List of 35 Kaiser Permanente Interview Questions & Answers
Adaptability
1.
When have you had to adapt to change in the workplace?
How to Answer
In the ever-changing and evolving world of healthcare at Kaiser Permanente, being flexible and adaptable in your work is a key trait that your interviewer will be looking for in any candidate that they hire. To get at your ability to be pliable in your work, your interviewer would like to know about a time you were required to adapt to change in the workplace. Being able to adapt to change in the workplace is an essential skill to possess because change is inevitable at Kaiser Permanente. Talk to your interviewer about a time when have had to adjust to changes on the job. Ensure that the example that you use displays your ability to take on change with a smile on your face, a positive attitude, and produced an excellent result.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current role there is a lot of staff turnover when it comes to our management team. I have had to adapt to 3 new managers in the past four years and each has had their own unique styles and expectation. It is not the ideal situation, but I have always adjusted for the good of the team. When some of my colleagues were down and out regarding the changes, I was always the person to point out the bright side of a new change and I did so through both conversation and action."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Community Answer
"When the Covid Pandemic started, there was a rapid learning curve on what and how to use PPE effectively. I was nervous that I was not using the proper equipment during high-exposure risk procedures. We had in services to help us prepare. I would make sure to alert my team of a covid + patient and what protection to use, ie respirators vs N-95 masks."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Amanda Knight Reviewed the Above Answer
The COVID-19 pandemic presented many opportunities to adapt as the situation evolved. You can enhance this response further by also sharing what you did to build team morale and try to maintain a healthy work/life balance in the face of increased workloads and long hours. Finally, end your response by talking about the positive outcome. Did your team learn how to effectively use PPE and successfully protect themselves and their patients?
Behavioral
2.
Patient care requires a strong amount of compassion, and Kaiser Permanente strives to provide compassionate care to their patients. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
How to Answer
To succeed at Kaiser Permanente, you should have a solid level of compassion for your patients or customers. Talk to the interviewer about the compassionate qualities that you possess and that you'd bring to this role with Kaiser Permanente. Prior to your interview, try to think of some keywords that define your compassion and empathy for others in the work that you do. These can include terms like sympathy, empathy, humanity, kindness, caring, and heart.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I understand that compassion is one of the top qualities that I need to bring to the workplace at Kaiser Permanente and I consider myself a very compassionate person. I am warm-hearted, responsive to my patients' needs, and always empathetic to others. I take the time to listen and reflect back to ensure that I am providing the best care possible."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"My main reason for pursuing a career in healthcare was due to my compassionate nature with people. While I always do my best to provide kind and considerate care to my patients, I heavily emphasize things like patient privacy and patient advocacy when necessary. These go above and beyond what it means to provide compassionate care."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Community Answer
"I see myself as a compassionate person; I see more than a sick person picking up their prescription. I don't know what the patient could be going through, but showing I care for them and treating them like family will make a difference for them to feel better."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a great response, and it shows that you truly do care about the people that you come across every day.
Behavioral
3.
Working at Kaiser Permanente, there are many emotions that staff can experience in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity on the job?
How to Answer
No matter if the job you are interviewing for at Kaiser Permanente puts you in direct patient contact or not, the healthcare industry, in general, can be very emotional at times for any staff member. In asking this question, your 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. If possible, try to point out your ability to stay calm in an emotional situation on the job by pointing out a time that you had to in the past with great results.
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, and unreserved.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"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 the 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 and I would be able to bring this same level-headedness to work at Kaiser Permanente. "
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"This is a great question. I think the right answer is, 'of course, but not for long!' We've all had those tough cases. A child dies, a patient yells at you, 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, it's 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."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Community Answer
"I'm human, and of course, I feel sad if one of my patients has bad news if a customer dies or something happens to my coworkers or someone I care about, but I also don't let those feelings affect my job and productivity."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
There is a balance between allowing normal emotion and allowing it to impact your work. It seems you have found that balance. Nice work!
Behavioral
4.
How do you handle the day-to-day stresses that come with this position at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
No matter what role you're interviewing for at Kaiser Permanente, you will likely face some stressors in the day-to-day activities of the job. The hustle and bustle of any position in healthcare can be very demanding and your interviewer would like to know if you can appropriately handle the stress related to this job. Discuss how you can thrive in this role, even during the most stressful times. Reiterate to your interviewer that you are aware of the stressors that come with this role. If you can, provide an example of a time when you implemented a stress-management technique in your current role and explain why it was effective.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Behavioral
5.
