In the realm of a health care interview, interviewers often explore different aspects of who you are and where you want to be that may not necessarily tie directly to the work you do or the processes you follow.
These are the types of human character tests, soft skill assessments, interpersonal assessments, career goals, motivation questions to their job, and so on.
Assessing these characteristics allows interviewers to assess if you have the specific traits required to smoothly fit with their organization and add to their existing medical team ambiance.
50 General Interview Questions in the Healthcare care Industry
Tell me about yourself.
โI am an energetic and kind person, and I have always had a strong interest in the health care field. You have an impressive education and have had plenty of experience volunteering at local hospitals and clinics.โ
What motivates your interest in becoming a [physician, dentist, physician-assistant, physical therapist, nurse, etc.]? When did you first decide that you wanted [to go into medicine, to become a dentist, to pursue nursing, to be a physical therapist, etc.]?
โI have always been interested in the human body and its capacity to heal. I became inspired to pursue a career in [medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, etc.] while in high school, when I shadowed a healthcare professional and witnessed their impact on patientsโ lives.”
What is your biggest strength and weakness?
โMy greatest strength is my ability to be able to understand patients and relate to them and make them comfortable. I recall a specific instance of a very anxious patient for a procedure, who I reassured and built rapport with. โ My two biggest weaknesses are that Iโm a perfectionist, which can make me spend too much time on a task.โ
What was your role? Do you think research will feature prominently in your future career?
To give you an example, I have worked on research projects related to [insert topic here] where I was responsible for gathering and analyzing data. Research helps drive progress in medicine and ultimately better care for patients, and so I certainly see myself continuing to engage in research throughout my professional career.โ
Explain a situation in which you dealt with a difficult person.
โI was on a clinical rotation when I met a colleague with a very different style.โ Although we couldn’t agree on how to handle a specific case, I recognized the importance of contributing to a team environment and maintaining communication with my colleagues. I reached out to my colleague, heard them out and made a compromise that, in the end, helped the patient.โ
What qualifies you to be a part of our program?
Assuming that you and other applicants have similar grades and test scores, you name it, tell us what additional skills make you stand out from the crowd.
โI am a highly motivated individual with a track record of academic excellence, combined with effective communication and interpersonal skills acquired through my experiences in healthcare settings. Through my active participation in student organizations and community service, I have also shown leadership skills. I am confident that these skills, alongside my commitment to patient care, would allow me to be an asset to your program.
If you are not accepted this time, what do you plan to do?
โIf I was not accepted at this time, I would continue to gain relevant experience and develop my skills. Instead, I will continue to seek opportunities where I can contribute to the healthcare field, through volunteering, shadowing or more education, with the intent to reapply in the future.โ
What is one thing about you that I could not learn from your application materials?
โSomething that might not be apparent from my application materials is my passion for advocating for underserved populations. Through my volunteering at free clinics and engagement in medical outreach programs, I have been exposed to and attuned to the unique struggles these communities face. Devoted to working on healthcare disparities and providing everyone with access to good care.”
What made you pick your major/college/career path? How did your major help you to prepare to enter medicine?
โI selected my major because I wanted to pursue my interests in [specific subject] but also get a strong basis in the sciences. Through my area of study, I have developed some critical and complex problem-solving skills with attention to details. These skills are directly transferable to medicine and have prepared me to meet the demands of a career in healthcare.โ
If you had to start over, would you choose a different major?
Definitely not. โIt was the right choice of academic concentration for me because it gave me a highly rounded education and a good background in the sciences. If I had to start over, I would likely pursue a minor or additional coursework in psychology, as I believe that an understanding of human behavior greatly informs the dynamics behind healthcare.
Describe a situation in which you demonstrated leadership potential.
As the president of a student organization, I organized and led events; I tracked newsletter and campaign progress, solving problems as they arose. For one event, I led a team of volunteers, assigned roles, and oversaw smooth operation. โWe managed to meet our requirements, and we have all positive feedback from the participants in that.”
Give a few examples of when your work has been criticized.
โIn my previous job as a medical scribe, I experienced situations where my documentation was edited and criticized by physicians for not including certain details. Rather than defensiveness, I took it as a growing opportunity and pursued feedback from the physicians. Their experience helped me grow in documented areas and get better at each oncoming encounter.”
What would you do if you couldnโt be a physician?
โIf I werenโt going to be a physician, I would do something in health care administration or public health. I have always been interested in the organizational and strategic side of healthcare, and I realize that I can still play a positive role in patient care and the larger healthcare system by working in these roles.โ
No career is perfect. What do you see as the professional pitfalls?
