Cleveland Clinic HireVue Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Cleveland Clinic interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Behavioral Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Communication Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Conflict Questions
- 7. Critical Thinking Questions
- 8. Diligence Questions
- 9. Discovery Questions
- 10. Education Questions
- 11. Experience Questions
- 12. Performance Based Questions
- 13. Teamwork Questions
- 14. Tough Questions
Accomplishment
1. What type of project have you worked on that you are most proud of?
Focus Your Answer On
The type of project you describe should tie in with the job you are interviewing for. If this is an industry you have not worked in before, think of a solo or group project you are proud of that utilized many transferable skills to this role. For example, if you are interviewing for a customer service position, describe a project where you used your communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"The project I am most proud of was the addition of a neonatal wing to the hospital I previously worked at. I was the healthcare manager of the project, and it was the first multi-million dollar venture I had overseen. Ultimately, the addition was completed two months early and was under budget by four million dollars. I was proud that I saved the hospital a lot of money, that it was completed early, and that my team was solid and did a fantastic job."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Accomplishment
2. What is your greatest professional achievement?
Focus Your Answer On
It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments. Talking about your most significant achievement will give the interviewer an idea of where you place your values and how you define success. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"My greatest professional achievement was receiving the National Distinguished Direct Patient Care Award. I was nominated for the award by my supervisor. It was an honor to be recognized for the exemplary care I provide my patients and my leadership and mentorship skills."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Behavioral
3. What do you do when you are working on a team and one member is not pulling their weight?
Focus Your Answer On
This question is asked to understand how you communicate with team members, gauge your problem-solving skills, and determine if you have natural leadership skills. The best way to answer is to use a real-life example from work (preferably) or school. Describe the situation, how you started a conversation with your teammate, and how you contributed to resolving the problem.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my last position, I was the team lead on a project suffering major setbacks due to the client's lack of funding. One of the team members stopped pulling her weight, which was unusual. I asked if we could speak privately and politely pointed out that I noticed she had stopped contributing to the team. My coworker explained that she was discouraged and unmotivated to proceed because she felt the client did not appreciate her creativity. I explained that the client was pleased with the entire team's work, but their stakeholder stopped releasing funds, so the project was put on hold. Once I assured her that her work was appreciated, she began pulling her weight again."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Career Goals
4. What are your short- and long-term professional goals?
Focus Your Answer On
No matter what role you are interviewing for, it is suggested to have short- and long-term professional goals. Having goals and a plan to achieve them shows the interviewer that you are a go-getter and a lifelong learner. Employees who set goals are generally more productive and dedicated individuals with a strong work ethic.
Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic invests a lot of time and money in interviewing, hiring, and training their employees. For those reasons, they want to hire employees with goals of growing with the organization and who will be with them long-term. Describe your short- and long-term professional goals and how they align with this role at Cleveland Clinic.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Answer Example
"As a nurse, my short-term professional goal is to gain more experience in the field by working in different departments of the hospital. I want to expand my knowledge of different specializations and enhance my patient care, medication administration, and treatment planning skills. I also aim to attend more training and seminars to help me keep up with the latest advancements in the medical field.
For my long-term professional goal, I aspire to become a charge nurse or a nursing supervisor at the Cleveland Clinic. I want to work in a leadership role where I can oversee and manage a team of nurses to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care. To achieve this, I plan to pursue further education and earn a master's degree in nursing. This will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to take on a leadership role and significantly impact the nursing field."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Communication
5. Have you ever received feedback that was difficult to hear? If so, how did you handle it?
Focus Your Answer On
Receiving difficult feedback can be challenging, but it is essential to remember that feedback is given to help improve and grow. Take a moment to process the feedback and try to understand where the criticism is coming from. Don't be defensive, but instead, ask clarifying questions to better understand the feedback. Use the feedback as a learning opportunity and take actionable steps to improve. Remember, everyone receives feedback at some point, and it's how we handle it that makes a difference. Describe when you have received feedback that was hard to hear, how you handled it, and what you learned from it.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I have received feedback that was hard to hear. When receiving difficult feedback, I find it important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. It can be tough to hear criticism, but I try to remind myself that it's an opportunity to improve and become better at what I do. I also try to take a step back and evaluate the feedback objectively rather than immediately getting defensive. It's important to consider the perspective of the person giving the feedback and to see if there are any valid points I can take away from the experience. Overall, handling difficult feedback can be challenging, but I believe it's an important part of personal and professional development."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Compatibility
6. Name three of your greatest strengths related to your profession.
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer wants to hear about three of your greatest professional strengths to determine if you have the qualities they are looking for. Review the job description before your interview and look for keywords the Cleveland Clinic used to describe its ideal candidate. Then, choose three keywords you have identified as your greatest strengths, showing the interviewer that you have the characteristics they are looking for.
