Skip to content
  • Job Openings
  • Career at Barton
  • Departments
  • Our Locations
  • Culture
  • About
  • Blog
  • Job Openings
  • Career at Barton
  • Departments
  • Our Locations
  • Culture
  • About
  • Blog

How to Knock the Hard-Hitting Interview Questions Out of the Park

Posted on: May 25th, 2021

Avatar photo

written by

Barton Team

Share this article:
  • envelopeemail
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
Interviews are nerve-wracking whether you’ve been to 1 or 100. While we can’t predict all of the questions you’ll face in your next interview, here’s some help with a few of the tough ones.

Tell me about yourself…

This is a common opening question that seems simple, but it has plenty of potential to steer you in the wrong direction right off the bat. You want to paint a picture of yourself beyond what’s listed on your resume, but be careful not to go off on a ten-minute tangent about your hobbies and travel experiences. Instead, focus on key milestones in your college career and work experience, any clubs or athletic involvement, and some interesting facts, but be sure to make it all relevant to the interview.

What makes you fit for this role?

This is where your understanding of the job description will come in handy. Hone in on the key responsibilities you know you will be carrying out in the role and provide some examples of times where you have completed similar tasks. Honesty is the best policy, so be sure not to exaggerate your experience, but providing specific examples of your skill set will show whether or not you are equipped for the position.

What are your long term goals?

This is another question where honesty works best, but you probably shouldn’t tell your interviewer that you’re only applying to this job as a placeholder for something better. On the other hand, you should let them know up front that you may want to return to school in the next few years or if there’s a possibility of you relocating. If you do have a genuine desire to grow within a company, though, be sure to express that so your interviewer sees that you plan to stick with them for the long run!

Tell me about a time that you dealt with a difficult coworker/manager

This question is often a test of whether or not you will easily badmouth a past coworker or employer, but it will also show how you deal with conflict in the workplace. Think of some specific examples you can share and, without being too long-winded, express how you were able to diffuse an ugly situation. Employers want to maintain a positive company culture as much as you want to find a job that has one, so make sure you prove that you are someone who will be an uplifting presence in the workplace.

What’s your biggest strength/weakness?

A great way to prepare for this question is to ask your friends and current coworkers what they feel your biggest strengths and weaknesses are. Oftentimes it is hard to reflect on our own character in this way, so hearing the objective viewpoints of your colleagues can help you identify your shortcomings as well as your strongest points. Take this feedback with you to your next interview and consider how you plan to correct some of the weaknesses you’ve identified if you are given the position.

Ready for your next interview? Barton Associates is expanding and we’re looking for motivated individuals to join our team! Visit our website to learn more.

Avatar photo
About Barton Team

We're Barton Associates, the Locum Tenens Experts. We work with thousands of hospitals, medical practices, and organizations across the United States and its territories that need talented providers for short- and long-term engagements. Inspired by the pioneering, humanitarian work of Clara Barton, the Barton Team recruits physicians, PAs, NPs, dentists and CRNAs in a wide variety of specialties, so that we can quickly place them in locum tenens assignments nationwide.

More Content Like This

Four Tips for Staying Prepared Now that the Time to Interview is Finally Here

As a soon-to-be graduate, you’ve probably only interviewed for part-time or on-campus positions thus far, which are often a much different experience than an interview for a full-time position. Because of this, you might find yourself feeling nervous and unprepared, but have no fear- we have compiled a list of...

The Types of Questions YOU Should Be Asking in a Job Interview

Planner with sticky note – Job interview You’re the one interviewing for a new position, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have questions of your own for your potential employer! Here are a few sample questions that you might ask to prove your interest in the role, find out more about...

5 Questions to Ask During Your NP Job Interview

Editor’s Note: Updated June 2019 The last thing you want is to find yourself perusing nurse practitioner job ads because of disillusionment or the realization that the job you took wasn’t all it was promised to be. You have the tools at your disposal to avoid accepting the wrong position. Remember, it’s...

3 Questions To Ask During A Job Interview

Planner with sticky note – Job interview Getting an interview is a critical step in the job process. It’s a chance to show off your skills and how you could benefit the company! But no matter what position you’re applying for, every interview should end the same way, with your interviewer...

Blog Topics

  • About Locum Tenens
  • Barton News
  • Careers
  • Careers Tips & Advice
  • Finance Tips
  • From Classroom to Career
  • Health Tips
  • Healthcare News and Trends
  • Holiday Humor
  • Interview Tips
  • Job Search Resources
  • Job Search Tips
  • Licensing and Credentialing
  • Locum Heroes
  • Networking
  • On The Job (post) Tips
  • Other
  • Pre Job Tips
  • Resources
  • Social Media Tips
  • Staffing Tips
  • Travel Tips

Popular Posts

  • 3 Benefits of Doing an Internship
  • 5 Things to Bring to Your New Job
  • Don’t Let Student Loans Steal Your Holiday Spirit!

Latest Posts

  • How To Find An Affordable Work Wardrobe
  • How To Spruce Up Your Resume With Volunteer Work
  • What To Do After A Job Interview
  • What To Do During A Job Interview
  • What To Do Before A Job Interview

Follow Barton

FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter

Phone (855) 895-3550
Email talentacquisition@bartonassociates.com
  • Job Openings
  • Career at Barton
  • Departments
  • Our Locations
  • Culture
  • About
  • Blog
FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Service
  • Barton Corporate
  • Privacy Portal
  • California Residents: Privacy Notice

© Copyright 2023 Barton Associates All Rights Reserved