Top 25 Nursing Interview Questions & Answers | (Tips Inside)

It can feel very disappointing to be rejected after a job interview. It can be even more frustrating when you’ve prepared so hard, the interview went really well, and yet you still receive a rejection letter.

Your journey to becoming a nurse was not easy; getting your dream job should be easier.. Even the most seasoned nurse may find nursing job interviews intimidating, but it can be something you breeze through with the right amount of research and preparation.

This is why we have compiled some insightful tips to help you ace your nursing interview, including common interview questions and how to answer them. We have also included great sample answers and interview tips to help you secure your dream nursing job.

 

Nursing Interview Question Themes

In a nursing interview, you will have to demonstrate specific skills, particularly behavior-based ones. In behavior-based interviews, candidates are asked to describe specific situations from their previous employment and their actions in those situations. This is based on the premise that past behavior predicts future behavior.

Considering that nurses interact with various members of a patient’s interdisciplinary team, care for patients, and provide continuity of care, many nursing interview questions center on areas like patient care, crisis management, teamwork, adaptability, patient education, core values, and more.

Let’s discuss some of these themes and uncover what interviewers would like to know.

 

— Patient Care 

This is one of the primary concerns of a professional nurse. Many of the questions you will be asked during your interview will pertain to your patient’s care and satisfaction, as well as how you handle their needs under high-strain conditions. Patients who are cared for feel welcomed, at ease, and more open to healing.

 

— Crisis Management 

Nurses get questioned about crisis management and aversion for many valid reasons. It allows hospitals and clinical facilities to evaluate your analytical and critical thinking and your ability to make challenging decisions at that moment.

 

— Teamwork

The multidisciplinary healthcare team provides patient care, and they rely on effective teamwork and communication to keep patients safe. Teamwork increases employee cohesiveness and lowers nursing and medical errors, which helps to improve patient care and satisfaction. In addition, effective teamwork boosts productivity and patient safety and creates a happier and healthier work environment, which lowers burnout among healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

During nursing interviews, hiring managers question candidates about general, behavioral, and situational factors. For example, expect to be questioned about your goals, your capacity for teamwork, your knowledge of patient care, and the combination of soft and hard skills you possess. In addition, you might be asked questions about past employment experiences and hypothetical future scenarios.

 

Using The STAR Method During Your Nursing Interview

To respond to behavioral interview questions, use real-life examples and stories. You can use the well-known STAR method to respond to behavioral interview questions. The acronym explains how to structure your response and tell your story:

 

— Situation 

Situation represents thinking back and considering a similar circumstance/situation related to the question being asked. Make sure to pick an occasion that ended well.

— Task 

In this case, you should mention your tasks and responsibilities in managing the situation you intend to refer to. Then, briefly and clearly describe your contribution and the role you had to play in executing the tasks.

— Action

You should emphasize the actions you took, the skills you utilized, or the qualities you possessed to complete the task. This is the time to showcase your strengths and promote yourself. It helps when there is a challenge, and your action shows how you handled the situation. Do not forget to tell the recruiter why you thought that action was the best at the time.

— Result

Describe the outcomes and effects of your actions. What did you take away from it? What part did you play in the situation’s success? What was your specific contribution? What did you gain or retain from that experience?

When conducting a nursing job interview, the interviewer frequently wants to determine how you’d handle difficult circumstances and whether you’d be able to adapt to life in the unit where you want to work. The STAR method is a useful tactic you can use as a nursing graduate to improve your chances of landing the job. With this technique, you will be able to clearly explain how you have handled a real-life situation in the past and how you will be able to manage similar situations in the future. This strategy is useful even if you’re just starting your career and don’t have much experience.

Let’s look at some typical nursing interview questions and answer scenarios.

 

Common Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

As we mentioned earlier, your recruiter will likely tilt toward behavioral interview questions or situational questions based on the themes we discussed rather than general interview questions. Therefore, let us consider the following common job interview questions and an appropriate sample answer using the right approach—the STAR method.

 

#1. How would you approach a difficult patient or family member?

You will likely encounter difficult patients daily, and no employer wants to hire a nurse who can’t handle such patients. This question is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your empathy as a registered nurse. The question is also rather situational. However, you may choose to describe an experience to indicate your strength and knowledge. But remember to never talk badly about patients or their families and describe the circumstances without breaking HIPAA. Do not criticize the patient or their caregiver in public, and if you made a mistake at the time, be sure to own up to it and explain what you did to fix it.

