How to Respectfully Voice Concerns During a Healthcare Job Interview

Job interviews are crucial in determining whether or not you are the right fit for a company, and vice versa. During the interview process, it is essential to not only put your best foot forward, but also to voice any concerns or questions you may have about the job. If you don't bring them up during the interview phase, you may end up being unhappy with the job once hired.

However, it can be difficult to know how to bring up misgivings without coming across as too blunt or negative. In this article, we will discuss healthcare job interview tips on how to be respectful and voice concerns while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude toward the interviewer.

Prepare and Research

Knowing what to expect when it comes to the company and the job you're interviewing for can make it easier to voice concerns in a respectful manner. Research the company beforehand and read up on its values and work environment. If there is anything that concerns you, make a note of it and come up with healthcare interview questions to ask an employer during the interview. This will show the interviewer that you have done your homework and are serious about the job, while also giving you the opportunity to address any concerns you may have.

Some of the common areas to consider include company culture, career progression, and job security. You can also look into the salary range and any benefits associated with the job. However, it's important to find the right time (and person) to discuss these concerns with. For example, it is better to discuss salary negotiations with the talent acquisition team rather than the hiring manager (we’ll provide healthcare job interview tips around which questions are best for which team members later in the article).

Be Honest

It's important to be honest about your concerns during the interview process. Hiring managers can often tell when you are being dishonest, so it's important to be bold and upfront about any concerns you may have. This will show that you are serious and professional, while also allowing the interviewer to address your concerns head-on.

However, it is equally important to frame them in a way that shows your intention to find a solution or get clarity. Instead of saying, "I don't think I could work long hours," try saying, "I noticed that the job posting has long hours. Can you tell me more about the work schedule and if there is any flexibility?" This shows that you are still interested in the job but just need more information.

Focus on Solutions

When voicing concerns, always focus on solutions rather than just the problem. This showcases your problem-solving skills, which can be a great asset in a job. If you already have a solution in mind, this is a great time to mention it. If you don't have a solution, you can acknowledge that it is a difficult situation likely facing the entire industry, but you would love to explore solutions. This shows that you are aware of the state of the healthcare industry as a whole, dedicated to innovation, and willing to think outside the box.

It is also important to stay positive throughout the entire process. Everyone has concerns, but it's important to remember that a job interview is an opportunity for both you and the company to come together and find a mutually beneficial solution. For example, instead of saying, "I'm concerned about the workload," try saying, "I noticed the workload can be heavy at times and wanted to ask what resources are available to help manage it."

Be Specific

To avoid the risk of being misunderstood, it's important to be as specific as possible with your concerns. This shows that you are not just complaining for the sake of it, but have thought through what you want from your healthcare career. Be sure to provide concrete examples when talking about concerns and make sure that you are addressing the issues in a respectful manner.

For example, instead of saying, "I'm worried about the working environment," try saying something like, "In my past positions, I was asked to work so many hours that I could not take care of my own mental health. It caused early burnout, but I really want to be in this position for the long run. Can you tell me more about how employees manage stress in this type of environment?" This demonstrates that you are dedicated to working for this organization long-term and recognize how important a healthy workplace is.

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Bring Up Concerns at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to voicing concerns during a job interview. Wait until the appropriate time, such as when the interviewer asks if you have any questions. It's important not to bring up concerns too early in the interview because it could give off the impression that you're not interested or going to be a difficult hire. Additionally, if you bring up the concerns during the first few minutes of the interview, it could lead to an uncomfortable conversation that doesn't bode well for either party.

On the other hand, waiting too long might make an interviewer feel like you may be indecisive or not interested in what the job entails. Always try to have a natural flow in connection with what the interviewer is saying and doing.

Also, consider your audience. Know each individual's role in the hiring process so that you can ask the most pertinent healthcare interview questions to an employer versus HR personnel versus a peer. This way, you can avoid any awkward situations and have a more meaningful conversation overall. Here is a list of the most common role in the healthcare hiring process and what topics you should address with each:

• Human Resources/Talent Acquisition: job description and benefits
• Hiring Manager: day-to-day duties of the role
• Peer Interviewer: company culture and working atmosphere

By addressing your concerns at an appropriate moment during a job interview and being as specific as possible, you can make sure that you present your best self, while still being honest about any worries or concerns that you have.

What Healthcare Interview Questions to Ask an Employer

When it comes to job interviews, you should always have a few questions ready for the employer. Here are some of the most important healthcare job interview questions to ask an employer for finding your ideal fit:

To the hiring manager:

• I would love to ensure I stay up to date on best practices. What support does this healthcare organization provide for continuing education?
• I want to be able to stay with this company long-term. What healthcare career development opportunities are available?
• We all learned during the pandemic that none of us can pour from an empty cup. What type of support system is in place to ensure success during difficult times?
• I know that healthcare is ever-changing. What kind of technologies are used at this organization to stay up to date?

To a peer interviewer:

• To ensure I fully understand the scope of the position, could you describe my daily responsibilities?
• I am a big believer that a strong care team can make all the difference for a patient. What are the healthcare team dynamics like at this organization?
• What do you think sets this organization apart from other healthcare providers?

To the HR/talent acquisition team:

• I want to make sure I can keep myself healthy to be able to continue with this position long-term. Can you tell me about the benefits package and what resources are offered to employees?
• I understand that healthcare is a challenging field. What resources and support are available for addressing concerns or worries during my job?
• Can you tell me about the onboarding process and what kind of training I will receive before I start the position?
• How does this organization ensure their salaries are keeping up with the healthcare industry as a whole?
• How long does it typically take from onboarding to when I begin working with a full caseload?

Asking these healthcare interview questions to the employer can give you a good understanding of what the job entails, help alleviate any worries you may have, and make sure you are a good fit for the job.

Final Thoughts

Voicing concerns during a job interview can be tricky, but it is crucial in ensuring that you will be comfortable and happy with the job you accept. Always approach concerns in a respectful, positive, and solution-focused way. Remember to thoroughly research the company and job, be honest, and ask specific questions. By following these healthcare job interview tips, you can ensure that you are being respectful while still addressing any concerns you may have.

Want more advice for making your next healthcare career move? Check out the iHire Resource Center.