30 DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. Interview Questions

15 DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. Answer Examples

1.

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

To succeed in the healthcare services industry, you should have a substantial level of compassion for your patients or customers. Talk to the interviewer about the compassionate qualities that you possess. How would you rate your level of empathy for others?

Some ways to describe yourself could be:

- Understanding
- Warm-hearted
- Empathetic
- Responsive
- Charitable
- Tender-hearted

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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 patients' needs, and always empathetic."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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."

2.

At DeKalb Medical Center we seek to hire individuals who display a keen interest in the healthcare arena. Would you consider yourself dedicated to a career in healthcare services?

Assure the interviewer of your dedication to a lucrative career in the healthcare services industry. The hiring manager would like to know that this position fits into your long-term plan and that, if hired, you would stay with DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. as long as possible.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I dedicated my entire career to the healthcare services field. I find it incredibly rewarding and interesting because I get to help others, and every day brings new challenges! One of the reasons I applied for this role with DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. is because I can see a long-term fit here. I plan to work in the healthcare segment for my entire career."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I know this career can take a toll on personal life, and I understand that while it can be more-or-less sustainable, it's more than just a job for me. So far, I have dedicated my entire adult life to this career. I have shadowed numerous professionals and have worked in multiple clinics. I know this is the right career for me."

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3.

In the healthcare services industry there are many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?

The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself to be an emotionally driven person. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work.

Keep in mind - almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but there are other ways that you can describe yourself that have a more positive connotation. If you are passionate, you could choose to refer to yourself as:

- Expressive
- Communicative
- Open
- Unreserved

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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. "

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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 telling myself that it's not my story, its the patient's story. I think it's okay to be moved by someone else's experience, but I don't need to make it mine."

4.

Tell me about your healthcare related education and training.

Walk the interviewer through your formal post-secondary education as well as any on the job training. Talk about your most positive take-away's from your post-secondary experience and be sure to tie in how that experience will help you succeed in this position.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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 DeKalb Medical Center, Inc.."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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."

5.

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

Assure the interviewer that you would treat everyone at DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. with great respect and a positive attitude. Discuss the ways that you would build strong and healthy relationships if hired.

Some ways to build strong relationships in the workplace:

- Have strong follow-up habits
- Offer sincere conversation
- Get to know people on a personal level
- Be trustworthy
- Avoid gossip
- Offer mutual respect
- Be mindful of your actions
- Compliment others
- Be positive
- Be a strong listener

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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 DeKalb Medical Center, Inc.."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I am happy to hear that DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. 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 followup. 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."

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6.

What is your patient care philosophy?

It's always a great idea to research the company before your interview. You want to get to know their care philosophy so that your answer can reflect what is important to them. What is the core of your care philosophy? Keep your answer concise yet sincere.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"Every day at work, I remind myself that everyone I come across has their struggles. Every person we care for has a story. I make sure to get to know my patients whenever possible. Everyone has the right to compassionate care."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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."

7.

In order to work for DeKalb Medical Center, you must be able to pass a full criminal background check. Do you consent to a full background check?

Working in the healthcare services industry means that you are in contact with vulnerable people, children, pharmaceutical drugs, drug-related equipment, confidential information, and other areas of sensitivity. Assure the interviewer that you are able and willing to pass a complete background check. If you have a criminal record, you must disclose this.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I have a clean criminal record and am happy to comply with any background check you require of me."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"No problem. I understand that it's part of the job. But I want to be up-front, I have done a full background check before, and there is a possibility you will see a charge for possession of marijuana in the check. It was several years ago, and it's no longer an issue for me because I've made significant changes in my life to pursue this career. But I don't want you to be surprised by the information. I'm happy to answer any questions you have."

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8.

Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is properly organized, and highly accurate?

The success of the healthcare industry thrives on the accuracy of information and organization. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you ensure accuracy and organization in your day to day activities. Perhaps you use a particular app or software. Maybe you are a pen and paper person. Whatever your method, be sure to highlight that you are successful in organizing your day.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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 DeKalb Medical Center, 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."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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."

9.

