In healthcare, you may feel many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?

"Everyone is emotional to a certain degree, and I would consider myself kind-hearted and open. A career in healthcare can be emotional at times; however, I choose to focus on the positives. For instance, - if we are close to losing a patient, I will focus on positive memories rather than the illness. This mindset has consistently allowed me to continue with a productive shift, no matter the emotions that come my way."

City of Hope works with many patients, most of which are battling cancer, so you will have to be prepared to handle difficult or challenging emotions at work. Consider your past experiences with coworkers, patients, their families, or members of the public. Talk to the interviewer about the emotional situations you have encountered and how you manage them in the workplace.

"This is a great question. I think the right answer is, 'of course, but not for long! We've all had those severe cases. A child dies, or you have to give someone a cancer diagnosis. It's professional to take a few minutes after an encounter like that and let those emotions come and go. I cope with these emotions by taking a break where I need to and allowing myself to work through whatever I'm feeling."

"It's normal to be emotional, especially on a difficult day at work. What I would do is take a few minute break, take a deep breath, or talk to your boss about it."

Tell me about a time your integrity was challenged.

"I know that City of Hope values integrity and emphasizes doing the right thing to ensure patient safety. I once was in a patient room with another colleague, and this patient was a two-person assist with a gait belt. We had several other patients with their call lights on needing help, and we could not locate the patient's gait belt in her room, so my colleague suggested we lift her under the arms ourselves to save time. It was tempting because so many other patients also needed our help. However, I reminded her that it was unsafe for the patient, and I went to the nurse's desk to find a spare gait belt. It's important to do the right thing and not take shortcuts, especially when patient safety is at stake."

Integrity is a core value at City of Hope. This question allows the interviewer to discover more about your character. It's not uncommon for ethical dilemmas in the workplace to come up from time to time, so speak openly about any relevant experiences you've had. Think carefully about your answer, as it will leave a strong impression. Demonstrate your ability to follow a company policy and your commitment to honesty, integrity, and loyalty to your organization. Show examples of how you've "done the right thing," even when it may have cost you personally or professionally. Demonstrate how you bring honesty and fairness to the team and how you have been a good role model to others.

"In my previous role, we had a double-check system in place when passing medication to patients. We were short-staffed, and several patients were past due for their pain medicine. It would have saved time and provided relief to our patients if we cut out that second check, but it also posed a great risk to the patient by removing that second safety, so I advocated that we not even consider that solution. I was able to call another staff member from another floor of the facility to come provide additional support until we could get caught up on the medication passing."

"I used to work with LVNs. RNs would assess the LVN’s patients and document them as well. One LVN offered that she could do the assessment using my access info. I did agree with it."

How do you improve the lives of patients you work with?

"Even though I'm not in a direct patient care role, I always go above and beyond to serve anyone I come in contact with. I try to be proactive and anticipate their needs; for example, if I'm working the front desk and getting them checked in, I try to think ahead to questions they may have to provide those answers. If I have a family bring their loved one in for care and they look cold, I will offer to go grab them a warm blanket or warm drink."

City of Hope's core values includes "tenaciously pursuing new and better ways to improve the lives of people around the world." While this value is focused on a more global scale, it is also essential to make every effort to improve the lives of patients at the local level. Speak about ways, big and small, that you have gone above and beyond for your patients.

"I try to provide holistic care to my patients, meaning not just meeting their physical needs, but also their emotional needs. If a patient needs extra time to talk about how they are feeling or to talk about things going on in their life, I am genuine in listening and caring about what they have to say. I try to find the small things that make patients happy. For example, if they love soda and haven't had family bring them one, I will get them one out of the vending machine (of course once I verify they are not on dietary restrictions) or if they love to read and don't have any material, I will find them a newspaper. I want them to feel at home with us, so I try to go above and beyond to find those little things they miss from their own home."

"On top of the usual routines we do for patients, I offer hot tea and apply lotion to their backs if they complain of itching."

How do you effectively communicate with patients and their families?

"When working in direct patient care, nurses can often have a high volume of patients to care for. I always introduce myself to new patients and take the time to help set realistic expectations for their stay, for example, how often they can expect to have their vitals checked, or how often they should expect to see their doctor while they are a patient with us. I make myself available to answer any questions they have face-to-face, however, if they need me to write something down for them, I'm happy to do that as well. I am always open and honest with patients and their families."