Sample answer: “My patients can be challenging at times. It’s part of the job to deal with them. I once had a patient who had been in an accident and became a paraplegic. He was an angry and demanding patient, but I understood he was in a bad place then, so I tried to anticipate his needs all the time. I told him to call if he needed anything, but I’d be back in 8 minutes, and here’s the trick: I came back in 8 minutes. It was an exercise in gaining trust, and this helped us make significant progress.”

 

#2. How would you work with a patient who struggles with pain management?

When working with patients who might be experiencing pain, nurses need to have a strong sense of empathy. Remember never to undermine how a patient feels just because, in your opinion, you can handle such pain. Instead, let your patient know that you are concerned about their needs and describe a situation where you might assist them by demonstrating empathy and problem-solving skills.

Sample answer: “I recall a patient from my time practicing obstetrics and gynecology at ABC Hospital. She was in pain while pregnant. I advised several stretching techniques and sleeping positions, which were ineffective for her. In that situation, I told her doctor about the information, and he was able to suggest additional medical care.

She was happy to report that the therapy was effective, and seldom felt pain when she returned the following visit. I’ve had the opportunity to provide comfort measures for patients in different situations, such as additional pillows while they wait for their doctor. When my patients express discomfort, I always take it seriously.”

 

#3. Do you have any professional affiliations?

Your response to this question is an opportunity to emphasize that you seek opportunities to advance your skills. This is a good time to highlight any areas on your resume that list extra certifications you have gained through these organizations, the ways you are involved in the organizations, and certain areas of nursing you are passionate about.

Sample Answer: “I am an active participant in both the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN). I have strong enthusiasm for healthcare and also stay updated on areas that may help neuro patients and patients in critical conditions under my care. This helped me give quality care to neuro patients in my care throughout the previous year.”

 

#4. How would you uphold the mission and values of our organization?

Mission statements convey healthcare businesses’ core values and can guide prospective patients and employees in their employment decisions. As a registered nurse and member of the healthcare professional community, you must uphold the mission and values of the organization you work with.

Sample answer: “I feel motivated to work in a setting that promotes patient-centered care. Your hospital has won numerous honors for excellent patient care, including the XYZ Quality Leadership Award. In addition, I find that I strongly resonate with your organization’s mission and core values, which makes me excited to work for your institution.”

 

#5. Describe a past situation with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle the situation?

Do not criticize your co-worker. Instead, use this opportunity to demonstrate your ability to manage conflict. Spend some time describing a particular circumstance, why it was problematic, and why the co-worker was difficult to get along with. What happened as a result of how you handled the issue? What lessons can you apply going forward from that experience?

Sample answer: “A nurse I formerly worked with frequently arrived late for her shifts and appeared preoccupied while at work. We couldn’t always count on her to be punctual, which made working with her challenging. So, I spoke to the nurse and explained my concerns and how her actions impacted the rest of the team. I learned that she was unaware of how much her personal life was influencing her career.

“It turns out that the reason she was late was that she had to drive her children to school. She wasn’t giving her best effort at work because she was overburdened with a single mother’s obligations. Once we knew that, we worked together to adjust her shift schedule so that it better suited her other obligations. In the long term, that was advantageous to the whole team.”

 

#6. How do you handle toxicity in the workplace?

A career in nursing can be quite demanding. Many nurses experience burnout, hate their work, and want to resign, which is not ideal for patients or hospitals. Therefore, potential employers want to know that you can handle the pressure that comes with the job.

Sample answer:” I know nursing will inevitably involve difficult situations. In the emergency room, you never truly know what will happen next. But I believe that by accepting the pressure as a normal aspect of the job, I can deal with it more effectively. I take deep breaths in difficult scenarios. It may seem insignificant, but it provides me just enough time to gather my thoughts, redirect my energy, and give my whole attention to the current situation.”

 

#7. Describe a past conflict within your healthcare team. How did you handle it?

Miscommunications inevitably occur in a collaborative environment. Therefore, understanding how to resolve conflicts is essential. Try to demonstrate a dispute or misunderstanding that you didn’t start but were crucial in resolving.

