Anyone who aims for a career in the HSE – the state’s largest employer with over 100,000 employees – should know about the HSE’s interview questions. In line with its goal to be an Employer of Choice, the HSE continually seeks quality health professionals to be a part of its team who can help in making a significant contribution to health care, public service, and the lives of all Irish citizens. 

Everyone aspiring to become a part of the HSE—including doctors, nurses, and admin staff—needs to qualify for a set of eligibility criteria based on the position they’re applying for and undergo the recruitment process. The recruitment process typically includes an interview phase, where the applicants will be asked HSE-related interview questions. H-Training offers career coaching services and interview coaching to help candidates answer the HSE interview questions confidentially. With more than 30 years of experience, the H-Training Team has extensive knowledge of how to prepare candidates for various types of interviews.  

Below, we share our expert insights related to HSE interview questions.  

What is the HSE?  

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides health services through medical professionals and hospitals, as well as a network of community-based Local Health Offices, health centres, and clinics. The services include the promotion of good health among the citizens, the prevention of illnesses, and the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. The HSE also provides community care and personal social services—services that help people remain in their communities, particularly when they are unable to do so due to disease, disability, or age—such as nursing services, home help, occupational therapy, and social work services. 

Who can receive the healthcare services provided by the HSE?  

Thousands of healthcare professionals undergo a selection process where they’re asked HSE interview questions and complete training to deliver quality services to the citizens of Ireland. All residents of Ireland have the right to health care through the public health care system, which is controlled by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and supported through general taxation and subsidised service fees. All maternity services and childcare for children under the age of six are free of charge. The Medical Card, which allows holders to access free hospital care, GP visits, dental services, optical services, aural services, prescription drugs, and medical appliances, is available to welfare recipients, low-income earners, many pensioners, and in some other circumstances. People without a Medical Card must pay fees for certain healthcare services in Ireland. 

How are health services delivered in Ireland?  

Anyone aiming to get into the HSE and answer their interview questions well should know what the role of the HSE plays in the healthcare system of Ireland. The HSE is a separate government entity in charge of the delivery of healthcare services in Ireland.  Each year, the government appropriates funds to run the Health and Social Care system and agrees on a service plan with the HSE that specifies the quantity and quality of services to be provided. The HSE has recently been reorganised into four regional operational units to bring service delivery closer to the populations they serve. Each region serves a population of around one million people, and services are provided by a mix of public, voluntary, and private organisations. Each region has several hospital networks that provide acute treatment as well as local health offices that provide preventive care. 

What occupations does HSE employ? 

If you plan to work in the HSE, it’s worth noting that your HSE interview questions may vary depending on the position you’re applying for. The following occupations that HSE employs are broken down into several categories:  

• Medical: Medical Consultants, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors, Public Health Doctors and Medical Officers 
• Nursing: Clinical Nurse Managers, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Staff Nurses, Theatre Nurses, Emergency Nurses, Public Health Nurses and Midwives 
• Health and Social Care Professionals
• Dental: Dental Surgeons and Orthodontists 
• Management/Administration/ICT: Finance and General Administration, Human Resources, Health Promotion, Corporate Affairs and ICT 
• Technical and Maintenance: Draughtsman, Technicians, Electricians, Engineer/Engineering Officers, Maintenance Craftsmen/Technicians, Mechanics, Plasterers, Plumbers and Technical Services Officers 
• Catering and Housekeeping:  Catering Officers, Chefs, Cooks, Dining Room Staff, Housekeeping Staff, Porters and Laundry Staff 
• General Support Staff: Attendants, Drivers, General Operatives, Nurse Aides, Homehelps and Supplies Officers

Both permanent and temporary job opportunities are offered by the HSE.  

Benefits of Working in the HSE 

According to the HSE, they aim to attract and retain good people in their organisation.  

