Want to get a sneak peek into the questions you’ll likely to get in your interviews? Here are the 3 types of questions we reckon you should be prepared to answer!

1. Skills and knowledge-based questions

Potentially the most straight-forward of the three, skills and knowledge-based questions test what you know and what qualities you have. Questions of this variety include:

• What are your professional obligations when using social media? (FYI, here’s the answer)
• What qualities do you have that will make you a successful RN/ midwife?
• How will you maintain your professional education?
• Why did you choose a career in nursing/midwifery?

2. Behavioural questions

Behavioural questions test your previous behaviours, with the aim of giving interviewers an insight as to how you would react in given situations.

Behavioural questions should be answered using the STAR method. This stands for:

S – Situation (setting the scene)

T – Task (describe the purpose)

A – Action (explain what you did)

R – Result (what was the outcome)

Examples of behavioural questions include:

• Tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a situation in the workplace over which you had no control
• Describe a positive experience that occurred during your clinical placement. Why was that significant?
• Recount a time you experienced conflict, and how it was resolved.

3. Situational questions

Situational questions – also known as scenario questions – assess your responses to potential incidents in the workplace. When answering these questions, you should address any issues that may arise from the scenario – including professional, legal and ethical issues. You can also use a story to highlight a previous incident which you may have faced that has similarities to the scenario at hand – but don’t forget the STAR method.

Examples of situational questions include:

• You have a diabetic patient who is not communicative. What do you do?
• What would you do if you witnessed a colleague administering an incorrect drug?
• You are caring for a patient who refuses all treatment. What action would you take?
• What would

Now it’s your turn to ace that interview! If you need any more support, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association members can call 02 8595 1234. If you’re not yet a member, you can also sign up here.

And if you’re lucky enough to receive a placement, check out the amazing Transitioning to the Workplace workshops, offered by the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. 

This article was prepared with the help of Central Coast LHD’s Gradstart 2020 Guide, as provided by UON Careers.