Sample answer: “During the transition to her shift, one of my co-workers found it difficult to communicate. Her descriptions of a patient’s condition were partially incomplete, which caused me great confusion. Eventually, I politely told her she wasn’t providing me with accurate information during the shift change. She changed this behavior and even started to prepare notes for the handoff. At that time, I discovered how crucial it was to speak up and be direct.”

 

#8. How do you manage burnout?

Fast-paced workflows and challenging tasks are typical in the medical industry. As a result, you’ll frequently have to handle stressful and difficult circumstances. Because of this, potential employers will be interested in how you react to pressure and whether you succumb to difficult circumstances.

You should be able to clearly describe how you manage the emotionally and physically taxing components of your profession. Describe the stress-reduction methods you have created in your response.

Sample answer: “I’ve come to understand that nursing has its share of trying circumstances, and I’ve learned how to make the most of the strain. I spend most of my free time in the gym, which has a variety of classes, so there is always something new to try. When I am not working, I also volunteer at a refugee camp.”

 

#9. How would you handle a difficult situation with a doctor?

As a registered nurse, you must demonstrate a strong capacity to interact effectively and productively with every healthcare team member. Some co-workers can be challenging to work with, and misunderstandings are inevitable. Therefore, when addressing this nursing interview question, emphasize your capacity for effective communication, interpersonal relations, and dispute resolution. Don’t forget to provide examples to back up your responses.

Sample answer: “While working in the ER of a small hospital, I encountered a problem. One evening, I cross-checked a patient’s chart, and the prescription did not look accurate. To clear up the confusion, I checked with the doctor in charge over the purported error, but he supported the initial prescription. This still didn’t seem right to me, and I decided to speak with my supervisor about it with the doctor’s knowledge. The doctor eventually identified the issue when the three of us looked over the prescription together.”

 

#10. How do you react during critical situations such as an outbreak?

Your answer to this question should showcase your hard skills- such as your understanding of particular medical situations and soft skills, such as teamwork and adaptability. Discuss your capacity for teamwork, in-depth understanding of nursing practices, and attention to detail to provide a compelling response.

Sample answer: “I observed an exceptionally high number of patients presenting the same symptoms in my previous position as a public health nurse at the city’s health department. I relayed this observation to my supervisor and colleagues. As a result, we set up a small committee to assess the situation. It turned out that our city had a small outbreak of ABC.

Our team’s report allowed our facility’s staff to identify the symptoms and take necessary infection control precautions, and this helped authorities warn the general population on time.”

 

#11. How do you work with other nurses, doctors, and staff?

Hiring managers want to know that you are a good team player no matter what is thrown your way because the nursing profession is very collaborative.

Sample answer: “I enjoy working with other members of the professional healthcare team. I discovered how crucial it is to communicate effectively with other nurses during my practical training in the emergency room at XYZ Hospital.

One evening, a patient came to me and complained that he had been waiting for his medication for 30 minutes. I made sure to check in with his nurse first. The patient was found to have ABC disease, and his attending nurse had already administered the medication. Our staff was able to assure the patient’s safety thanks to this communication.”

 

#12. What are your greatest strengths in the workplace?

You don’t want to come across as arrogant, nor do you want to come across as self-critical, so it’s advisable to choose strengths that you have prior experience with.

Sample answer: “My ability to remain on top of things is what I consider my greatest strength. At my previous employment, whenever I had some downtime, I would review the patient schedule and the inventory of supplies on the floor. Then, if anything were running short, I would take the time to properly refill it so that no one would have to scramble to get supplies when we were busy. Not only did it save us time, but it was also kind to my co-workers.”

 

#13. How would you describe yourself in a leadership role?

Employers value strong leaders because they can boost employee productivity and guarantee that the team always achieves its objectives. Furthermore, a registered nurse must have adequate leadership skills because many leadership qualities, like effective decision-making, are crucial to the role.

Sample answer: “I believe I possess a variety of strengths that make me a successful leader. First, I am confident in my judgment and capacity to assign various tasks to a team. Second, I have excellent communication skills, and I can accept responsibility for any errors that may occur.”

 

#14. Describe one of your greatest achievements. What was your role in this situation?