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

The interviewer would like to dig deeper into your real areas of interest when it comes to healthcare services. They want to know that your passions align well with what DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. is offering. Talk to the interviewer about the areas of healthcare you would like to focus on most, and then tie that information in with what the position at DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. would be offering you.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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?"

10.

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?

The interviewer would like to know how they could continue to motivate you - even on the hardest of days. Do you need to have verbal recognition? Are you motivated solely by the success of your team? Talk to the interviewer about how you have stayed motivated in the past.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"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."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"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."

11.

Have you ever been involved in ordering medical supplies, maintaining inventory, or other types of healthcare-related administrative duties?

The interviewer would like to know if you understand what it takes to keep on top of ordering medical supplies and inventory. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of foreseeing needs and making the appropriate action. Highlight your ability to be responsible when it comes to related administrative tasks.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I have experience in ordering medical supplies and maintaining inventory. I fully understand that there is an art to being properly organized when it comes to the availability of supplies. For medical ordering and inventory, I have used a variety of software and programs such as ABC and XYZ."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I performed a few admin duties during my internship. I helped maintain supplies in the general surgery ward for five weeks. I was great at working behind the scenes, with the result being efficiency for others."

12.

At DeKalb Medical Center we seek to hire individuals who have ambitions of growing their career. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?

Every hiring manager would like to know that their investment in time and training will pay off. Assure the interviewer that you see this position as a long-term fit. How does this role with DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. fit into your longer-term plans?

Rachelle's Answer #1

"In 3-5 years I would like to see my career with DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. include a path towards a leadership role. I am very keen on paving a long-term career in the healthcare services realm and would love the opportunity to do that here."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"One of the attractive points of working for DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. 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 I have an interest in urban outreach, so it would be nice to do something formal in that context, health-education, or fundraising."

13.

DeKalb Medical Center seeks to hire those with strong problem solving skills. When were you able to successfully resolve a problem in the workplace?

Problem-solving and dispute resolution are critical skills to possess. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving within the workplace. Talk about a time when you were creative, proactive, and displayed the leadership qualities required to resolve a workplace issue.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I was working in a clinic where the primary population was low income. We had a lot of concerns with patients not showing up for appointments when expected. The staff wanted to start double-booking patient time slots. Instead, I got permission to spend a day in a highly-rated clinic serving the same population. Instead of scheduling, they had these 'drop-in mornings' with a shared waiting room. I took these methods and incorporated them into our setting. We did that twice a week, and it completely solved our scheduling problem."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"We had many group projects in university, and I noticed a consistent problem with team members showing up late for meetings or messaging in sick at the very last moment. As the team leader, rather than getting upset, I proposed that when a team member disrespectfully dropped the ball, they would be asked to leave the group and find a new group or commit to an independent project. I felt this encouraged accountability and showed teamwork as a privilege rather than a right. Team member commitments increased as did work ethic among the groups."

14.

When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?

Being flexible and able to handle change is a skill that all employers desire to see. Discuss with the interviewer your ability to approach a problem using new methods. Give a recent example, but make sure to spend more time highlighting the resolution rather than the problem.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"When our facility came under new management last year, many new methods and policies came into place. I was able to learn some exciting new approaches to our challenges in patient care and customer management. I quite enjoyed the process."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"They say people in healthcare are 'lifelong learners.' I'm now old enough to realize that its difficult to be always adapting. I think my 45-year-old aunt telling me how to use my iPhone helped me appreciate that it's all about humility. It's not about who is teaching you, but if you are willing to learn. In the medical context, I just took an updated CPR course, and it went from the 2:15 compressions to continuous compressions, and I had to adapt to overcome my former way of thinking."

15.

How would you describe your personality?

Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. Your example could include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.

Rachelle's Answer #1

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."

Rachelle's Answer #2

"I'm genuinely easy-going, probably from all the international travel I experienced in my 20's. I like to do the right thing, and sometimes I get stressed trying to reach that goal, but I think it's a worthwhile endeavor. I can be funny, but my sense of humor is pretty dry, so people don't always know that about me when they first meet me."

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DeKalb Medical Center Interview
Questions

30 Questions and Answers by Rachelle Enns

DeKalb Medical Center Interview Questions

30 Questions and Answers by Rachelle Enns

DeKalb Medical Center Interview
Questions