Suppose the job description says the Cleveland Clinic seeks an experienced, compassionate healthcare professional with strong communication and interpersonal skills to work in a leadership position. In that case, describe your greatest strengths as your experience, compassion, communication, interpersonal, or leadership skills. Focus on using three keywords from the job description so the interviewer can see you have the qualities they seek in their ideal candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"My three greatest strengths as a healthcare professional are my communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills and can explain complex terms in easy-to-understand terms. I have led many diverse groups at work and in a volunteer capacity and I have exceptional listening skills. I have over ten years of experience honing these skills in my profession, and I look forward to bringing them to the Cleveland Clinic."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Compatibility
7. When starting a new job, how do you earn the trust of your coworkers?
Focus Your Answer On
It is essential to nurture workplace relationships. Talk to the interviewer about how you plan to earn the trust of your new coworkers should you be offered the position. The interviewer wants to know how you can win your new coworkers over to determine if you will be a good fit for the team.
Focus on giving examples from your past. Describe how you earned the trust of your coworkers by getting to know them and their families, keeping your word when you say you are going to do something, lending a hand when others need help, or covering a coworker's shift when they have a family emergency.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"When starting a new job, I earn the trust of my coworkers by being myself. I am a social person and always introduce myself to someone when meeting them for the first time. I shake their hand while smiling at them and looking them in the eyes. If they have not given it to me, I ask their name and tell them it is a pleasure to meet them. After that, I competently perform my job, ask my team members for their input, listen to what they say, and value their opinions. Another way to earn trust is by being honest, reliable, and dependable."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Conflict
8. How do you handle conflict with a coworker?
Focus Your Answer On
It is not uncommon for coworkers to have a dispute or disagreement with someone they work with. The interviewer knows this and wants to see how you have handled conflicts. How you respond gives the interviewer insight into your problem-solving, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, which are essential skills to possess in any profession.
Focus on giving a detailed explanation of how you handled a past disagreement with a coworker. You do not necessarily need to describe the reason for the dispute, just how you dealt with it. The interviewer wants to hear that you dealt with the conflict privately, calmly, and professionally and that there was a resolution.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"Fortunately, I have only had one dispute in my career with a coworker. I handled it by recognizing we had an issue and asking my coworker to speak privately. I calmly asked him why he thought we had a conflict and what we could do to resolve the issue. It turns out there was a misunderstanding in our respective job duties, and my coworker thought I was trying to undermine his position. Once we cleared up who was responsible for each job responsibility, we never had an issue again."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Critical Thinking
9. Tell me about a time you had to make a split-second decision.
Focus Your Answer On
There are many different types of jobs you could be interviewing for at the Cleveland Clinic. Some will require you to think on your feet and make split-second decisions, like caregivers, while others will not. Regardless of the job you are interviewing for, the interviewer wants to see that you have critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills and can quickly make decisions. Describe a time you had to make a split-second decision in the workplace and the outcome, showing you have the skills they are looking for.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"As an emergency room physician, I have to make split-second decisions daily. The most recent I can recall that could have had a very different outcome was an 8-month pregnant female in cardiac arrest after being involved in a vehicle accident. The hospital I worked at was in a rural area, and we did not have a dedicated OB team. There was not enough time to fly the patient to another hospital without the risk of losing the patient and fetus. I decided to perform an emergency c-section and was able to save the infant, even though the patient did not survive. It was my first time performing a c-section, but it was the right decision to save the child."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Diligence
