18 American Red Cross Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to an interview, you can expect to be asked questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills. But what if the interviewer asks you a question that’s specific to the American Red Cross?

Whether you’re interviewing for a job at the American Red Cross or for another organization, it’s important to be prepared for questions about the company. In this guide, you’ll find several sample questions and responses, including questions about the American Red Cross’s mission and values.

American Red Cross Interview Process

The interview process at American Red Cross can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview. The length of the hiring process also varies, but it typically takes several weeks to complete.

Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward. However, some positions may be more difficult to land than others. For example, the Phlebotomist position requires a skills test as part of the interview process. This test can be challenging, but it is possible to pass with proper preparation.

In general, the interview experience at American Red Cross is positive. The staff is friendly and professional, and they are typically very helpful in providing information about the company and the position you are applying for.

1. Are you comfortable working with people who have been injured?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your comfort level with working in an emergency situation. It also helps them determine if you have any experience working with people who are injured or ill. If you don’t have direct experience, it’s important to show that you’re willing to learn and develop these skills.

Example: “I’ve never worked directly with someone who was injured, but I did volunteer at a hospital where I helped patients get comfortable while they waited for their doctors. I learned how to help them change into their pajamas, find their favorite snacks and make sure they had everything they needed. I’m confident that I could apply those same skills to helping someone who has been injured.”

2. Why should we hire you for this position?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their organization. Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly review the job description so that you can reference specific skills or requirements in your answer. In your response, try to highlight two or three of your strongest skills and explain how they would help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I believe I am an excellent candidate for this position because of my communication skills and ability to work well with others. Throughout my career, I have worked as a volunteer at several blood drives where I interacted with donors and other volunteers. I know how important it is to be friendly and helpful when working with others, which is why I always strive to be kind and empathetic when speaking with people.”

3. Describe a time when you had to work under pressure to complete an assignment in a short amount of time.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle stressful situations and whether or not you have experience working under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time when you had to work quickly but still completed the task successfully.

Example: “In my previous role as an assistant manager at a retail store, I was responsible for scheduling employees on busy days. One day, I scheduled several employees to work during a sale event that would take place over the weekend. However, one employee called in sick the morning of the event, leaving me with only two employees to cover the entire event. I knew we needed more people to cover the event, so I asked other managers if they could send additional employees to our location. Luckily, they were able to do so, and we were able to provide excellent customer service throughout the event.”

4. What do you know about the American Red Cross?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of the American Red Cross and how you can contribute to their organization. To answer this question, you should provide an overview of what the American Red Cross does and why it’s important. You may also want to mention any personal experiences with the organization.

Example: “I know that the American Red Cross provides disaster relief services across the country. I have volunteered at several blood drives in my community, so I am familiar with some of the ways they help people during emergencies. For example, when there was a hurricane last year, the American Red Cross provided shelter and food for those who were displaced by the storm.”

5. Tell me about your experience as a phlebotomist and/or drawing blood.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with blood draws and how you feel about them. If you have any personal or professional experiences that were challenging, be honest in describing the situation and what you learned from it.

Example: “I’ve worked as a phlebotomist for five years now, but I still get nervous when drawing blood. However, my nerves usually subside once I start talking to the patient because they are often very friendly and calm. In fact, I find that patients who are calm make my job easier. I also try to focus on the positive aspects of the draw, such as helping people in need.”

6. Are you available to travel on short notice?

The American Red Cross often needs volunteers to travel on short notice. This is because natural disasters can happen at any time, and the organization needs people who are willing to leave their homes quickly if needed. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about your availability for travel. If you’re not comfortable with traveling, it’s best to explain why in your answer.

Example: “I am available to travel on short notice. I have a flexible schedule that allows me to take time off when necessary. In fact, I’ve volunteered as a disaster relief volunteer before, so I’m used to leaving my home quickly.”

7. Do you have any non-compete agreements that would restrict you from taking this job?

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, and many of its employees are required to sign non-compete agreements. Non-compete agreements restrict an employee from working for a competitor or starting their own business in the same industry for a certain period of time after leaving their job. If you have signed one, be honest about it and explain why you’re qualified for this position despite your restrictions.

Example: “I’m currently employed at ABC Bank as a loan officer. I’ve been here for three years, and my contract states that I can’t work for another bank within 50 miles of our location for two years after leaving. However, I am free to pursue other career opportunities outside of banking.”

8. How would you interact with an angry donor who was upset because they were unable to donate blood due to low hemoglobin levels?

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to fund its operations. Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills and ability to diffuse challenging situations. In your answer, demonstrate how you would use your interpersonal skills to resolve the situation while maintaining the donor’s trust in the organization.

Example: “I understand that donors are upset when they can’t donate blood due to low hemoglobin levels. I would first apologize for any inconvenience and explain why we have these policies in place. Then, I would offer them an alternative way to support our mission by volunteering or donating money. If they were still unhappy with the situation, I would try to find out what else we could do to make them happy.”

