There is nothing wrong with being open to an opportunity that enhances your career. This is a very critical question. Don't "bad mouth" your previous employer. If you are coming out of an organization known to have major problems, or in midst of a buy-out, down-sizing or re-engineering, this may be an easy question to answer. It is also good to state that after long personal consideration your chance to make a contribution is very low due to changes in the company. If you were not looking for a change when contacted by the recruiter to this interview, say so. There is nothing wrong with being open to an opportunity that advances your career.

Answers to this question can get you the job so prepare extensively. You may want to frame your answer into a two minute story, with details and discuss personal involvement. Describe how things were when you arrived, what you did to make the change and the measurable results. Discuss accomplishments that were worth achieving. Discuss hard work, long hours, pressure and any important issues at stake.

Be certain you know the specifics of the question - do they need a person to maintain the status quo or make major changes? Do they want staff development, a hands-on manager or an administrator to facilitate policies with upper administration?
Pick two or three main factors about the job and about you that are most relevant. Provide specific details. Select a clinical or technical skill or a specific management skill (organizing, staffing, planning), and combine it with a personal success attribute.

The interviewer is trying to determine your goal orientation, work ethic, personal commitment, and integrity. Provide a good example where you overcame numerous difficulties to succeed. Prove you're not a quitter, and that you'll "get going when the going gets tough."

The interviewer is trying to determine compatibility with the open position. If you have an interest in the position be careful. Stating that you dislike overtime or detail work can cost you the position. There is nothing wrong with liking challenges, pressure situations, opportunities to grow, or a dislike for bureaucracy or frustrating situations. Again, be positive about your current position

High achievers tend to perform well in high pressure situations. These questions also could imply that the position is pressure packed. If you do perform well under stress, provide an example with details, giving an overview of the stressful situation. Let the interviewer "feel" the stress by your description.

Your answer will tell the interviewer about your understanding of hiring, motivating and retaining staff. Following directions, thinking outside of the box, empowering people or just doing what needs to be done; all of these management approaches have their time. It's OK to be a manager; certain situations require it. Being a leader is the next level of managerial development, so convey what is appropriate for you.

Addressing mistakes in choices you made in the past will demonstrate maturity. Being unable to do so will cost you the job. From commuting issues to re-engineering there are people who never expected job loss or changes to be a problem to address. Be able to address each issue clearly with solid information. This is an opportunity to grow with new challenges. Convey why you can and are ready to settle down now and your ability to make a contribution to a new organization.
    If you have taken time off between positions, it is OK to let them know that you were not looking for another job. Let the interviewer know with increased responsibility and your broadened experience, you will be an asset to their team. If you had offers and did not accept them, let them know you are looking for the perfect organization - theirs! Be positive, introspective and honest; but do not dwell on the question.

This is the essence of who you are as an employee. Autonomy, someone to brain-storm with, fairness, someone interested in your continued professional development, creativity and supportive of your decisions may be some of the many different aspects of your next manager. Being aware of which of these characteristics have worked best (or worst) for you is important in being true to who you are as a manager and an individual. Be aware that your answer will also reveal a great deal about who you are. We tend to mirror the person we want for a manager.

Healthcare continues to go through major changes. Describe in a positive way, what changes you led, facilitated, or were involved in as a participant. Use examples where you specifically made changes and describe the outcome.