What is your patient care philosophy that you would bring to work at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
Prior to your interview with Kaiser Permanente, your research into the organization's quality mission and vision will give you great insight into their patient care philosophy. If posed a question like this during your time with them, your interviewer will be looking to hear that your own patient care philosophy is a great match for Kaiser Permanente. Prior to your interview, put some serious thought into what drives your patient care philosophy internally and sincerely reiterate to your interviewer why you hold this philosophy near and dear to your heart.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Behavioral
6.
What would you say is the greatest weakness you would bring to this role at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
Your interviewer knows that any candidate they select for this role at Kaiser Permanente isn't perfect and comes with an area or two for improvement. What is important to them is that you are cognizant of your own personal shortcomings. If possible, pick a weakness that is not a core skill for the position you are interviewing for. 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 if hired at Kaiser Permanente. 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. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Behavioral
7.
Give an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty when working as part of the team. What was the challenge you faced and how did you handle things with your teammates?
How to Answer
When working with an organization the size of Kaiser Permanente, working as part of a team is a necessity in any position. Using a specific example from your work history, talk about a specific time where you had to go the extra mile as part of a team to make a project or task a success. In detail, discuss any hurdles you had to overcome and how you worked with your teammates to handle the challenge.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Behavioral
8.
What part of your work brings you the most stress?
How to Answer
Stress can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience, especially in healthcare. Your interviewer at Kaiser Permanente fully understands that any candidate that they interview experiences stress in their work. What they're looking to hear by asking this question is that you have the ability to manage your stress in a healthy and productive manner. Be sure to talk openly to your 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 job that you are interviewing for and reiterate how you effectively handle this stressor in your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Direct
9.
In order to work for Kaiser Permanente, you must be able to pass a full criminal background check. Do you consent to a full background check?
How to Answer
Working in the healthcare services industry at Kaiser Permanente means that you could be 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 hired at Kaiser Permanente. If you have a criminal record, you must disclose this.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Direct
10.
Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
Rather than just sharing how you have gone above and beyond expectations in the past, focus on how your qualities will help you to meet and exceed expectations in this role with Kaiser Permanente. Discuss the reasons why will you be great at this job. Talk about your qualifications and skills that will help you to do this job well. If you can, match your strengths to the requirements outlined in the job description and make sure to thoroughly research the position prior to your interview.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
11.
What role would you be most comfortable taking on as part of this team at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
At Kaiser Permanente, teamwork truly does make the dream work for the patients and families that rely on the organization to provide world-class care. In asking this question, your interviewer truly wants to understand the role that you naturally take on when put into a team-based environment. If you tend to take the lead, you can let the interviewer know, but avoid sounding overbearing. If you usually like to generate new ideas and allow someone else to execute them, share your creative side while expressing that you prefer for others to take the lead. While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, be sure to speak with honesty and confidence in explaining how you interact as part of a larger team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
12.
In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver that we would be hiring at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
In looking to hire you at Kaiser Permanente, your interviewer wants to know that you have a methodical approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems on the job and be sure to reiterate them to your interviewer. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver, and the ability that you would come up with innovative solutions on the job at Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
13.
What do the words "customer service" mean to you in this role with Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
Kaiser Permanente is 100% focused on the service that they provide to their patients. Your role with the organization could potentially put you in front of patients, vendors, or family members of patients, and all are considered customers of the organization. Talk about how your role at Kaiser Permanente can have an effect on the customers of the organization and how you go about providing excellent service to those customers.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
14.
If Kaiser Permanente hired you today, what would you accomplish first on the job?
How to Answer
In looking to start this new position with Kaiser Permanente, it is essential to set a goal on how you will make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate for the job. If you want to make an impact with your answer, research as much as you can on this position with Kaiser Permanente to refer to the immediate needs of the department. This could include increasing budgets or improving patient care.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
15.
Tell me about yourself and the type of person we'd be looking to hire at Kaiser Permanente.
How to Answer
Take a few minutes to tell the interviewer a few things about yourself. You can begin with your recent education, family life, volunteer work, or talk about your travels. Bring up anything that is interesting and highlights your ability to be a responsible, reliable, and bright individual on the Kaiser Permanente team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
16.
Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?
How to Answer
Depending on the role you are interviewing for at Kaiser Permanente, a majority of the work could be in a team-based environment. Conversely, you could be relied upon to work solo a majority of the time and need the ability to make quick decisions on your own. Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually and be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario (ie: I only like to work by myself). You may work well without the need for 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, either way. As well, a thorough read through of the job description will give you some insight into the type of environment you would be joining at Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
17.
Kaiser Permanente supports a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?