Because City of Hope is patient-centric, effective communication is an important skill to possess to be successful in any role within the organization. Speak in detail about your communication style and give specific examples. Explain how your skills translate in this role to help you and the organization be successful. Be sure to read the job posting thoroughly so that you understand the responsibilities and can connect your skills. They serve a diverse clientele, so demonstrate your ability to be flexible in your style as well. Think about how you share feedback, listen to others, show empathy, and communicate verbally and nonverbally to individuals and groups

"I always focus on my patients when I'm with them, never multitasking or checking my phone while we're talking. I speak slowly and clearly and reiterate important information to patients, often writing down things for them upon discharge. I also feel that being open to receiving feedback is another way I'm an effective communicator. I ask patients and their families what they need or what I can do to make their visit with us better."

"Always introduce my name on my first rounds. Discuss the plan of care. Write the extension number on the communication board and encourage the patient to discuss with me if he has questions or concerns."

Why do you think you will be successful in this role with City of Hope?

"I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years with great training and mentorship. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). Also, I have all of my updated certifications as outlined in your job description. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career."

Think about how the interviewer may be defining success in this role (achieving goals, patient satisfaction, excellent patient care, etc.) Read the job description carefully and focus on some of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position that you possess. Speak to your soft skills and technical qualifications that you feel will help you succeed at City of Hope.

"From a technical perspective, I have ten years of direct care experience in a skilled nursing setting. Additionally, I know City of Hope is patient-centric, and taking care of patients is what fulfills me. I have effective communication skills; I maintain a high patient satisfaction rating, and I love being a part of a clinical team that makes a difference in the lives of the patients they serve."

"I know I will succeed in this role because I bring the skills and knowledge I have earned from my 28 years as a nurse. I totally understand what the role requires me to do."

Rate your problem solving skills from 1-10. How do you justify your rating?

"I rate my problem-solving skills as an 8/10. When faced with a problem, I'm able to remain calm and come up with a strategy. I typically investigate to determine the root cause of the problem, and then I look at the problem from multiple perspectives. I try to brainstorm multiple solutions and think about how it will impact others and the costs associated as well."

City of Hope values problem-solving skills in its employees. Consider your approach to solving problems in the workplace. Provide your self-assessment and discuss your skills in detail. Consider sharing things like being subjective, open-minded, accepting mistakes and failures and learning from them, the ability to get to the root cause of the problem, and how you come up with potential solutions. Speak to your strengths and where you feel you may have room for improvement or further skill development.

"I would say I get a solid 8.3 on a scale of 10. It seems weird to give myself something like a .3, but I think of it as an 83%, which is a B- teetering on a solid B. It's a solid grade, with definite room for improvement, since I'm certainly not perfect. The reason for the B-/B grade would be that I'm quick to take action and figure out the solution as I go, but sometimes I could benefit from taking a moment to pause and reflect or gather other contributors before taking action. That said, I believe I generally get the best outcome possible when faced with a challenge."

"I would rate myself as 8/10. 8 to give myself some room for improvement. It is important to be calm when a problem arises. I give myself some time to think what are the causes and what needs to be done so that this problem will be avoided in the future. An example is to routinely make sure that IV pumps are locked so that patients will not play with them and accidentally bolus themselves."

In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?

"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my sound decision making. I am a keen observer with a great memory, which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas."

City of Hope wants to know that you have a systematic approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see an opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver, and your ability to come up with innovative solutions.

"I believe I am a great problem solver because I am sure to gather as many facts as possible. I look at the problem and its potential solutions from multiple angles and am not afraid to make a decision that might seem off the beaten path. I also get feedback from others so they can share their perspectives and insight."

"I work calmly and I don't jump to conclusions right away. If needed, I would gather some pieces of information and analyze what are the causes and solutions that can be done. Root cause analysis."

How do you handle a difficult colleague or patient?

"I once worked at a small medical facility where the primary physician was very demanding. When he would walk into the facility, employees would quietly announce that he was in the building, so that everyone could prepare for his arrival. This physician had great intentions; however, his people skills were a little rough. I could see that he meant well, and I recognized that he wanted to do a lot of good things. When we interacted, I always took his feedback with the understanding that he didn't mean things as harshly as he might say them."

Working in healthcare and within an organization as large as City of Hope, you will likely interact with several people daily, including colleagues, senior leaders, patients, their families, and public vendors. Possessing the skills to handle difficult situations and people in the workplace is essential. Think about a time you had a difficult coworker or patient and what made it difficult. Describe the situation and how you handled it. Avoid speaking negatively about a former employer or colleague when answering.