This nursing interview question probes your passion. Your perceived power increases in direct proportion to the strength of your rewards. Even better, if you find enormous benefits in nursing, you’re less likely to look for them elsewhere.

Sample answer: “To be frank, getting through each day as a nurse practitioner is an achievement for me. But a memorable achievement was when one of my patients had a heart attack and was unable to lower his blood pressure. I had the assignment of assisting with his nutrition and fitness education. I found some video case studies of people who were similar to him and had altered their routines. He addressed a letter to me months later. His lipid profile and blood pressure were all within normal limits.”

 

#15. How do you approach difficult conversations with people who lack medical training?

Here’s your chance to demonstrate that you are skilled at using therapeutic communication and imparting knowledge to patients. Tell the recruiters what you said, what words or terminology you used, and how you ensured they understood what you were trying to say.

Sample answer: “Patients have various educational backgrounds and have varying levels of familiarity with medical terminology. Many of my patients did not comprehend certain medical jargon while I worked as a home healthcare nurse.

Thus, I used language that an average person could understand. I used swelling instead of edema. I mentioned elevated blood pressure for hypertension. I asked them to repeat what they heard until they could correctly repeat it in ways that made sense to them.”

 

#16. Describe a time when a patient/family was overly pleased with your level of care.

This is your moment to extol your virtues and demonstrate your abilities. What happened as a result? Do you know another language? Have you won any honors for providing superior patient care?

Sample answer:” A patient of mine who was at the early stage of type 2 diabetes kept getting readmitted to XYZ hospital. When I arrived for my shift and started a conversation with her, I learned that she was a migrant Togolese who didn’t fully comprehend the food limitations. So, I spent some time explaining what hydration restriction is and what kind of diet would be best suited for her.

I provided her with examples of foods to avoid. I then requested that the doctor refer her to an ethnic dietician. She sent a card to the unit a few months later to thank me and let us know she was doing well and hadn’t been hospitalized since she was discharged.”

 

#17. Describe a time when you were under a lot of pressure. How did you approach the situation?

Describe a period when you were under stress and pressure to perform. First, tell the recruiter about the circumstances and the pressure you felt. Then, describe the steps you followed to get through the situation. What came out of it? What did you discover?

Sample answer: “For more than ten years, I was the most experienced nurse on the staff. Along with taking care of my assigned patients, I also had to serve as a reference for the unit’s other novice nurses. I had to ensure I had excellent time management skills to assist someone else. I discovered my ability to be flexible and stretch my limits to succeed. It was a hands-on experience for me.”

 

#18. How do you adapt to significant changes within your healthcare team?

Discuss an instance when you experienced significant changes. For example, you might have been transferred to another facility, or they might have switched to a new computer system. Describe the change you underwent and the efforts you made to adjust.

Sample answer: “I formerly worked for a healthcare organization that moved from paper charts to computerized charts and electronic medical data. This shift was perplexing and frequently stressful. Unfortunately, some of my co-workers struggled to adjust as quickly as I did.”

 

#19. How do you prioritize tasks while managing excellent patient care?

Delegation and task organization are crucial to this role. Being a nurse is hard work, and all hands have to be on deck when required. Explain how you plan to organize your tasks and ensure excellent patient care.

Sample answer: “I’ve discovered that careful planning and attention to detail are the best ways to manage the complexities of the work. I find that tasks that could appear daunting all at once become much more manageable by creating lists and prioritizing what has to be done throughout my day.”

 

#20. How do you manage a patient in critical condition while ensuring your other patients are adequately cared for?

Discuss the patient’s care and why they require so much of your time. Here, delegation is crucial. In addition, knowing when to seek assistance is essential, as you can’t succeed without identifying resources and requesting assistance.

Sample answer: “From my past experience, I have come to realize that delegation and teamwork are crucial factors in handling situations like this. I was assigned to a patient who had multiple fractures. He was in critical condition, but I could not leave the rest of my patients unattended. Thankfully, my co-workers and I had already formed an understanding relationship. They were willing to help me out as soon as I filled them in on the situation.”

 

#21. Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed with several patients. How did you approach the situation?

As a nurse, you must frequently adapt swiftly to shifting circumstances. A smart way to get your foot in the door is to show that you can be quick on your feet when needed.

