How to Screen Candidates for Ethics and Honesty

December 11th, 2016

Hiring honest and ethical employees is important no matter the industry, but it is especially vital in the world of healthcare. With quality patient care as the primary goal of your organization, your staff needs to be trustworthy and empathetic in nature. Trying to determine whether a candidate possesses these attributes from a résumé or during an interview takes a measure of effort.

With a medical office team known for its honor and morals as your goal, here are a few tips on how to screen candidates for ethics and honesty.

Consider an Integrity Test Before Interviewing Candidates

When combined with a thorough vetting of their résumé, this early screening allows your HR team to focus on interviewing a smaller set of applicants. Most integrity tests feature a collection of ethics-based scenarios with questions asking how someone would react in a certain situation.

Since a dishonest person can simply answer falsely on their test, the interview process plays a more important role in truly screening candidates.

Verifying Honesty During the Interview

The interview offers the best chance to gauge a candidate’s ethical standards. Behavior-based questions – including hypothetical scenarios similar to an integrity test – offer a great chance to analyze their honesty in real-world situations. It is important to observe their body language when answering these pointed questions.

Ask about any ethical training or coursework in their career. Was it a requirement or it this an area of interest to them?

Additionally, pay attention to how they answer when asked about their work history. Are they embellishing their accomplishments? Do they seem less than forthright? Body language along with their manner of speaking offers insights.

Reference Checking is Vital

Don’t skimp on checking a candidate’s references before any job offer is extended. Verify the accuracy of their educational and professional history – any discrepancies are a red flag. Consider performing this task after the initial integrity test and before interviews begin to further narrow down your candidate list before interviews start.

Implementing these ideas helps you employ an honest and trustworthy medical team.


When you need additional tips on building a great medical staff, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the country’s top healthcare staffing agencies, we also provide great candidates able to make a difference for your organization. Connect with us at your earliest convenience.

Graduating in December? Use These Tips to Land a Nursing Job

December 4th, 2016

Well, all that hard work is soon to pay off with your upcoming graduation from nursing school. Even when graduating in December, your chances of landing a great nursing job are good. After all, most healthcare organizations don’t shut down during the holiday season!

What follows are a few tips to help you out when hunting for a nursing gig during the holidays, or any time of the year. Hopefully, these insights place you in a new position as soon as possible. Good luck in your job search!

Preparing to Search for a Nursing Job

Your first task is to create a résumé and cover letter. Highlight any relevant medical industry experience on your CV, even if there isn’t much due to your schooling. Personalize every cover letter for each position you are applying for – a cover letter template makes this process faster.

Research Every Medical Company Before an Interview

Once you’ve earned an interview with a medical establishment, research the company before your big day. When prompted to ask a question or two of your own during the interview, take this opportunity to show off your research by asking a meaningful question. Hiring managers will be impressed you did your homework!

Interviewing Practice Helps You Get a Job Offer

Practice your interviewing techniques beforehand with a trusted friend. Pay close attention to your body language (no slouching or fidgeting!), speak confidently and make eye contact with the interviewer. This helps lessen any nervousness, ensuring you will perform great when interviewing for real.

Dress for Success on the Big Day

When the day of the interview arrives, be sure to dress professionally, paying close attention to your personal grooming. This also helps boost your confidence when face-to-face with the interviewer. Give off a confident air throughout the interview without being arrogant.

This is where all your preparation and practice pays off – hopefully with a job offer! Whatever the result, stay patient and focused while keeping a positive attitude. Additionally, consider working with a staffing agency experienced in the world of healthcare to boost your chances of landing a great new job.


When searching for the right staffing agency for your emerging career, look no further than Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the nation’s top medical employment agencies, we know what top healthcare establishments are looking for talented professionals. Connect with us as soon as possible!

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