"During my internship, I had a fellow student who didn't pull their weight. This unmotivated person created more work for the rest of the team by being slow and unresponsive. Our team started to complete most of the tasks when it came to group projects. It didn't take much time before our professor noticed this particular individual was slacking. I feel like, in most instances, the underachievers will weed themselves out over time, and it's rarely worth making a fuss over."

"Communication is the key. Talk to them professionally. Try to find out what are the issues and if they can be resolved swiftly. If not then the charge nurse or manager needs to be informed and be the mediator."

If City of Hope hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

"When we spoke earlier, you mentioned that you urgently sought to improve the level of patient care and compassion at this facility. I want to offer my skills in building patient rapport and help improve the satisfaction of everyone that uses the services of City of Hope. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."

When you start a new position, it is essential to be clear on how you will make a positive impact after being hired. This question is a delicate one, and you need to show respect for the onboarding process, then give a moderately ambitious project that you could execute at City of Hope. This concept is often called your 'value proposition' in marketing. 'Hire me because I'll do X.'Remember, this is your campaign promise. If hired, it will likely be your first target to hit, and depending on the environment; it could make or break you. The best approach is to give a functional analysis of the employers' needs and your skills.Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate. Be sure to refer to the immediate needs of the company, such as increasing budgets, or improving patient care, for instance.

"If hired today, I would commit to diving into every resource provided to me, speeding up the learning curve typical of a new hire who is also new to their career. I will soak in every learning opportunity that comes my way so that I can be a self-sufficient member of your healthcare service team within the first 30 days."

"If hired today, I will try my very best to learn about the organization and get familiarized with the routines so that I can transition into my role smoothly thus improving patient satisfaction."

If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?

"I've always been interested in the research and development side of healthcare. I've not had any exposure in this area, so I would love to find a mentor to shadow and gain some experience. I believe exploring this area will help me become a more rounded healthcare professional."

City of Hope focuses on patient care, research and innovation, and academics and training. Speak to which of these you have experience and an area in which you'd like to develop your skills and knowledge further. Be sure to tie this interest to how it will add value to City of Hope.

"I have mostly worked with older adults in my nursing career, so I would like additional training on caring for pediatric patients. I'm passionate about caring for others, especially those with terminal illnesses. I have a lot of experience and skills to offer when caring for a younger population and their families."

"I would like to give it a shot in the Endoscopy unit or one of the Clinics. I would like to add more to what I learned at the Surgery Center."

What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

"When the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on my or my team's part, I find it stressful. I like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that our patients and clients get the proper, timely help that they need."

Stress can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience at City of Hope because of the level of care they provide to cancer patients. Talk to the interviewer about which areas of your career are the most stressful. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (Ie: a healthcare worker should not find facing illness to be the most stressful part of the job).

"To be completely transparent, I probably bring myself the most stress because of my innate desire to be the best. I strive for perfection too often, which causes undue stress on myself. I manage this by focusing my energy on productive activities that are good for my career."

"As much as I want my shift to go smoothly, some days, things get out of hand, interrupting my routine and leaving me running late with some of my tasks. This stresses me the most."

Tell me about yourself.

"I started my career in healthcare fifteen years ago as a receptionist at a home health agency. I quickly found that I loved working with older adults and was able to put myself through nursing school. I'm currently a registered nurse at a local nursing home and am very interested in transitioning into a direct care role working with cancer patients. I had a family member recently pass away from cancer and seeing the type of care they received from City of Hope, really drew my interest in joining the organization."

The interviewer would like to get to know more about you. Give an overview of how you got into the industry, your education and experience, your current role, and what brings you to the interview with City of Hope. Avoid giving too many personal details (marital status, how many children you have, your religion, etc.), and try to keep your answer brief (no more than a couple of minutes).

"I recently graduated from X college with X degree and am looking to join a prominent organization focused on transformation in healthcare. I have been interested in healthcare from a young age and volunteered at our local hospital for two years while I was in high school. I'm passionate about helping others and feel like this role is the perfect fit."

Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?

"Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be successful working autonomously as well."

Think about which situation you are the happiest and most productive in and what you might prefer at City of Hope. Talk to the interviewer about your preference for teamwork or working individually. Avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario (IE: I only like to work alone). You may work well without needing much management or direction, or perhaps you are better driven in a collaborative and team-led environment. Either way, be honest with the interviewer about your preferences without leaning negatively.

