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Beat the Toughest Nursing Interview Question

We all know the question. So why are we still stumped when someone asks this granddaddy of a ridiculous interview question in our interview? Here’s why – because most job seekers believe it has no relevance. The reason? No hospital can (or ever will) guarantee a nurse a job for five years.

But, quite frankly, this is the wrong way of looking at this question. And, in actuality, this question (although obscurely phrased) is actually one of the easiest nursing interview questions to answer — if you know how to answer it properly. The secret? Most interviewers look for interviewees to answer by way of long-term professional goals. So instead of sweating, rolling your eyes (don’t do it!), or drawing a complete blank when asked your five-year goal, use it an opportunity to share your motivation for nursing, your goals for building your expertise, and your eagerness to succeed. It really works — we swear!

Check out these five tips on how to best answer this doozy of an interview question:

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Tip #1: Choose the best answer.

Only after you’ve gotten a good feel for the hospital, as well as for the potential position, will you actually be able to state your five-year plan suitably. Why? Because the hiring manager is using this knowledge as a basis for the “right answer” — don’t be fooled, there’s always a right answer! For example if you wish to be hired by an older hospital looking for employees who want to develop their expertise, not management skills, it’s probably not the best idea to talk at length about your managerial goals.

Heads up: Interviews work both ways. Always keep in mind that you are using this interview as a means to analyze the potential employer as well. If their needs don’t mesh with your nursing goals and career outlook, it might be necessary to look elsewhere.