culture and work environment. Questions about patient care can help you assess whether or not the hospital or clinic utilizes best practices in nursing care. And finally, questions about scheduling and benefits can help you determine if the position is a good fit for your needs.
Some common questions that LPNs may be asked during an interview include:
Tell me about your experience working in a long-term care facility?
Answering this question effectively will require you to talk about your experience in a long-term care facility and highlight the skills that you have acquired. You should focus on the positive aspects of your experience and avoid talking about any negative experiences. You can always refer to your experiences working clinical hours during your LPN program where you did your rotations in long-term care.
What do you think sets you apart from other candidates?
When answering this question, you should highlight the unique skills and qualities that you have to offer. This could include your experience caring for elderly patients or your ability to work well under pressure. Be sure to avoid coming across as boastful or arrogant in your response.
What are your career goals?
Your answer to this question should highlight your long-term goals and how working as an LPN will help you to achieve them. For example, you may want to eventually become an RN or advance to a management position. By highlighting your goals, you can show the interviewer that you are motivated and have a clear plan for your future.
What do you think are the most important qualities for an LPN?
Some of the qualities that you may want to mention include: compassionate, detail-oriented, good communication skills, able to work well under pressure. You can also refer to the job description and highlight some of the qualities that are listed there.
Why are you interested in this position?
When answering this question, you should focus on the aspects of the job that appeal to you. This could include the type of patients you will be caring for or the opportunity to use your clinical skills. You may also want to mention that you are familiar with the facility and have heard good things about it.
What do you think are the most important qualities for an LPN?
Some of the qualities that you may want to mention include: compassionate, detail-oriented, good communication skills, able to work well under pressure. You can also refer to the job description and highlight some of the qualities that are listed there.
What made you want to become an LPN?
Your answer to this question should focus on your passion for nursing and helping others. You may want to mention your personal experiences that led you to pursue a career in nursing. You can also talk about your desire to make a difference in the lives of your patients.
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient.
When answering this question, you should focus on how you were able to effectively deal with the situation. You can talk about the steps you took to diffuse the situation and how you were able to provide excellent care to the patient despite the challenges. This question is designed to test your ability to handle difficult situations so be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills.
What do you do when you are confronted with a situation that you don’t know how to handle?
When answering this question, you should focus on your ability to find resources and ask for help when needed. You can talk about a time when you had to research a new medication or procedure. Be sure to mention that you are not afraid to ask for help when needed and that you are always willing to learn new things.
How do you deal with stress while working?
When answering this question, you should focus on the healthy coping mechanisms that you use to deal with stress. This could include taking a break when needed, talking to a colleague, or listening to music. You should avoid mentioning any unhealthy coping mechanisms such as bottling in your emotions or using drugs or alcohol. The interviewers understand that many LPNs go through stressful situations so they are looking for candidates who can effectively deal with stress.
What is your availability?
Your answer to this question will depend on your current situation. If you are currently employed, be honest about the notice period you would need in order to transition to a new job. If you are not currently employed, let the interviewer know when you would be available to start work. Be sure to mention any scheduling restrictions that you may have.
What are your salary expectations?
Your answer to this question will depend on your current situation and the salary range that is listed in the job posting. If you are currently employed, you may want to mention that you are looking for a salary that is commensurate with your experience. If you are not currently employed, you may want to mention that you are open to discussing salary once a job offer has been made.
Do you have any questions for us?
Asking questions shows that you are interested in the position and that you have done your research about the facility. Some good questions to ask include: What are the next steps in the hiring process? What are the expectations for this position? What are the opportunities for advancement at this facility?
Avoid Asking:
There are certain questions that you should avoid asking during an interview. These include:
How much vacation time do I get?
This question can be asked later on in the process, once you have been offered the job. For now, you should focus on demonstrating your interest in the position and your qualifications for the role.
What are the hours?
The hours for this position will likely be listed in the job posting. If they are not, you can ask about the hours during the interview process. For now, you should focus on demonstrating your interest in the position and your qualifications for the role.
When can I take time off?
Time off is a better question suited for after you have been offered the job. For now, you should focus on demonstrating your interest in the position and your qualifications for the role.
What are the benefits?
Again, this is a question that can be asked later on, once you have been offered the job. The HR team is trained to go over benefit related questions with you after they have provided you with a job offer. This is a time when you can ask about health insurance, vacation time, and other benefits. For now, you should focus on demonstrating your interest in the position and your qualifications for the role.
What is the dress code?
Dress codes are typically going to be the same for all employees, regardless of position. Expressing concern about the dress code may imply that you do not plan on following the rules. For now, you should focus on demonstrating your interest in the position and your qualifications for the role.
I don’t have any questions.
It is always a good idea to ask questions, even if you think you already know the answer. Asking questions shows that you are interested in the position and that you have done your research about the facility. If you truly cannot think of any questions, you can ask about the next steps in the hiring process or for further clarification on the expectations for the LPN job.