"I have found, in the past, that I work well in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."

It is often said that a career in healthcare is a 'thankless job.' How can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?

"My chosen career was helping people at exactly the point they were least capable of censoring themselves or giving back. So, I stopped needing thanks from my patients. It's not like I don't need positive reinforcement. Everyone does. But I made a point to find it in other places instead of expecting it from my patients. Nowadays, I make an effort to expressly thank the people I work with when they do a good job. I focus on being grateful to be allowed to see private, raw, emotional parts of people's lives."

The interviewer wants to discover more about what makes you feel valued and content in the workplace and what factors might lead you to feel dissatisfied. Consider areas like engagement, recognition and rewards, work-life balance, compensation, and personal motivation. When answering this question, be concise and try to maintain a positive tone.

"I am an easily motivated individual, and it does not take much to keep me engaged. I am fully aware that healthcare-related positions can seem thankless. Honestly, the best thanks that I can get is a pat on the back now and then. The majority of my motivation comes from simply helping people."

Patient care requires a substantial amount of compassion. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?

"I understand that compassion is one of the top qualities that I need to bring to the workplace, being in the healthcare services profession. I consider myself a very compassionate individual. I am warm-hearted, responsive to my patient's needs, and always empathetic."

Compassion is one of City of Hope's core values and must be demonstrated to patients, their families, and your team members. City of Hope shows compassion through treatment, philanthropy, and advocacy in the community. Consider compassionate qualities like empathy, respect for others, sensitivity, sympathy, and distress tolerance. Speak about those qualities you possess and describe how they will translate in this role to the interviewer.

"Yes, I most certainly consider myself a compassionate person. I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending university, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local hospice - not only for the added experience but also to give back to others. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care with your organization."

Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is organized correctly and accurately?

"I am a highly detailed person, and I thrive on having a high level of organization in my day. This organization includes my scheduling, paperwork, and more. If I am offered a position with City Of Hope, Inc. you will never find me to be disorganized! I utilize my Outlook calendar and set alerts for myself for deadlines and important activities. My documentation is strong, as well."

The success of the City of Hope rides partially on the accuracy of information and organization. Talk to the interviewer about the organization techniques you use daily and how you ensure accuracy in your work. Perhaps you use a particular app or software, or maybe you're a pen-and-paper person. Whatever your method, be sure to highlight that you are successful in organizing your day.

"I'm a bit of an organizational nerd. I carry around a notebook and write down important facts if I think there is a chance I will forget them. But this is usually just for transitions. Every clinic I've ever worked in has its way of communicating and recording facts, so I put time and attention into using the system the people around me are using. That way, its easier to transition care, and the patient has all their info in the same place. My notebook saves me when I'm swamped, but I try to be efficient and put info directly into the (group record/EMR/chart) when I can."

City of Hope supports a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?

"I prioritize my health and wellness by exercising regularly and making sure I attend preventative appointments. I also set boundaries for when I am on my work phone or checking email after hours; that way, I can give my family the time they deserve. Lastly, I try to take my designated lunch break every day to ensure I'm not skipping meals and to give myself a mental health break."

Healthcare workers are prone to burnout, so City of Hope is proactive in preventing this among their team. Give examples of how you try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Examples could include taking breaks, shutting off your work phone/email where appropriate, prioritizing health and wellness, exercising, and open communication with your manager.

"I make a strong effort to keep a healthy balance by spending my free time away from my cell phone and having more face-to-face time with my friends and family. I indulge in the things that make me happy on my time off. I can give even more energy at work by consistently rejuvenating in this way."

At City of Hope, we take pride in our great relationships with clients, vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?

"I have earned compliments on my relationship-building skills. I like to get to know people and ask them questions about themselves. Most people love to talk about themselves, and I find it's a great and simple way to start building rapport with others. I consider myself to be a strong relationship builder and take pride in my 'people skills'. Rest assured, I would be a great ambassador of positive relationships for City Of Hope, Inc.."

Strong relationship-building skills will be essential to succeed in any City of Hope role. Discuss what techniques you use to establish and maintain relationships with others. Consider giving examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively, build trust, be genuine, follow up on commitments, demonstrate respect, etc.

