Hope Network Interview Questions
& Process

I was shocked when they asked me in the phone interview, "Have I ever had a traffic ticket?" I have an accent, and I think she didn't like I am not American. I told them I had. I had a lot of interviews after that and got several great jobs. I have interviewed people for positions, and still, when I think about that phone interview with Hope Network in Grand Rapids, I don't understand why an HR is asking me this question. She obviously had another agenda.

Hope Network's Talent Acquisition Specialist first reached out to me by phone. She confirmed the position I was interested in and asked some initial questions, like if I had a valid driver's license. She also asked about my knowledge of Hope Network and any experience working with people with disabilities. Following that, she mentioned she'd email me a request for references. I got the email soon after, with a link to an online reference submission site. They asked for five references, but only three were required, and two of those had to be professional. Because they needed the references within 24 hours, I quickly contacted people via text, message, and email, and managed to get all five (two professional, three personal) ready by the next morning. On Wednesday of the same week, the Talent Acquisition Specialist called again. There was a slight issue – the position I applied for was no longer open. She redirected me to a different facility and said she'd forward my info there. Later that afternoon, a director from that facility called to schedule an interview for the very next morning. I arrived at the facility early on Thursday morning, about 30 minutes ahead of time. I spent that time reviewing sample interview questions and answers, information about Hope Network, and the job description, thinking about how my skills fit and preparing examples. I went inside about 10 minutes before the interview and waited in the lobby, which gave me a chance to observe the environment and interact with some of the consumers who were coming in. This helped me imagine myself working there. The director was friendly and laid-back. She reviewed my resume and confirmed some details. Then, she mentioned she had to ask some standard questions from headquarters. These included questions about implementing Hope Network's mission statement, my definition of a team, and conflict resolution experience. Although the questions could seem tough, the director's friendly demeanor made the environment feel non-threatening. She also gave me the job description to read and asked if I had any questions about it. After the interview, someone from the office gave me a tour of the building, explaining the different rooms and the types of consumers served. This tour was very helpful in understanding the role better, and I appreciated the helpful answers to my questions. The whole interview and tour lasted a bit less than an hour. I was then told that the Talent Acquisition Specialist would be in touch soon regarding the outcome. On Tuesday of the following week, the Talent Acquisition Specialist called to offer me the position. She outlined the next steps, which included confirming my acceptance via email, completing pre-employment tests at a hospital, attending a New Hire Sign-in, and participating in a three-day, 18-hour New Hire orientation. I'm sharing this because reading others' experiences helped me, and I hope this does the same for someone else.

Sent resume, got a call to set up a phone interview within three days. Had a 30 minute phone interview, then an in-person interview with two people. Afterward, I was given a tour of HNI and was told I'd get a written offer by the end of the day. Didn't get anything. Then, I got an email saying I'd have a written offer by the next day. Four days have passed and still nothing. It's fine if they changed their mind, but it's not okay to ghost a candidate. I know someone else who applied for an HR position there and had a similar experience. Very disappointed in how they handle their candidate experience.

It was a friendly and quick chat. We mostly just talked. They told me a lot about the company, their lab, and the labs they have in local hospitals. We discussed what a typical night shift would be like and went over the training process. They asked about my long-term employment goals and my availability.