Sample answer: “As an ICU nurse, I felt the pressure daily. One time, a co-worker called in sick, so I had to cover more patients than normal. I decided to prioritize patient care and make a list of all the additional things I had to do. I successfully handled my increasing workload by planning and paying close attention to the little things. I also frequently do yoga after work to avoid carrying any stress with me.”

 

#22. What do you find most difficult about being a nurse?

This is a trick question. Don’t be too quick to throw your profession under the bus and get carried away with discussing the cons and several difficulties you have encountered. Remember, you are there for a job interview, so be smart with your response.

Sample answer: “Feeling helpless has to be the most difficult experience I’ve had. There are moments when you simply can’t do more to help a patient. It’s difficult for me when I’m unable to help because I genuinely care about people and want to be of service.”

 

#23. How would your co-workers describe you?

This is another way of asking the question: tell me about yourself. This time, the recruiters want to assess how you see yourself and whether you are confident enough in your abilities that your co-workers can see the same.

Sample answer: “I’m a driven self-starter who genuinely values this field’s hands-on and interpersonal aspects. Helping others when they are in need gives me the most satisfaction, and I’m sure my co-workers can sense that in me. My co-workers would also describe me as passionate, and I’ve used that passion to propel myself and my career. I continually work to ensure that I stay on top of new trends and technological improvements, and I continue to further my education—acquire my MSN and keep up with all current developments in my industry.”

 

#24. What are your career goals for the next five years?

An interviewer wants to know whether hiring you will be profitable. They are concerned with what is best for their staff and the business’s financial health. They’ll probably choose someone else if it appears that you won’t be there long enough to make the cost of training worthwhile.

Sample answer: “My goal is to acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to assume a managerial-type position over the next seven years. I know your company prefers to hire and promote from within, and I would like to work for an organization that supports that kind of employee development.”

 

#25. Why did you leave your previous position?

When responding to this question, be truthful but refrain from criticizing your present or former employers. This question is frequently used in interviews to determine whether or not you will bring a pessimistic attitude to the workplace or whether you won’t remain around for the long run.

Sample answer: “Although my current position is enjoyable and emphasizes patient outcomes and what is best for our patients, I’ve grown too accustomed to the routine. So, I’m searching for a chance to expand my knowledge and skill set.”

 

Questions To Ask Your Potential Employer

One of the most crucial moments in a job interview is when the interviewer inquires, “Do you have any questions for me?” This is a chance to learn more about the position or work environment. In addition, indicating you have questions would present you as passionate and motivated. You can ask the following questions in a nursing interview as a potential candidate:

 

• How does this facility manage overtime? Are there formal policies in place, and, if so, what do they entail?

• What do your most successful nurses have in common?
• Which medical record systems does the facility use?

• Is there a mentorship program in this nursing unit?
• Can you describe the relationship between the nurses and the other staff members?
• What percentage of the nurses on the team have specialty certifications?

• How would you describe the turnover with regards to the nursing staff? What is the most common reason nurses give for leaving?
• Once you began working here, did anything about the facility surprise you?
• What is the most common type of error in this nursing unit? What steps are being taken to prevent it?
• What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in your facility?
• Does this hospital have sister units that nurses must float to when needed?

 

During the interview, you ought to raise at least one query. It will make it easier for you to understand what is expected. Furthermore, it demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond to learn as much as possible about the position and the business. Examine the list of inquiries above and choose three that best fit the job description.

It’s important to remember that the inquiries above are merely hypothetical, so you don’t have to limit yourself to only those. There are plenty of others you can ask should you have any additional questions about the position that you can’t find answers to elsewhere; just ensure it is thoughtful and appropriate.

 

Preparing for Your Nursing Interview

A popular saying seems to always ring true; failing to prepare is like preparing to fail. Whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned veteran nurse, it’s important to prepare for a nursing interview. You want to make a good first impression on the hiring managers. Here are some interview tips to ensure your success in the interview:

 

Tips For General/Face-To-Face Interviews

— Get Familiar

Learn about the position you’re looking for, the job description, and the company. Your responses will show whether you have done your research and are aware of all you are signing up for. You don’t want to go into the interview not knowing what position you’re looking for.

