33% of Sutter Health's patients speak another language than English. Are you fluent in any languages other than English? Have you worked with patients that aren't fluent in English or have English as a second language?
If you are fluent or even have some experience speaking a foreign language, be sure to let your interviewer know this. If
you don't speak another language, be open and honest with your interviewer while keeping the door open to learning the basics of a new language or working with a translator. Feel free to ask questions during the interview to gain familiarity with the most common patients.
"I rate my Spanish speaking skills a 5 out of 10. Having studied the language all four years of high school, I feel confident in my abilities to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients in my first job out of college. I didn't get the opportunity to do so during my clinical rotations."
"Unfortunately, English is the only language I am fluent in after taking only one year of German as a freshman in high school. Can you elaborate on what languages are most common among the patients of Sutter Health? I would be more than willing to further my education in a second language if necessary."
If you speak another language, describe your fluency level. If you do not speak another language, show the interviewer you are open and willing to learn a specific language if needed for the position.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am not fluent in any other languages, but have had the opportunity to work in a very diverse setting that allowed me to communicate with someone who did not speak any English or very little. I have used both a video translator, an in-person translator, and someone over the phone. I think that when working with someone who speaks another language than myself it is important to still speak to them and not to the translator.
Lauren's Feedback
Great! You have had experience working with interpreters, and know a standard a care that is preferred. I made very minor edits.
Although I am not fluent in languages outside of English, I have had extensive experience working with a diverse clientele. I have had the opportunity to use a video translator, an in-person interpreter, and translation services over the phone. My standard of care does not waiver if an interpreter is used; I always speak directly to the patient (versus the interpreter) to build trust and rapport.
Anonymous Answer
I am very fluent in English as I come from a diverse country where I have learned many languages. I also know languages like Gujarati, Hindi, and Marathi, and I am fluent in speaking, writing, and reading.
Jaymie's Feedback
Excellent! It's great to share which other specific languages you're fluent in.
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