10. What is Cleveland Clinic's mission?
Focus Your Answer On
Cleveland Clinic's mission is to provide outstanding clinical care, research, and education to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of medicine. They strive to be a leader in innovative medical practices and to deliver compassionate and personalized care to every patient who walks through their doors. Their ultimate goal is to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. In your words, briefly describe Cleveland Clinic's mission and how it resonates with you.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Answer Example
"The mission of the Cleveland Clinic is to provide better healthcare for all people. This resonates with me because I believe everyone should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial or social status. The clinic's commitment to research and education also aligns with my values, as I believe that knowledge and innovation are key to improving healthcare outcomes for everyone. Overall, I am inspired by the Cleveland Clinic's dedication to improving healthcare, and I hope to see more organizations follow their lead in the future."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Diligence
11. What is Cleveland Clinic famous for?
Focus Your Answer On
Cleveland Clinic is renowned for its world-class medical facilities and cutting-edge research. It is a leading academic medical center that offers exceptional patient care, advanced diagnostics, and innovative treatments for various health conditions. The clinic is particularly well-known for its expertise in cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics and is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States. With a team of highly skilled physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals, Cleveland Clinic is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health outcomes and improve their quality of life. Choose what stands out most and what drew you to apply to Cleveland Clinic.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Answer Example
"Cleveland Clinic is famous for its world-renowned medical care and expertise. The hospital and its staff are known for providing exceptional patient care, innovative research, and cutting-edge treatments for a wide range of medical conditions. From heart disease and cancer to neurological disorders and more, Cleveland Clinic is a trusted name in healthcare and a leader in advancing medical science. Patients worldwide come to Cleveland Clinic to receive the best possible care and treatment, and the hospital is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Diligence
12. How does Cleveland Clinic show they value their employees?
Focus Your Answer On
This question is asked so the interviewer can see that you have researched Cleveland Clinic and determine what you find important as an employee. Cleveland Clinic is proud to share they build a culture of recognition and recognize their employees for the contributions they make and the work they do. They feel that recognizing employees enhances morale, fosters a positive environment, and builds teams.
A few ways upper management shows they value their employees are by offering an Appreciation Award, a Teaching Recognition Award, and a Caregiver Celebrations recognition platform. They also listen to what employees want, make recognition easy and accessible, and keep recognition fresh and exciting. Describe how the Cleveland Clinic shows they value their employees while explaining what that means to you as a future employee.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Answer Example
"When researching Cleveland Clinic, I was pleased to find they show value to their employees by offering appreciation awards and recognition, listening to what they want, and respecting their input. I like how there is a recognition platform where all employees can see who has been recognized for a job well done. While I did not enter the healthcare field to be recognized, I appreciate it when employers make their employees feel valued in this manner and believe it improves employee morale and retention."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Diligence
13. What do you think Cleveland Clinic does better than other clinics?
Focus Your Answer On
Before interviewing for the job, you must do your homework and research everything you can about the hospital. The interviewer wants to see that you were diligent in your research and can identify what the Cleveland Clinic does better than others. When you search online, you will find that the quality of patient experience and teamwork differentiates the clinic from other healthcare providers, along with ranking as the number one hospital for heart care. Describe what you believe to be the reason(s) they excel over others.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Well, based on your rankings, I believe Cleveland Clinic does many things better than other clinics. Being ranked the number one hospital for heart care and one of the nation's top hospitals overall shows the type of care and compassion your caregivers provide. Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic is recognized for its continued dedication to teamwork, groundbreaking innovations, and cutting-edge research. For these reasons, I have only applied to your hospital as I want to join your wonderful team."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Diligence
14. Who is the CEO of Cleveland Clinic?
Focus Your Answer On
Before any job interview, you must research the company you are interviewing with. You want to learn all you can to answer any questions the interviewer will have. Review the company website, online employee reviews, the job announcement, and visit the company and talk to staff. The interviewer wants to hear that you have done your homework and know the CEO of Cleveland Clinic.