— Try A Mock Interview

Conducting a practice interview could be very helpful. It is a great way to be sure your answers sound natural and not too rehearsed. It can also help reduce pressure as you practice and get acquainted with your answers. For assistance with this, you can turn to your friends or family.

— Dress Professionally

Wear appropriate attire. Wearing professional clothing indicates you take the job seriously. It’s not recommended to wear jeans, scrubs, improper or overly casual apparel, or overwhelming perfumes.

— Arrive Early

Show up on time. Or, even better, arrive a few minutes early for the interview. Allow plenty of time to find the location — the building, the floor, or the interview space. It’s unprofessional to keep the interviewer waiting, so avoid doing it.

— Take Necessary Documents

Anything can come up in an interview, and so you don’t want to be caught unaware or seem disorganized when your recruiter asks to see your certifications. It would cost you absolutely nothing to go with essentials like a pen or pencil, a small notepad or notebook in good shape, and a neat, unwrinkled folder with your resume, any letters of reference you might have, your nursing license/proof you have passed, NCLEX (mainly for new nursing graduates), a CPR card, and other pertinent certifications.

— Maintain A Smile

This helps! When you discuss your work, ask questions, or show excitement for the business, it’s a good idea to smile. Smiling brightens your tone and gives you an aura of positivity.

 

Tips For Online/Phone Interviews

The above rules are still applicable. However, to be more specific:

• Pick a quiet location with a good connection. Avoid anything that could cause you to lose focus throughout the interview.
• Ensure your phone or laptop is fully charged and for the best sound quality, use headphones or earbuds.
• While you are speaking on the phone, stand up. You may be able to project your responses more clearly while standing during a phone interview than if you are seated.
• Keep a copy of your cover letter and resume close to hand in case they are requested.
• Even if they cannot see you, avoid eating or drinking during the phone interview.
• Keep a neat/plain background for Zoom or other online interviews that require video. The interviewer will be able to see your surroundings, so ensure they are tidy. For example, stand before a blank wall. Additionally, avoid sitting with a window in your back because the light will blind you.
• Practice with the proposed platform beforehand. Do not worry if you are new to Zoom or Google Meet, as these platforms are easy to use. However, practicing to avoid surprises could be a good idea.

 

The Bottom Line

Are you prepared for your dream job? In your nursing profession, you have already overcome several obstacles. You completed nursing school, obtained your NCLEX, dealt with difficult patients, and endured trying workplace circumstances. However, you still have to successfully complete this interview before you can land your ideal job.

Preparation is the key to aceing nurse interviews. You will impress the interviewer if you combine your enthusiasm with enough preparation and research. Make sure your response is sincere and open. Your responses should be based on real-world instances and acquired lessons. Also, be receptive. Above all, let your enthusiasm for your nursing career and helping people shine through. Best of luck!

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do you introduce yourself at the beginning of a nursing interview?

Begin by introducing yourself and giving a quick overview of your schooling and employment background. Perhaps you should talk about your motivations for picking this vocation and your passion. You should also cover why you are a good fit for the job and your long-term career objectives.

I’ve recently passed the NCLEX-RN exam, having studied nursing for a few years at XYZ University. I worked as a part-time LPN in a rehab center during swing shifts while in school. While assisting people in regaining their independence, I appreciated the range of abilities I used and discovered. Since I have my RN license and have completed clinicals in various specialties, I have discovered that I am particularly interested in working with this patient demographic, and I am aware that your hospital is among the best in the state.

 

What is the hardest part of a nursing interview?

We believe this is highly subjective to individual human experiences. What Mr. A. finds challenging may be a breeze-through experience for Ms. B. due to her unique experience. However, with adequate practice and preparation, you wouldn’t have to worry about the hardest part of a nursing interview but rather how to succeed at whatever obstacles a nursing interview might throw at you.

 

What is the best way to answer situational nursing interview questions?

Many times, nursing interview questions are behavioral/situational questions. The best approach to answering such questions is to use the STAR method. When using the STAR method, utilize any work experience you have to include the following information:

• A challenge you encountered – Situation.
• Your precise role during this challenge – Task.
• How you responded to the challenge – Action.
• The advantage to your employer and any lessons you must have learned afterward – Result.

Using this method helps your recruiter to understand how you think and predict how you might act in similar circumstances in the future.