โHealthcare is fulfilling but comes with its challenges. The problem is that one of the problems is very high own responsibility and stress, making critical decisions that are going to affect immediately and directly patients lives. Moreover, the long working hours and high risk of burnout can be a struggle. I am aware of the challenges ahead, but I am making every effort to prioritize self-care and maintain a work-life balance to prevent myself from succumbing to burnout.
How do you calendar your time and prioritize? How do you do twenty things at once?
“I use a combination of digital calendars, to-do lists, and prioritization techniques to schedule my time and prioritize. I will break things down into smaller parts, assign deadlines to each task (realistic ones), and prioritize the tasks based on urgency and importance. My response to multiple tasks is to manage my time effectively, delegate tasks where necessary, and communicate openly to not feel overwhelmed.”
Who are your role models?
โI have been inspired by healthcare workers who display the dedication and compassion in their roles and a commitment to real lifelong learning. One of the doctors I looked up to was Dr. [Name], who guided me through my shadowing experience. Their expertise, caring for patients as people, and maintaining a work-life balance were all amazing to see, and I hope to achieve the same in my future career.โ
How do you cope with pressure or stress?
Stress and pressure are things that I manage through exercise, mindfulness, and adherence to process and time. I also like to stay in touch with my network, whether that means calling my parents or reaching out to a professional mentor. Moreover, I prioritize engaging in self-care practices to rejuvenate and keep a balanced life.”
Share an instance when you encountered a serious ethical compromise.
โAs I was going about my clinical rotation, I was faced with an ethical dilemma when a patientโs family requested their loved one be kept on life support even though the medical team recommended withdrawing it. It was a tough situation, but I really just took it upon myself to gather all of the information that I wanted, be able to talk to the healthcare team about what we were able to do for large care, and then just communicate openly with the family and tell them and just let them know what we were thinking. In the end we reached a consensus that was in alignment with the patientโs wishes as well as provided the best possible care.โ
What is your method for keeping abreast of the latest developments in healthcare?
โI keep current with innovations and shifts in the field of health care by frequently reading pertinent medical journals, attending congresses and participating in continuing education courses. Additionally, I keep up with quality sources of information on social media where Iโm able to glean the newest research, guidelines, and innovations from healthcare organizations and professionals. Furthermore, I also participate in discussions with my colleagues and mentors to share knowledge and insights.
How do you deal with working with a team that is made up of different personalities and opinions?
Factors that contributed to your growth or the struggle and difference with other personalities, the challenge to work in a team with people with different opinions, personalities, etc. In these situations, I make sure to listen to everyone’s opinions, stay professional, and work towards a resolution. I appreciate diversity of thought, and by sharing our different perspectives, we are able to discover novel solutions and give holistic care.โ
Describe a situation you experienced where you received some criticism or feedback from a supervisor or colleague.
โI take criticism and feedback as a chance to learn and develop. You, on the other hand, have an open mindset; you listen closely and ask follow-up questions to clarify what is being said so that you understand the feedback. After that, I ponder the feedback, consider how valid it is, and think about what I should improve. I view feedback as an essential part of the learning process that enables me to sharpen my skills and improve as a physician.
Tell me a time when you had to manage competing demands or tasks.
โOn my clinical rotation, I had to balance multiple patients, administrative work and the responsibilities of education. Considering that, I created a list of tasks and, based on the priorities and deadlines I had, setting dedicated times for each task. โI also spoke with my preceptor and colleagues to have a shared understanding of priorities and worked together to manage the workload as needed.
How would you deal with difficult patients or circumstances?
When faced with a challenging patient or circumstance, I remain composed and compassionate. I quickly identify the struggle they are perceiving and use empathy to reach out to their human side. My goal is to build trust by listening carefully, offering some empathy and providing a clear explanation. If needed, I include other members of the health care team, such as social workers or patient advocates, to make sure that the patientโs needs are addressed holistically.โ
How do you approach tough discussions with patients or their families?
โThis is the nature of healthcare โ difficult conversations are part of the job, and I bring compassion, empathy and honesty to them. I aim to build a space that is supportive and safe so patients and families express their fears and feelings. I listen, validate their feelings and respond to their questions and concerns with clear and concise informationโ. I provide emotional support and work with the health care team to make a plan for the care the patient needs.
What precautions do you take to protect patient confidentiality and privacy?
โHealthcare protects patient confidentiality and privacy. I maintain strict patient confidentiality, practicing with the utmost ethical and legal standards in mind. I adhere to protocols for secure record-keeping, utilize secure communication systems, and ensure only those with permission access to patient information. I also inform patients about their rights of privacy and confidentiality and seek their consent to disclose sensitive information.โ
What do you do if you make a mistake or error?