Working in a rewarding and demanding job is already one of the many advantages of being an HSE employee, but these are the other benefits that HSE offers:  

• Competitive Compensation
• Pension  
• Travel and Subsistence  
• Time Off /Leave  
• Training and Development Opportunities  
• Health Services Staff Credit Union
• Cycle to Work Scheme  
• Mediation Service 

The HSE Screening Process 

It takes more than just a few HSE interview questions to get into the HSE.  

All applications will be assessed for eligibility using the job specification’s essential qualifications, experience, and skills. The HSE screening process is multi-phased:  

1. Sifting for Eligibility and Short Listing  

The criteria for eligibility/shortlisting are based on the job requirements as outlined in the job specification; it’s critical that you consider your experience in light of those requirements and provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience in your application form. To determine eligibility, applications are assessed by the relevant professionals together with the Human Resource department.  

2. Methods of Selection  

Additional exams, tests, or preliminary interviews may be part of the selection process. If these additional processes are necessary, applicants will be notified.  

3. Interviews  

Candidates are usually given at least one week’s notice of their interview. Typically, interviews are done by a three-person board comprised of subject experts and management specialists who will ask the HSE interview questions. Most interviews are competency-based, with the interview board awarding credit to candidates who demonstrate at the interview that they have the experience, competencies, and skills mentioned in the Job Specification and as declared by the candidate in their application form.  

4. Interview Results  

Candidates will be advised of the outcome of their interview as soon as possible following the interview. However, the interview board’s recommendation doesn’t imply a job offer yet. After the interview, the selection process continues with clearance checks such as references, Garda or police clearance, occupational health, and qualification and experience validation.  

5. Qualifications and Experience Validation  

Any credit provided to a candidate during an interview for qualifications, training, or experience is provisional and subject to verification. The interview board’s recommendation may be reconsidered if the claimed qualification, training, or experience can’t be confirmed. 

6. Pre-Employment Health Screening  

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical examination or fill out a paper stating their health status. The HSE’s Occupational Health Service will assess the results of the examination or declaration. The successful applicants will then be deployed to their assigned panels or departments.  

What are HSE interview questions?  

Interview questions are asked during the HSE interview to help the organisation measure a candidate’s understanding of the HSE as well as the role they are applying for. Candidates vying for a position in the HSE need to answer a set of questions during the interview phase of the screening process to showcase their knowledge and experience of the position. These questions can range anywhere from generic and common to more intricate and esoteric questions—it depends on what the interview panel wishes to learn from the candidate as part of the assessment process.   

Are HSE interview questions difficult to answer?  

Generally, it’s not difficult to pass an HSE interview if you are well-prepared. Researching can give you a sense of what to expect on the HSE assessment, which can boost your chances of passing the interview.  

Going through commonly asked HSE questions is one of the most effective ways to do this. This is useful because, while the questions may differ, they usually share some insightful details. Although you may not receive the same questions from the previous HSE interviews, you’ll surely gain an understanding of the types of questions that are likely to be asked.  

Examples of HSE Interview Questions  

The more interview questions you answer correctly, the better you can showcase your knowledge and understanding of HSE. Here are some sample questions asked during an HSE interview:  

• Why do you want to work for HSE? 
• Describe your experience as a healthcare professional.  
• What means of transport do you have? 
• Describe the ability of your personal intuition. 
• What is your 5-year plan? 
• What can you offer to the HSE? 
• What documents do you have that can prove your experience in the field? 
• What motivates you to serve the citizens of Ireland?

Want to gain a competitive advantage in your interview? Let us help you!  

If you want a career in HSE, H-Training can help! We offer career guidance for adults, HSE training, and a gamut of other career services. We deliver world-class interview instruction both online and in person, so you can access it from anywhere and at any time and ace your HSE interview questions.  

Companies that need help with their recruitment or interview processes may also take advantage of our corporate services, such as interview board training and corporate group interview training. We’ll train your internal teams on selecting the right candidates for your team and conducting assessments like an emotional intelligence assessment effectively. 

Get personalised coaching to help you get your dream job or candidate fast. Reach us today!