Show the interviewer you have done in-depth research on their company. Focus your answer on naming the CEO and a little history about them. You can mention when they were appointed CEO, particular changes they have made, and any achievements they have received since becoming CEO.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"The CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic is Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic, who prefers to go by Tom. He was appointed CEO in 2018 and directs a $12.4 billion globally integrated healthcare system. What I found extremely fascinating is how Dr. Mihaljevic started at Cleveland Clinic as a surgeon before working his way into his current position."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Discovery
15. Tell me something about yourself that is not found on your CV.
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer would like to learn more about you as a person. While you cannot share everything about your personal life and accomplishments on your CV, there must be something you are proud of that you would like to share. If possible, share something about yourself that shows the interviewer you would be a good fit for the position you are interviewing for. An example is if you share that you compete in marathons, the interviewer will see that you are dedicated and diligent, both essential qualities for any employee to possess.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Something I am very skilled at that is not found on my CV is that I love playing the violin. I have played since I was three and picked it up quite easily. I would spend hours a day perfecting solo pieces, highlighting my dedication to a craft. I also enjoy the violin because it helps me clear my head and focus strictly on the piece I am playing. It enhances my dexterity, coordination, hand strength, and fine motor skills. I feel all these skills transfer nicely into my profession as a surgeon, as these skills are necessary to perform my job effectively."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Discovery
16. After reading the job description, what part of this role appeals to you the most?
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer asks this question to see that you have read the job description and determine what aspect of the role you like the most. Most job postings have many job duties you will be asked to perform. The interviewer wants to know what you like the most to see where your strengths lie and what motivates you in your job.
Focus on describing what you like most about the job and why. For example, you might like that you will be responsible for training all new employees and providing regular performance evaluations. Tell the interviewer why this particular job duty excites you.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"There are many aspects of the job description that are appealing. What I like most about this position is being a patient advocate for vulnerable patients. I enjoy educating my patients on the available services and finding the best resources to improve their quality of life. I also enjoy being able to help find respite care for family members who are working around the clock to care for their loved ones."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Discovery
17. What does integrity mean to you?
Focus Your Answer On
The Oxford Dictionary defines integrity as 'the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.' The Cleveland Clinic website has a podcast called The Value of Integrity, describing integrity as a foundational value at the Cleveland Clinic. The episode is led by Don Sinko, the Chief Integrity Officer at the clinic, who talks about the importance of maintaining integrity in your work, speaking up when things go wrong, and how integrity allows Cleveland Clinic employees to continue to deliver world-class care. The interviewer wants to hear what integrity means to you to determine if you will be a good fit for the team.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"To me, integrity means always doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It means being honest and ethical, speaking up when something is wrong, and holding myself and others to a high standard. My parents taught me about integrity at a young age, and I appreciate them for doing so."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 1st, 2023
Discovery
18. Why do you want to work for Cleveland Clinic?
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer wants to hear that you have researched the Cleveland Clinic before your interview. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their organization that stand out from others. You may want to work for them because of their stellar reputation, the opportunity for professional growth and advancement, or their high number of unique cases.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I want to work for Cleveland Clinic after learning how employees enjoy a supportive work environment with effective communication and trust in leadership. Cleveland Clinic's reputation as being committed to patient care and ranking as one of the best workplaces in healthcare is also very appealing. A friend who works as a physician with the clinic says it is one of the best places she has ever worked."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Discovery
19. This concludes our interview. Is there anything you would like to add?
Focus Your Answer On
Often, interviewers will ask if you have any questions at the end of an interview or if you would like to add anything that was not covered during the interview. When either question is asked, you always want to ask a question or two or add any pertinent information that was not covered during the interview. However, be sure not to add something that was already discussed. For example, you could highlight particular strengths that make you an ideal candidate for the role, additional training or certifications that might rank you higher than other applicants, or awards or recognition you have received in your field.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"Thank you for asking. Yes, I would like to add as a recent graduate, I worked two jobs while putting myself through college. Even though I had a full load, I maintained a 4.2 grade point average and made the Dean's List. Although this would be my first full-time job after receiving my degree, my strong work ethic and dedication to my work and studies prove that I am more than capable for the position. I will work hard and learn from my team and other experienced leaders as I want to work in a leadership position at Cleveland Clinic in the next five to seven years."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Education
20. Tell me about your education.
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer asks this question to determine if you have the education needed to perform the role you are interviewing for. They want to hear if you have a degree, certificates, or any other specialized training that qualifies you to work in this field.