"I am happy to hear that City Of Hope values long-term relationships. This fact is a bonus for me, and it's one of the reasons I chose to work in the medical field. I like working in an industry where genuine care is valued. Healthcare is not a place for gimmicks because health is precious and irreplaceable. I've had success in university and my internships by focusing on building a reputation for consistency and follow-up. What you describe is a good fit for me, and I'd like to represent a company that wants to create long-term sustainable partnerships."

What is your patient care philosophy?

"I believe all patients should be treated with respect and compassion. When caring for cancer patients, the care requires a higher level of urgency and empathy. I firmly believe in working together at all levels of the care team to ensure the patient is well cared for and their family members understand the care plan every step of the way. I treat each patient like they are my mother or father."

City of Hope's core values includes compassion, integrity, collaboration, excellence, intellectual curiosity, and serving with a sense of urgency. Review their website and familiarize yourself with these six values and what they mean specifically to City of Hope. Discuss your patient philosophy and tie in elements of the organization's core values.

"I have three philosophies when it comes to my work; One view for the clinic, one for me, and one for the patient. First, I work in a system, and I respect that. I follow the rules, I maintain my certifications, and I appreciate the policies and values of whatever site I work. Patient care is a privilege, and I respect the role I have in clinical care and the part other people have. Second, I want to be the best at what I do. Every day I learn something, and that's because I choose to get better. Last, I adapt to the individual. If I'm meeting the requirements of my position, and evolving within my profession, then I am free to adjust to my patient and be the provider they need. Some patients need a lot of attention; some want less, and some need boundaries. I have trained myself to adapt my communication style, so a patient gets what they need."

At City of Hope, we seek to hire individuals with ambitions to grow their careers. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?

"As a new grad nurse, I'm focused on strengthening my skill set and gaining bedside care experience. I have been a mentor in a volunteer capacity in the past and love educating and training others, so in 3-5 years, I would like to grow into a junior manager role or peer mentor for new nurses."

The interviewer wants to understand your ambitions and desired trajectory better. Respond with the ways that you would like to see your career flourish. If you aren't interested in eventually pursuing a management role, speak to how you want to grow and expand other skill sets or continue your education. If you have researched a specific career path or are interested in a particular leadership role, express that area of interest in your response.

"One of the attractive points of working for City of Hope is that you care about the growth of your employees. I'm motivated to learn and am looking for a long-term fit. In 3-5 years, I'd like to be grounded in the clinic, learn about this site, your patient base, and earn certifications that would help the unit advance. I want to get involved in some of the local volunteer organizations. I speak Spanish and am interested in urban outreach, so it would be nice to do something formal in that context, health education, or fundraising."

What do you think has been the greatest success of City of Hope?

"City of Hope has an impressive history. In my opinion, the greatest success was its contribution to the development of synthetic human insulin in 1978. I have several family members with diabetes, so this accomplishment affects me personally."

The interviewer would like to understand what you know about the work they do and how much research you've done on their specific accomplishments. City of Hope was born in 1913 and has made tremendous contributions to the medical field. Their website offers a comprehensive list of their most significant milestones and successes. Be sure to review this timeline and be able to speak to one or two of their accomplishments that mean the most to you.

"I'm amazed at the scientific breakthroughs of City of Hope. The most incredible to me was the development of the next generation of cancer drugs in the 80s that led to the improvement of so many patients, giving them new hope."

What experience do you have working with doctors and other advanced-level clinicians?

"In my previous role, I worked with all levels of medical professionals from student nurses to physicians. I have a great deal of experience communicating information to the healthcare team and assisting with coordination duties for the team as well."

City of Hope employs over 5,000 people, many of which are doctors and specialists. The interviewer would like to discover more about your experience and level of interaction with senior clinicians. Speak to the length of time you worked with such professionals, in what setting and your frequency of communication.

"I have worked with physicians for the last couple of years. I realize many of them are always on the go, so if I need to communicate with them, I'm able to do so quickly and effectively. I'm able to make notes, send emails and communicate face to face to ensure the care team has the information they need when they need it."

What are some of your time management techniques?

"I have learned many helpful time management techniques over the years. In my current role, I set up a dashboard weekly to make a list of my tasks and I prioritize them by importance and deadlines. I color code my dashboard, so I can quickly differentiate my tasks as well. I use software like Calendly and ClickUp daily to save time and I also put blocks of time on my calendar each week to complete certain tasks."

City of Hope's environment is fast-paced, so employees must manage their time effectively. Use this opportunity to highlight your ability to prioritize, multi-task, and explain your techniques and tools for staying organized. Give specific examples of how you manage your time daily and weekly.