How to Answer
It is essential to keep a healthy work/life balance to prevent burnout in any career and your interviewer at Kaiser Permanente wants to hear that you have the ability to do this. Talk to the interviewer about how you can maintain that appropriate balance for yourself. As you answer, don't hesitate to talk about the things that you enjoy in your free time to show that you have the ability to mentally and physically recharge yourself after a hard day's work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
18.
How would you describe your personality and how would it benefit this team at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
Kaiser Permanente is an extremely large and diverse organization and their hiring managers are looking to piece together teams that are diverse and well-rounded. The interviewer is looking for more information on your personality and how you will mesh with the existing team and what new traits you may be able to bring to the team. As you talk openly and honestly about your personality traits with your interviewer, try to match your personality traits with the mission and values of Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
19.
Talk about the importance of integrating yourself into the community in which you practice medicine. How would you effectively do this?
How to Answer
One of Kaiser Permanente's primary values is making the communities in which they practice a healthier place. They expect their healthcare providers and staff to be an integral part of these communities as participants and leaders. This question is an opportunity for you to discuss community service types of activities that you hold near and dear to your heart and any efforts you have been a part of in your past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Discovery
20.
Kaiser Permanente is a very large organization and values the promotion of employees from within. What are your ultimate career goals in the healthcare field and what are you doing to fulfill those goals?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to dig deeper into your true areas of interest when it comes to your larger career goals. They want to know that your passions align well with what Kaiser Permanente is offering. A large organization like Kaiser Permanente walks a fine line when talking about promoting from within because departments want long-term retention while also wanting their employees to reach their goals within the walls of the organization. Be upfront and honest on your career goals with your interviewer and make sure that your interest falls within the realm of the position that you are interviewing for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Diversity
21.
How do you feel you would fit in with the cultural values and diversity at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
The sheer size of Kaiser Permanente makes them a very culturally diverse organization. Employees of the organization must be able to work with a wide variety of people in a wide array of departments. Talk about the importance of a diverse team and give examples of a time where you thrived in this type of environment. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have done your research on Kaiser Permanente and that you'll thrive in their workplace culture.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Diversity
22.
Kaiser Permanente has a diverse workforce. Talk about a time that you worked with a diverse team and what role did you play on that team?
How to Answer
Throughout Kaiser Permanente's 75-year history, the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion has helped them in its overall mission. During your interview, your interviewer will want to be assured that you would be a champion for D&I if hired for the position. Let the interviewer know that you can handle an environment that offers diversity by giving an example of a time where you embraced diversity in the workplace. As you answer, talk about how the diverse environment helped you grow and thrive and how you helped foster a culture of inclusion.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Education
23.
With ongoing changes in the healthcare industry, how do you keep your knowledge in your field current?
How to Answer
Kaiser Permanente expects their employees to stay up-to-date on their respective fields, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways that you receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends. Talk to your interviewer about continuing education you have participated in recently, any conferences you regularly attend, or any seminars you have taken in your field. As well, talking about any journals you subscribe to or any groups/societies in your field that you belong to can also win over your interviewer. Lastly, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start up a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Experience
24.
Kaiser Permanente was initially looking for someone with five years of experience in a similar role. Considering you have just two years experience, would you be willing to accept this position at a lower salary?
How to Answer
If posed a question like this, or any regarding compensation, during your interview, you need to put some serious thought into if you are willing to earn your way up if Kaiser Permanente does not want to offer you top compensation right away. Discuss with the interviewer what you would expect for compensation if offered this position. With most large organizations operating compensation under a pay scale, talk about your willingness to start at the bottom of the pay scale and work your way up if you truly can agree to that. Bringing up points of being compensated in relation to experience is important because it shows the interviewer that you understand the basic principles of compensation philosophy.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Operational
25.
Have you ever been involved in ordering medical supplies, maintaining inventory, or any other types of health care related administrative duties during your career?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you understand what it takes to keep on top of ordering medical supplies and inventory if hired at Kaiser Permanente. 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 required for this role with Kaiser Permanente, even if the role you are interviewing for isn't in a clinical setting. To get at your ability to do this, be sure to read through the job description thoroughly prior to your interview.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Operational
26.
Working at Kaiser Permanente requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is properly organized and highly accurate?
How to Answer
The success of Kaiser Permanente thrives on the accuracy of information and organization in all work that they do. 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 and paying attention to the fine details in the work that you would be doing with Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Operational
27.
