Why this matters:
Specific populations have different dietary needs based on different rates of medical conditions. For instance, a geriatric patient and a patient in their 20s shouldn’t receive the same dietary recommendations. A nutritionist should be aware of these differences and how to take them into account when working with a client.
What to listen for:
- Can make specific recommendations tailored to population needs
- Identify demographically correlated medical conditions
- Explain importance of demographic trends in medicine
Why this matters:
Many clients come to nutritionists to lose weight. Meeting a client’s needs is one of the key tasks of a nutritionist, so candidates should be able to develop a plan for one of the most common reasons that clients seek out nutritional advice in the first place — though the answer in practice would depend on client-specific factors.
What to listen for:
- Explaining what dietary changes would be necessary
- Identifying client-specific factors that would influence a plan
- Projecting long-term strategies to maintain a healthy weight
Why this matters:
Knowing a client’s BMR is the first step toward developing a nutrition plan, so a candidate needs to know how to calculate this value. However, like many metrics, it can be skewed due to certain factors. A strong response to this question will demonstrate a candidate’s depth of understanding and their professional knowledge.
What to listen for:
- A clear understanding of the correct formula, while identifying potential complicating factors
- An explanation of the limits of BMR and other metrics and importance of viewing each patient as an individual
- Strong knowledge of latest developments in nutritional science
Why this matters:
Like all medical professionals, nutritionists sometimes face problems with their patients, and they need to find ways of addressing these concerns while preserving the patient relationship. By drawing on past experiences, a candidate can show that they’re prepared to deal with this challenge when they’re on the job.
What to listen for:
- Concern and empathy for patients
- Professional demeanor
- Ability to work through interpersonal conflict
Why this matters:
Even a respectful patient may sometimes present problems when they shift the focus of their treatment well into a regimen. This may be due to numerous factors, but in any case the nutritionist should respond with an alternative plan that still works for the patient and doesn’t result in a painful transition period.
What to listen for:
- Ability to keep calm under pressure
- Flexibility in handling evolving situations
- Comprehensive knowledge of alternative diet plans
Why this matters:
Pride is deadly for any medical practitioner, and often a practitioner needs to consult colleagues for difficult cases. A nutritionist who is willing to ask for help is more likely to provide their clients with the best service they can. This question permits candidates to demonstrate their humility as well as their verbal communication skills.
What to listen for:
- Strong connections to colleagues
- Acknowledging differing areas of expertise
- Ability to assess situations from a high level
Why this matters:
Nutritionists often act as teachers for their clients. In addition to their medical knowledge, candidates should demonstrate that they can communicate the rationale behind their decisions. At times this may seem like it falls outside the scope of work, but it’s necessary in order to effectively help a client reach their goals.
What to listen for:
- Clearly explaining to patient the rationale behind decisions
- Retaining information from earlier patient sessions
- Ability to speak to a non-expert without condescension
Why this matters:
Like all medical professionals, nutritionists work with humans, and a human touch is just as important as medical training. This question allows candidates to show a bit of their own humanity. They may draw on interests that fall outside of medicine to illustrate how they put these skills or experiences into practice.
What to listen for:
- Connecting skill to larger role as nutritionist
- Concern for client service and happiness
- Well-roundedness as an individual
Why this matters:
As above, different populations have different nutritional needs. Increasingly, many nutritionists are beginning to cater to particular populations. A candidate’s response to this question illustrates their awareness and social conscience. It should not, however, show unconscious bias or prejudice, but rather a desire to help populations which may not be well-served.
What to listen for:
- Understanding different nutritional needs of populations
- Demonstrating social concern and knowledge of medical injustice
- Avoiding unkind or prejudicial language
Contact a sales consultant.