"In my current role, a lot of my tasks are repetitive so I have developed many templates that I can use on a regular basis instead of recreating emails over and over. Since we have admin support, I also delegate tasks that are less of a priority."

What is your greatest weakness?

"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is not delegating. I know what I want and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I cannot take on every step of a project; I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report, let go of the control, and know it will be taken care of. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where he can call me out on the behavior since often I'm not aware of it. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."

Choose a weakness that is not a core skill for this position or would not put patients at risk at City of Hope. You can be candid in your answer, recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center.

"At this point in my career within healthcare services, my newness is my greatest weakness. To overcome this, I have committed to ten extra hours per week of study. I dive into various medical journals and spend a great deal of time educating myself beyond what my degree and internship have offered."

With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?

"Every morning I listen to X Podcast because I find the information to be fresh and valuable. In addition to this podcast, I also subscribe to a couple of industry blogs. One is ABC, and the other is XYZ. I greatly value the information shared between fellow professionals."

Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date in their respective fields, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways you receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends related to cancer care, research and development, and City of Hope. Tell the interviewer about other resources you use, like daily update emails you receive from professional organizations, conferences you attend, and seminars you have taken.

"I ensure I complete all company-offered training and workshops. I also have many friends in healthcare that work in various settings, so I like to network and connect with them regularly to hear more about what they are seeing trend and any new areas of interest."

If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any area of healthcare services, which would you choose?

"If I could expand my expertise in any healthcare service area, I would choose anything within primary care. This interest is one of the reasons I have applied to your company. I feel that your focus will be a great fit with my long-term career goals."

City of Hope is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Their team includes more than 5,000 researchers, associates, scientists, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, graduate students, fundraising specialists, marketing professionals, volunteers, and support staff. The interviewer would like to dig deeper into your areas of interest, for example, research and development, philanthropy, advocacy, etc. Speak to what areas you are passionate about, and then tie that information in with what the position at City Of Hope, Inc. would be offering you.

"I'm interested in research. One of the things that attracted me to working with your company is your ongoing community-based research collaborations. I'd be curious to hear if the (clinic/hospital/program) had any needs in this area. Is this something junior staff can be involved in?"

What experience do you have working with diverse populations?

"I have worked with hundreds of patients over the years, all coming from different backgrounds, ages, and cultures. I treat everyone with respect and provide the same level of excellent care to all. I also speak Spanish and am able to communicate effectively with that population as well."

City of Hope serves a diverse group of patients, families, and members of the community. Discuss your experience working with people of different backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, religions, and cultures. Describe how you make all patients feel welcome and deliver excellent service or care to all. Also, consider mentioning any skills you have in this specific area, like speaking another language.

"I have worked with a wide range of people in my career. I also volunteered with my church for several years and went on mission trips in other countries, where I learned a lot about different cultures and customs. That has helped me honor and respect diversity in the workplace and also given me additional skills to work with people of all backgrounds."

How do you handle disagreements among your team?

"I encourage team building regularly and I do this to help them build relationships with one another. By doing so, they are often able to resolve conflicts among themselves, but occasionally, situations will get escalated to me. In those cases, I take a neutral stance as I speak with each employee individually and I seek to listen to and understand their perspective. I do expect my team to come to me with constructive feedback and solutions and I do not allow for complaining and negativity. I often use this time to coach and help them see things from another perspective and ask probing questions to help them get to a reasonable resolution."

With over 5,000 employees at City of Hope, interpersonal conflicts will likely occur at some point. As a leader, you must be able to manage conflict in your team effectively. Discuss your experience dealing with this type of situation and include skills and techniques you use to diffuse a situation or resolve a conflict.

"I usually investigate the situation and speak with all parties involved in the conflict. I do not engage in bad-mouthing nor allow my employees to speak negatively about another. I try to get to the root cause of a problem, and it's often a lack of communication, a misunderstanding of tone in an email, or something similar that is relatively easy to resolve. If there is a conflict that I'm uncomfortable with or a situation I feel may need disciplinary action, I immediately involve my HR business partner."

As a leader, how do you motivate your team?

"I'm a very high-energy leader, and I find that energy is often contagious. I hold regular team meetings and engagement activities, so the team stays engaged and connected with one another. I also have 1:1s with each team member regularly to talk about the projects they are working on, what their obstacles are and what their career goals are. This allows me to understand better what motivates them. For example, some like verbal praise and public recognition, while others are competitive and driven by friendly contests."

