The Art of the Interview

 Questions mere managers ask phlebotomy applicants:

• • How much phlebotomy experience do you have?
     Check the resume. This question wastes time.
  
  • Where were you trained?
     Ditto
  
  • Are you available to work weekends?
     This question should be asked long before the interview.
• • Why did you leave your prior position?
     Interesting, but you may not get the real reason.
  
  • Can I call your references?
     This should be requested on the application.
  
  • What is your biggest weakness?
     There are better ways to learn about character besides asking this cliché question.
  
  • Do you have reliable transportation?
    This is worth asking, but really, who's going to say "no"?
  
  • What hourly wage are you looking for?
     Another question for the application.
  
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
     Everyone expects this, so add some kind of twist.

Questions empowered managers ask phlebotomy applicants:

• • What do you see yourself doing in five years and what are you doing to meet those goals?
     If the applicant isn't working toward the goal, then it is just wishful thinking and he/she might not be motivated.
• • Tell me about a time you wish you had handled something differently.
     If the applicant can't think of anything, he/she's not telling the truth.
  
  • What did you like least about your prior job?
     Red flags go up if the applicant talks badly about her prior employer.
  
  • Tell me about a time you were on a team and someone wasn’t pulling their own weight.
     If there's no answer, beware. The applicant could have been the slacker.
  
  • What grade would you give your last supervisor and why ?
     If the applicant throws her prior supervisor under the bus, be careful. You could be next.
  
  • List five words that describe your character.
     If the applicant provides only glowing characteristics, he/she has an unrealistic self-view.
  
  • What is your idea of the difference between good and exceptional?
     If the applicant can’t articulate the difference, can he/she have good customer service skills?
  
  • How would you feel about working for someone who knows less than you?
     If the applicant doesn’t feel compelled to help the other person learn more, he/she is probably not a team player.
  
  • What are the qualities of a good leader?
     If the applicant doesn’t know, he/she is not one. That's okay. Not everyone needs to lead. Good followers are just as critical.
  
  • Tell me about a time you felt you were treated unfairly.
     If the applicant has a long list, you may be in the presence of a professional victim.
  
  • Tell me more about yourself.
     Empowered managers do more listening than asking.

Each month, Phlebotomy Today-STAT! shares one of the gems from the archives of The Empowered Healthcare Manager blog, written by Dennis J. Ernst MT(ASCP). View more of the archives and subscribe here.