โErrors are a part of health care, and itโs important that we respond with integrity and accountability.โ When I make a mistake, I acknowledge it for myself and then immediately report it to whoever needs to hear it (supervisor, healthcare team). When I make a mistake, I own up to my mistakes, work with people to help correct what I can do, and I create ways to stop the same mistake from happening again. I also practice self-reflection and continuous learning to better my skills and prevent my mistakes more effectively.
What support do you have for less dominant culture issues that are surrounding you?
Cultural competence is key to offering patient-centered care. Examine cultural complexities RespectโI strive to learn and honor the diverse cultural practices and beliefs of my patients. I learn more about cultural differences around healthcare beliefs and practices, and I ask open-ended questions to learn more about the patientโs perspective. I also work with interpreters and cultural liaisons as needed to facilitate communication and to deliver culturally sensitive care.โ
What do you do when you disagree with a healthcare professional’s decision or approach to your care?
โIf I ever find myself in a situation where I disagree with a healthcare professional or their plan, I always approach it respectfully with open communication. I excitedly argue on a professional level, voicing my concern and reasoning with proof for my argument. I give attendance to the other side, wanting to understand their logic. I try to meet in the middle and work towards a decision that is in the best interest of the patient.โ
How do you deal with fast-paced, high-pressure environments?
Professionals who work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment require effective time management, prioritization and the ability to remain calm under pressure. I do well in these environments because I am organized, I break things down into manageable pieces, and I communicate openly with my team. โ I also employ some self-care strategies to mitigate stress, such as taking short breaks when engaged in a longer task, practicing deep breathing, getting up to stretch, and asking colleagues for help when necessary.”
What do you do to motivate yourself and stay excited about your work?
โI keep myself motivated and engaged in my work when I think of how much of an impact I can have on patientsโ lives. I help, I support, I bless others and I am very fulfilled in doing so. Finally, I made personal and career objectives in the direction of what I enjoy and what I am passionate about. The other part is I am always looking for betterment, either through conferences, research, or certifications.”
What do you do when a patient, if not the patientโs family, is not compliant to what you recommend or the treatment?
Response: When a patient or patientโs family is resistant to treatment, I look at that person as a whole (body, mind and spirit). I make it a point to attend to the concerns, validate the feelings, and explain transparently about the logic behind my recommendations or treatment plan. I try to establish a relationship of trustโby including them in the process of decision-making by tackling their concerns with them and working together to come up with a solution that supports, and adheres to, their values and goals.โ
How would you respond if you realized you made a mistake in a situation in which a patient could be hurt?
If I made any sort of mistake that could lead to harm to a patient, then my first priority is making sure the patient is either safe or as comfortable as possible and getting them to the help that they need. I would notify the right people, like my supervisor or the healthcare team, about the error as soon as possible and admit my fault. I would approach the situation as a team member, identifying the issues and creating a plan to address the problem, treat the condition, and provide honest information to the patient and their family. I would perform a root cause analysis to determine what went wrong and put systems in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
How do you work with limited resources or in resource-constrained settings?
โWhen working with limited resources or in resource-constrained settings, being creative, adaptable, and patient-centered is crucial.โ I ensure the resource utilization is oriented towards patient acuity and requirements and seek alternatives when feasible. I work in close collaboration with the healthcare team to maximize resource utilization and identify community resources and partnerships. โ I also advocate for my patients and push for systemic changes that can improve the availability of resources and access to care.โ
How do you approach difficult situations with co-workers or team members?
โWhenever hard conversations come up with either a co-worker or team member, I promote open, yet respectful, dialogue. I attempt to be empathetic and hear them out. I try to build bridges, and I work towards a resolution that is acceptable to both parties. I am also ready to support you and provide assistance if needed because teamwork and collaboration are imperative in providing the best quality of care to our patient!
How would you show understanding and kindness in your interactions with patients?
Empathy and compassion are inherent to providing care to patients. Make sure patients feel heard and understood. I listen, acknowledge their feelings, and pay attention with my eyes, ears and heart. I also take the time that it takes to explain procedures, answer questions, and provide emotional support, knowing that each patient is an individual, worthy of care and dignity.”
How do you ensure that you meet deadlines and provide high-quality care?
“Healthcare requires effective time management to meet deadlines and offer quality care. I sort tasks by urgency and importance. I make a schedule or a to-do list, breaking larger tasks down into smaller, easier to achieve steps. I also account for buffer time for those Red Sea moments. Moreover, I always delegate tasks when required and communicate effectively with colleagues and other healthcare team members for coordinated care delivery.
What would you talk about with a patient or their family who is unhappy with their care?
When confronted with an unhappy patient or family, I begin with empathy and the goal of addressing their concerns. I actively listen to what they have to say, empathize with how they are feeling, and say sorry if appropriate. I already try to give them my open and transparent attention and help them see my point of view. And I bring in the right people.
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