Leaders are an essential part of company success. Great leaders enable teams to achieve goals through clear direction, motivation, and support. As a result, interviewers often ask questions relating to how you motivate your team. Give the interviewer at City of Hope specific examples of ways you've inspired your team.

"I'm a very positive leader and feel like one of my strengths is encouragement. I recognize when a team member does something well and celebrate their achievements. I regularly involve my team in the decision-making process and have found that it motivates the team to achieve goals when they've helped establish them."

How do you evaluate your team's abilities when you're a new leader in an organization?

"As a new leader, I keep in perspective that it can be an overwhelming and challenging time for employees. In my first week, I typically have a team meeting to introduce myself and meet everyone; then, I set up initial one on ones and reoccurring meetings as well. In the first few meetings, I dive in and seek to understand their past work experience, what they feel is going well, what they feel are obstacles or barriers, their career goals, projects they have worked on, etc. I typically spend the first few weeks assessing their personality, collaboration, and technical skills before I read their past performance reviews; that way, I don't have any biased or preconceived ideas before I get to know them. I also seek feedback from the team in these one on one meetings. For example, I might ask, "who on the team do you go to when you need help" so I can further identify who the team views as mentors or leaders."

City of Hope hires many employees every year, new leaders included so it's important for the interview to understand your experience in this area. Provide the interviewer with an overview of your experience evaluating a new team and give specific examples and approaches or techniques that you used. Speak about what you've found to be effective in this process.

"As a new leader, I first get to know employees on a personal level to build that relationship and trust. Over my first few months, I spend time with them one-on-one, getting to know what they enjoy about working at the company, what projects or tasks they are passionate about, and learning what they view as some of their greatest accomplishments. I like to explore with them how they assess themselves, and if possible, I speak to their previous manager to get feedback on their areas of strength and weakness, keeping in mind that is subjective information."

What is your desired salary?

"Base salary is important to me. However, I'm looking for tuition reimbursement benefits as I consider completing my master's program in the next two years. I want to be in the $70-75,000 range, but if tuition reimbursement is part of the package, I'm open to negotiating."

Provide the interviewer with a target range you would like your salary to fall within, given your experience and the position you are applying for. By providing a range, you are demonstrating flexibility while also voicing what you feel your value is. City of Hope offers a comprehensive benefits package to ensure their employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If other benefits like employee discounts, work-life balance, health benefits, mental health services, retirement saving options, etc., are essential to you, also share that you consider that when evaluating a compensation package.

"Given my ten years of experience in bedside nursing, plus recently having completed my master's degree, I'm looking to earn between $85,000-$90,000 per year. 401k options are also important to me when considering a potential job offer."

What computer skills do you possess?

"I am very familiar with Windows, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and EMR platforms like Epic and Praxis. I'm a quick learner, though, so if City of Hope uses a platform I'm unfamiliar with, I'm confident I could learn and pick it up quickly."

City of Hope is a very modern medical care provider, so it's critical that you possess the computer skills to do the job. Review the job description to see what software or platforms they specifically require or prefer candidates to have experience with. Give examples of what you have experience using; if your experience is limited, speak about your ability to learn new things quickly.

"I do not have any formal experience using specific healthcare software and platforms, but I'm proficient in Windows and Google. I love learning by watching videos, reading blogs, visiting websites, and consulting with other colleagues. I learn new things quickly and would be more than willing to learn the software required to be successful in the role."

What experience do you have with HIPAA?

"I am very familiar with HIPAA and complete annual training on the topic. I take patient privacy very seriously and ensure I protect it at all times. My workstation is always locked when I'm away from my desk and when I deal with patient family and friends inquiring about patient statuses, I always check their file to see who they have given consent to receive information."

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a Federal law that restricts access to individuals' private medical information. Knowledge of what HIPAA is and what it means in the workplace is critical, as violations of this law could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and lawsuits for City of Hope. All employees of City of Hope (from the receptionist to clinicians) must be familiar with HIPAA. Speak about what knowledge and experience you have relating to following HIPAA policies.

"I understand the importance of protecting patient information and the implications if HIPAA is violated. I never leave charts laid out in the open, and I protect all documents on my desk from outside view. I only discuss the patient's care with those authorized, and I always check the patient's file before calling so I know if I'm allowed to leave a voicemail."