9. Is there anything that would prevent you from being able to sit or stand for long periods of time?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your physical capabilities and how you would perform the duties of the position. If you have any limitations, be honest and explain what accommodations you can make to ensure that you are able to complete all job responsibilities.

Example: “I am in good health and have no physical limitations that would prevent me from performing my duties as a volunteer or employee for the American Red Cross. However, I understand that there may be times when I need to stand or sit for long periods of time while on duty. In these situations, I will take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue.”

10. Will you be able to pass a drug test, criminal background check and motor vehicle record screening?

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that works with the public. As such, they want to ensure their employees are trustworthy and responsible. They ask this question to make sure you can pass these screenings. In your answer, explain why you will be able to pass them. If you have ever failed one of these screenings in the past, explain what happened and how you would avoid it happening again.

Example: “I am committed to being a trustworthy employee who follows all rules and regulations. I know that working for a nonprofit means I must pass background checks and other screenings. I have never failed any of these screenings before, but if I do fail one in the future, I will work hard to ensure I pass it on my next try.”

11. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult client? If so, how did you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you have the ability to resolve it. When answering, try to focus on your problem-solving skills and highlight a time when you helped someone who was upset or angry.

Example: “I once had a client who called me because they were unhappy with their blood donation appointment. They wanted to donate more frequently but couldn’t due to work commitments. I listened to them explain their situation and then offered some alternative solutions. In the end, we found a solution that worked for both of us.”

12. Tell us about some examples of times when you’ve been able to lead a team.

The American Red Cross is a large organization that requires many employees to work together. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you’ve used them in the past. Use examples from your experience where you were able to help others succeed or complete projects successfully.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for leading a team of five people who worked on various aspects of our marketing campaign. We met weekly to discuss progress and any challenges we faced. During these meetings, I learned that each person had their own strengths and weaknesses. I helped my team members understand what they could do better by recognizing their unique abilities.”

13. We are looking for someone who is detail oriented and has good communication skills. Give us an example of a situation where these skills came in handy.

The American Red Cross is looking for someone who can work independently and be detail oriented. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have these skills and how they helped you in your previous role. Use examples from your experience that show you are a strong communicator and organized person.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for managing all of our social media accounts. This required me to respond to comments and questions quickly so we could resolve any issues or concerns as soon as possible. It also meant I had to post new content regularly to keep followers engaged. Being detail-oriented and organized helped me manage this task well.”

14. What qualities make a good disaster program manager? Which ones do you possess?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your management style and how you would apply it in the role. Use examples from your experience that show you have these qualities, such as communication skills, problem-solving abilities and leadership qualities.

Example: “A good disaster program manager needs to be a strong communicator who can work well with others. I’ve found that being organized is also important because it helps me stay on top of my tasks and manage my time effectively. In my previous position, I was responsible for managing a team of five employees, so I developed my leadership skills by encouraging my team members to think critically and solve problems themselves.”

15. You will sometimes need to lift heavy objects during this job. Can you tell us about a time when you successfully completed a task utilizing physical strength?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the physical strength and stamina to complete tasks as a Red Cross volunteer. You can answer this question by describing a time when you used physical strength in a previous job or volunteering experience.

Example: “I was working at a local hospital, where I would help patients get from their beds into wheelchairs. Some of these patients were quite large, so it took two people to lift them. One day, we had a patient who weighed over 500 pounds. My coworker and I lifted him up together, and he was able to roll himself out of bed and into his wheelchair.”

16. This position deals with sensitive information. How many years of experience do you have managing confidential data?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience handling confidential information and how you would handle sensitive data in the role. Use examples from past positions where you were responsible for managing confidential information, including any training or certifications that helped you manage it effectively.

Example: “In my last position as a records manager, I was responsible for maintaining all company documents and files, including employee records, financial statements and client information. I have extensive experience with handling confidential information, including HIPAA compliance and other security measures. In fact, I recently completed an online course on protecting confidential information through the American Red Cross.”

17. The clients at our organization come from all backgrounds. Provide an example of a time when you worked well with a person who you didn’t get along with initially.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It also helps them determine if you’re able to work well in a team environment. In your answer, try to explain that you were able to overcome any initial challenges and learn to appreciate each other’s strengths.

Example: “I once worked with someone who I didn’t get along with at first. We had very different personalities, but we both knew it was important for us to find ways to work together. After some time, we learned to respect each other’s strengths and found ways to collaborate more effectively. Eventually, we became good friends.”

18. Our company places great emphasis on integrity. Please describe a situation

where you demonstrated integrity in your previous role.

Example: “Integrity is one of the most important qualities I look for in a company, and it’s something that I hold myself to as well. In my last position, I was working with a client who had been injured in an accident. The client was very upset about their injuries and wanted to know when they would be able to return to work. I explained that there are many factors involved in recovery time, including how severe the injury is, whether or not surgery is required and what kind of rehabilitation will be needed. I also told them that we have resources available to help them find support during this difficult time.”