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10 Worst Answers to Healthcare Interview Questions

You’ve probably already read the articles about the top interview questions for healthcare job seekers and the 7 things you should do in an interview, but do you know what you shouldn’t do?

Sure, you know you shouldn’t wear your shortest mini-skirt, your oldest shoes or that “I’m with Stupid” t-shirt you thought was so funny 15 years ago, but did you know that the worst interview mistakes are often the least obvious? Interview deal-breakers are usually subtle and frequently overlooked by the job-seeker. Your answers to interview questions are obviously the most important element to the interview, and that’s why it’s important that you know what to say and what not to say.

You can prepare all you want by learning the right answers, but do you know how to avoid the wrong ones?

What is Your Desired Salary?

Many job-seekers don’t expect to hear this question until the second interview or until they have a job offer in hand, but many employers have started to ask it as a way to weed out potential employees who have unrealistic expectations. The key here is to do your research. Know what others in the field, with similar education and experience, are making. Know what you have to make to survive, but wait to haggle until you have an actual offer.

Bad Answer: I want to make as much as possible. An impressive salary is the reason you get into healthcare, right? I won’t settle for less than twice as much as I make now. And trust me, I’m worth it.

Better Answer: I would like to make roughly $50,000 annually, which is slightly more than I currently make. But, of course, the more the better!

Best Answer: I would like to make $45,000 – $50,000 annually. I believe that my 5 years of experience in the field plus the additional healthcare certifications I earned last year add to my value as an employee. However, I got into healthcare to make a difference, and salary is secondary to working at a job I love.