Tell me about your healthcare-related education and training.

"I have a nursing degree as well as additional on the job training within clinical research. I feel that my nursing education opened up many potential industry-related avenues for me. I graduated top of my class and completed a valuable internship with 'XYZ Health Services.' All of these experiences have helped prepare me for success in this role with City Of Hope, Inc.."

Many positions at City of Hope require a degree or certification. Read the job description carefully and provide details on your program and where you obtained your degree or certificate. If you have more informal, on-the-job training, describe that to the interviewer and explain how your education and training make you a fit for the role.

"I did my undergraduate in chemistry and medical school at St. George's University. I loved surgery, so my electives were in general surgery, trauma epidemiology, and orthopedics. I'm happy to be moving on to more responsibility as a resident. I have had some amazing mentors, and I found that I could perform with some different teaching styles."

To work for City of Hope, you must be able to pass a full background check. Do you understand this requirement?

"I understand this requirement and will consent if made an offer."

Working in the healthcare industry, specifically City of Hope, means that you are in contact with vulnerable people, children, pharmaceutical drugs, drug-related equipment, confidential information, etc. Many states require individuals in these roles to pass a background check, including license verification, sex offender registry, and state and or national criminal checks. Assure the interviewer that you understand this requirement.

"I understand the importance and will comply with this requirement."

City Of Hope Interview Questions

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1. In healthcare, you may feel many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?
2. Tell me about a time your integrity was challenged.
3. How do you improve the lives of patients you work with?
4. How do you effectively communicate with patients and their families?
5. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with City of Hope?
6. Rate your problem solving skills from 1-10. How do you justify your rating?
7. In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?
8. How do you handle a difficult colleague or patient?
9. If City of Hope hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
10. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?
11. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
12. Tell me about yourself.
13. Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?
14. It is often said that a career in healthcare is a 'thankless job.' How can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?
15. Patient care requires a substantial amount of compassion. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
16. Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is organized correctly and accurately?
17. City of Hope supports a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?
18. At City of Hope, we take pride in our great relationships with clients, vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?
19. What is your patient care philosophy?
20. At City of Hope, we seek to hire individuals with ambitions to grow their careers. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
21. What do you think has been the greatest success of City of Hope?
22. What experience do you have working with doctors and other advanced-level clinicians?
23. What are some of your time management techniques?
24. What is your greatest weakness?
25. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
26. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any area of healthcare services, which would you choose?
27. What experience do you have working with diverse populations?
28. How do you handle disagreements among your team?
29. As a leader, how do you motivate your team?
30. How do you evaluate your team's abilities when you're a new leader in an organization?
31. What is your desired salary?
32. What computer skills do you possess?
33. What experience do you have with HIPAA?
34. Tell me about your healthcare-related education and training.
35. To work for City of Hope, you must be able to pass a full background check. Do you understand this requirement?

City Of Hope Interview Questions

1. In healthcare, you may feel many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?

2. Tell me about a time your integrity was challenged.

3. How do you improve the lives of patients you work with?

4. How do you effectively communicate with patients and their families?

5. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with City of Hope?

6. Rate your problem solving skills from 1-10. How do you justify your rating?

7. In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?

8. How do you handle a difficult colleague or patient?

9. If City of Hope hired you today, what would you accomplish first?

10. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?

11. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

12. Tell me about yourself.

13. Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?

14. It is often said that a career in healthcare is a 'thankless job.' How can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?

15. Patient care requires a substantial amount of compassion. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?

16. Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is organized correctly and accurately?

17. City of Hope supports a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?

18. At City of Hope, we take pride in our great relationships with clients, vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?

19. What is your patient care philosophy?

20. At City of Hope, we seek to hire individuals with ambitions to grow their careers. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?

21. What do you think has been the greatest success of City of Hope?

22. What experience do you have working with doctors and other advanced-level clinicians?

23. What are some of your time management techniques?

24. What is your greatest weakness?

25. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?

26. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any area of healthcare services, which would you choose?

27. What experience do you have working with diverse populations?

28. How do you handle disagreements among your team?

29. As a leader, how do you motivate your team?

30. How do you evaluate your team's abilities when you're a new leader in an organization?

31. What is your desired salary?

32. What computer skills do you possess?

33. What experience do you have with HIPAA?

34. Tell me about your healthcare-related education and training.

35. To work for City of Hope, you must be able to pass a full background check. Do you understand this requirement?