How would you handle communicating bad news to a colleague or patient at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
At Kaiser Permanente, the most difficult side of working in the healthcare industry entails having difficult conversations with both colleagues and patients. In asking this question, your interviewer would like to know if you can adequately handle being the bearer of bad news. One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people with whom you work. Whether it is providing a less than favorable work review, or terminating someone, it doesn't come easy. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this type of task in a transparent, empathetic, and professional manner. If you have an example or two of a time where you had to have a difficult conversation on the job, don't hesitate to talk about how you handled that experience and what you learned from it.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Operational
28.
Tell me about a time when your communication skills greatly benefited your team. How can your communication skills benefit you in this role at Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
No matter if you will be working in front-line patient care or back-end support at Kaiser Permanente, communication can be the key to success in the healthcare world. Your interviewer would like to know how your communication skills have benefited your team in the past. Strong communication skills are required to be an active leader. As you answer this question with a specific example from your past, reiterate to your interviewer that you have excellent verbal communication skills and listening skills that will help you be a great communicator on their team at Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Operational
29.
If hired for this role at Kaiser Permanente, what tools would you need to deliver excellent service?
How to Answer
In looking to hire you on their team, your interviewer would like to ensure that you are set up for success from the start at Kaiser Permanente. They are also looking to hear that you understand the greater role this job plays in providing excellent service to the patients and fellow colleagues that you would be serving in this role. Prior to your interview, it will be important for you to research the role you are interviewing for and put some thought into how you will be able to deliver the best service to those you will be working closely with. There are many tools that you could use to excel in your job but remember - the most significant tools you possess are an excellent attitude and a great team backing you. Discuss with the interviewer what you think you will need to deliver exceptional service in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Situational
30.
Is there any type of work environment that you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Kaiser Permanente takes great pride in having a very positive and nurturing environment. In asking this question, your interviewer wants you to talk openly and honestly about the types of work environments that you find hard to work in. No matter how you answer, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you can overcome any negative work environment and express your ability to do so by talking about a time you overcame a tough situation in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Situational
31.
Have you ever made a critical mistake while on the job? How did you handle the situation?
How to Answer
At Kaiser Permanente, integrity is held in the highest regard. While we are all human and make mistakes, the key to this question for your interviewer is how you handle the aftermath of a mistake to make things right. Your interviewer will be looking for you to own up to your mistake and do what it takes to correct it. Use a specific example and describe how you handled the situation and any lessons that you learned moving forward to prevent it from happening again. In the end, you want to ensure your interviewer that you would join the team at Kaiser Permanente with the utmost integrity and accountability in your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Situational
32.
How would you handle working with a patient or coworker at Kaiser Permanente that had a difficult personality?
How to Answer
Working closely with colleagues and/or patients in the healthcare world will eventually put you in close contact with someone who is very difficult to work with. Stress can often be high on the job at Kaiser Permanente and your interviewer wants to know how well you work with others despite differences in personality. Your ability to adapt to various people, regardless of a positive personality match, shows that you are mature and professional, even when factors are not entirely ideal. As you answer this question, try to talk about a specific time you had to work with an extremely difficult person during your career. If possible, avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or naming people. Also, avoid telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone all the time. Most interviewers will interpret a cliche response like that as dodging the question. In a positive tone, discuss how you made the situation work!
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Situational
33.
Talk about a time you had to diffuse a situation with an angry colleague or patient. What was critical for you to consider in your attempt to make the situation better?
How to Answer
At Kaiser Permanente, there may come a time when you have to calm down a situation with an angered patient, family member, or colleague. Your interviewer would like to hear a story regarding how you were able to take an uncomfortable, or hostile situation, and turn things around into a positive experience. Avoid speaking negatively about any patients or colleagues and use a recent example from your current role. No matter what example you use, make sure that your interviewer walks away from your time together knowing that you have the skills to diffuse a difficult situation and that you realize this is a requirement for the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Situational
34.
Kaiser Permanente seeks to hire those with strong problem-solving skills. When were you able to successfully resolve a problem in the workplace?
How to Answer
Problem-solving and dispute resolution are critical skills to possess on the team at Kaiser Permanente. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving within the workplace by talking about a specific time when you were creative, proactive, and displayed the leadership qualities required to resolve a workplace issue. In your answer, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are confident in your ability to be a problem-solver on their team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021
Teamwork
35.
At Kaiser Permanente, we take pride in our great relationships with vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?
How to Answer
The most successful healthcare institutions in the world pride themselves on the trusting relationships that they build with their patients and vendors and this is no different at Kaiser Permanente. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to get a sense that you will bring the ability to build strong relationships to Kaiser Permanente. Assure the interviewer that you would treat everyone at Kaiser Permanente with great respect and a positive attitude. Discuss the ways that you would build strong and healthy relationships if hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 21st, 2021