Interview Tips
How to stand out to our hiring managers when applying at Providence Swedish
People are drawn to healthcare for all kinds of reasons. At Providence Swedish, many of our caregivers are driven by a personal sense of purpose, a “why” that motivates them to serve others every day.
Discovering your own “why” and using it to illustrate your goals and amplify your strengths can help you stand out from other applicants as you consider a career with us in radiology, therapy, pharmacy, or as a surgical tech or medical assistant.
The power of “why”
Your “why” is your true guiding light, and it matters to hiring managers as much as your resume.
“Providence Swedish is very much a values-driven organization, which is something that separates us a lot from different healthcare systems across the country.”
Carl Hinkson, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Senior Director, Ancillary Services, Respiratory Therapy
Carl and other hiring managers appreciate meeting with someone who has thought about their “why” before an interview and is ready to share what drives them and how that connects with the mission and values of the organization.
Carl began his healthcare career as a respiratory therapist in 1996, working closely with patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and those on mechanical ventilation. Over time, he moved into leadership roles. When he reflected on what really motivates him, he realized that it was helping people be their best selves. “Not just patients, but also my co-workers. I loved helping them reach their full potential.”
How to find your “why”
To uncover your own “why,” ask yourself:
- What motivates me the most?
- What gets me excited to hop out of bed and start the day?
- What keeps me going when times are challenging?
- What are my core values, beliefs and passions?
Taking time to reflect, Carl says, helps him stay grounded amid the challenges of healthcare. At Providence Swedish, we value that kind of personal insight and commitment because having a personal “why” can transform a job into a fulfilling career.
Additional traits our hiring managers value
We asked leaders across our medical imaging and ancillary services teams to share the traits that make a caregiver successful at Providence Swedish beyond their “why.”
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Commitment to lifelong learning
- Drive
- Honesty
- Humbleness
- Humility
- Humor
- Inquisitive nature
- Levity
- Positivity
- Resilience
- Values-based personality
Here’s a more in-depth look at what they had to say.
“We look for values and a great attitude.”
Laura Roberts, Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Breast Care Center, Swedish First Hill, Seattle
“I look for humbleness, humility, transparency and honesty,” says Laura. “Somebody who can support Swedish values of compassion, justice, excellence, dignity, integrity and most of all, safety.”
But she emphasizes it’s not 100 percent about the “nitty gritty work stuff.”
“I try to get an idea of the full person because we spent so many hours at work and this is somebody who’s going to be part of your work family,” Laura shares. “A little sense of humor is helpful. A little bit of lightheartedness and levity.”
“Maintain resilience and positivity.”
Reynaldo Turcios-Rios, Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia
“It is easy to learn some of the technical aspects of this profession, but when it comes to actually taking care of patients, translating those skills to the bedside can be a challenge,” says Reynaldo. “It’s important to stay with your coursework, learn the field, and seek out a mentor who can help you grow.”
He says that as you learn, positivity and resilience are critical. “You’re going to have your ups and downs wherever you go. There’s more than one way to do some of what we do. Being resilient and motivated to learn new things, and keeping a positive attitude, that’s very important.”
“Adaptability is crucial.”
Ljiljana Andrich, Manager Respiratory Care, Swedish First Hill, Seattle
Healthcare is fast-paced and constantly changing, and Ljiljana says that adaptability is crucial, especially in roles like respiratory therapy, where settings and patient needs can vary dramatically. A can-do attitude matters as much as clinical skills.
“I love candidates with a willingness to learn and be part of a team,” says Liliana. “It’s so incredibly important for success in this field.”
She adds, “We have a lot of years of experience, and we’ve seen a lot of stuff. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even the tough questions.”
“Keep the conversation going.”
Carl adds that it’s always important to stay in touch with a hiring manager throughout the application process, establishing open communication and utilizing the manager as a valuable resource.
“Dream big. Don’t be afraid to fail.”
Laura adds this final piece of advice that applies to both career and personal development. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Dream big anyway. You might wind up missing your mark, but you need to accept that you may not always win. It’s better to fail trying. If you have an interest in something, investigate it. Don’t be afraid to learn and grow.”
Discover where you belong
At Providence Swedish, we’re united in our commitment to caring for our communities as well as our employees, and providing an environment where everyone belongs. We’ll support and empower you, no matter where you are in your professional journey.
If you’re interested in working with us at one of our locations across the beautiful Puget Sound region of Washington State, view open roles today. Or, if you’re not ready to apply yet, join our Talent Network to stay in touch about new opportunities, hiring events and more tips and advice from our team.