Focus on describing your education as it relates to the position. You do not need to start with receiving your high school diploma or GED. Start with post-secondary training and beyond. If you do not have post-secondary training and the position calls for only a high school diploma or GED, mention that you are qualified for the job and describe your credentials.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I am a registered nurse and obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing five years ago from Duke University. I have been working as a nurse for the past five years and complete the required continuing education hours needed each year. I am looking into master's programs right now as I would like to continue my education and seek an administrative position at Cleveland Clinic in the next five years."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Experience
21. There is a leadership position you want to apply for in your department, but you do not have enough experience for the role. What would you do?
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer asks this question for several reasons. First, they want to hear if you are proactive by taking measures when recognizing you do not have enough experience. Second, they want to hear if you seem interested in a leadership position as Cleveland Clinic likes to promote within their organization. Describe how you would talk to your supervisor about your interest in the position, enroll in a leadership course, or find a leader to mentor you.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"My goal is to advance to a leadership position within Cleveland Clinic in the next four to five years, so this is an interesting question. If a leadership position opened up in my department and I did not have enough experience, I would still advise my supervisor that I was interested in the role and ask if there were mentorship opportunities for me. I would also enroll in a leadership course to gain as much experience as possible in a short amount of time."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Performance Based
22. How will you add value to Cleveland Clinic?
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer asks this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the company and how you will benefit them if hired. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing how you will add value if hired.
Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the Cleveland Clinic seeks in an employee. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response. When describing how you meet their job requirements, the interviewer will see that you are a highly qualified candidate and place you high on the list.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I will add value to the Cleveland Clinic with my attention to detail, strong work ethic, and natural leadership skills. I have worked in a leadership position for the past ten years and have excellent references who will speak highly of my management and interpersonal skills. I am highly detailed and pride myself on producing excellent, error-free work. I always arrive to work early, stay late when needed, and look for opportunities to help others."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Teamwork
23. What role do you generally play on a team?
Focus Your Answer On
Cleveland Clinic follows a team-based culture designed to acknowledge the value of all employees and their connections with each other. The role you generally take will show the interviewer how you interact with others and give them insight into your communication and leadership skills. There can be many different roles, including the team leader, facilitator, coach, or member, and your role may vary depending on your job. Describe what role you prefer and why.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a nurse, my role varies on the situation. Generally, I am the leader of the team. However, my role will shift to a team member if a physician is present and they become the leader. I can shift roles quite easily depending on the situation."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Teamwork
24. What is your definition of teamwork?
Focus Your Answer On
Cleveland Clinic follows a team-based culture designed to acknowledge the value of all employees and their connections with each other. The interviewer asks your definition of teamwork to know how you view a team and what it means to work together. The Cambridge Dictionary defines teamwork as 'the combined actions of a group of people working together effectively to achieve a goal.' Your definition does not need to match the Cambridge Dictionary version. Still, you want to relay the value of working together to achieve a common goal. Explain how you would describe teamwork to someone who did not understand the word while tying it into the position you are interviewing for.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"My definition of teamwork is working together with others to achieve a common goal. I enjoy working with a team because everyone has a common goal, with different experiences and ideas for achieving it. Working as a nurse on a multidisciplinary team allows me to use my knowledge and experience while learning from others with different opinions, backgrounds, and ideas. I am excited for this opportunity to join the fine team at Cleveland Clinic."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 29th, 2023
Tough
25. What would you do if you saw a coworker steal something from work?
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer would like to know how you would react if put in an awkward or potentially harmful situation, like seeing a coworker steal something from work. They want to know that you are honest and have ethics and morals. The Cleveland Clinic has a code of conduct that all employees must learn and follow. Of course, theft violates the code of conduct and is to be reported to a supervisor, the Corporate Compliance Office, or the Law Department. The interviewer wants to see that you would take appropriate action and report the theft immediately.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"While my first response would be to confront my coworker and ask what they were doing, previous employers did not allow direct confrontation and told their employees to report the incident to an immediate supervisor. I read the Cleveland Clinic's Code of Conduct online and see they require the incident to be reported to a supervisor, Corporate Compliance Office, or Law Department. If I were put in this situation at Cleveland Clinic, I would report the incident to my immediate supervisor."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 30th, 2023