42 The Mount Sinai Hospital Interview Questions & Answers
1. At Mount Sinai Hospital, our Integrative Pain Management Practice seeks to bring Eastern and Western medicine together to offer patients the benefits of both fields. What are your thoughts on mixing diverse cultures in a holistic approach to care?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Current research today supports a holistic approach to healing. Integrating Eastern and Western medicine to meet a patient's specific needs is something that Mount Sinai Hospital has implemented into its daily practices. The interviewer wants to hear your thoughts on Mount Sinai's holistic approach to determine if you will be a good fit for the team. Share with the interviewer your thoughts and experiences, if any, with the treatment therapies of different cultures.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing any experience you have with mixing Eastern and Western medicine. Assure the interviewer you are open to this type of holistic approach and welcome using it with your patients.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I feel the integration of Eastern and Western medical practices is an exciting combination of treatment options that could benefit people differently. My primary doctor referred me to an acupuncturist when I had continuing back pain. Traditional pain medication masked the source of the pain. After a few sessions with the acupuncturist, my pain substantially subsided. I was pleased when I learned that Mount Sinai Hospital's Integrative Pain Management Practice included these options."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I love the idea of mixing diverse cultures in a holistic approach to care. Before I became involved in healthcare, I did a lot of research on Eastern medicine to help my grandmother, who had cancer. She did not want to undergo chemo and radiation, and I found a lot of good information using alternative approaches. I think Western medicine also has a lot of benefits, but I believe patients should be given different treatment options that fit their beliefs and lifestyle."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Community Answer
"I am very interested in a holistic approach to healing; in fact, I participate in yoga and mindfulness workshops which have improved my overall well-being. I think it is important to offer patients alternative medicine."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Great! I like how you brought in your own experiences with holistic health.
2. Think about a difficult boss, professor, or coworker. What made them difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize some folks out there are pretty difficult to please. The interviewer wants to hear that you are easy to get along with and possess patience and conflict-resolution skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think about that one person at work who is seen as hard to please. Perhaps there is someone at work who tries to intimidate others. Talk to the interviewer about what made this person challenging and their relationship with you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone, and focus on ending your response on a positive note.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
1st Answer Example
"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 be prepared 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 many 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."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"In my previous position, I did have a coworker who didn't pull their weight. This unmotivated coworker 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 department head noticed this particular individual was slacking. In most instances, the underachievers will weed themselves out over time, and it's rarely worth making a fuss over."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
3. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date in their respective fields, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways to receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends.
Tell the interviewer about those daily update emails you receive from professional organizations, conferences you attend, and seminars you have taken.
Lastly, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on naming the podcasts you listen to, journals you read, or seminars you attend. When the interviewer hears that you are proactive in keeping up to date with the changes in the industry, they will see you take your profession seriously.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Every morning, I listen to X Podcast because I find the information 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. What resources do you prefer to stay on top of industry trends and changes?"
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid fan of google alerts! I receive an email with the related information whenever there is a major headline about the healthcare services industry. In addition to this, I also subscribe to a couple of medical-related journals."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Community Answer
"I keep up to date using continuing education with pharmacist letter and I occasionally listen to HelixTalk podcast which provides lectures from pharmacy faculty. I value the information shared between fellow professionals."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Great response with specific examples.
4. Mount Sinai Hospital has several specialty areas. Is there an area that you least prefer to work in and, if so, why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is NOT a trick question. There are no wrong answers. The interviewer genuinely wants to know what interests you and what does not. If there is an area that would not be your personal choice to be assigned, now is the time to state that. Be sure to know the type of situation offered in this position before the interview. If you aren't completely clear on the workplace environment or culture, kindly ask the interviewer to expand on the work environment.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you are flexible and enjoy working in different specialty areas, relay that to the interviewer. If there is an area that you prefer to avoid, focus on describing what area that is and why you would rather not work in that specialty.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
5. In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Employers want 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 opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver and your ability to develop innovative solutions.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing what makes you a great problem solver. If you have a work-related example, share it with the interviewer so they can see that you will be a great addition to the team if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
6. Rate your problem-solving skills from 1-10. How do you justify your rating?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know how you would rate your problem-solving skills. Of course, you want to give yourself a strong rating; however, you must remain realistic. Everyone has room to learn and improve! Be sure to justify your score as well.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on rating your problem-solving skills from 1to 10 with the reason you chose that score. If you give yourself less than a score of 10, explain that you rated yourself lower because there is always room for improvement.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
7. Mount Sinai Hospital is the largest inpatient facility within our network. We currently have an over 1,100 bed facility. Do you foresee any issues with transitioning to a facility of this size?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you are easily overwhelmed when 'out of your element,' so to speak. Moving from a smaller facility to one as large as Mount Sinai Hospital could be overwhelming, even to a seasoned employee. The interviewer is not asking that you not be overwhelmed, but is rather looking to see if you are willing to accept the challenge of transition. Speaking confidently about your willingness to learn will be a positive way to answer this question.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer that you are up for the challenge and do not foresee any issues transitioning to a facility the size of Mount Sinai Hospital. If you have previously worked in a large facility, highlight your experience working in a large facility.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
8. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Mount Sinai Hospital?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see why you think you will succeed if hired by Mount Sinai Hospital. It might be because you have the skills and experience they are looking for, or you are new to the industry and are eager and excited to learn all you can.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
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 with Mount Sinai Hospital. Discuss the reasons why you will be great at this job. Talk about your qualifications and skills that will help you do this job well. If you can, match your strengths to the requirements outlined in the job description.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
9. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may disagree with your leader. Show the interviewer that you can be a good team member yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time. Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer that while you may disagree with your leader from time to time, you still have respect for them and will follow their orders. The interviewer wants someone who can think for themselves but who will not be charged with insubordination if they disagree with the leader.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
10. Mount Sinai Hospital was initially looking for someone with 5 years' experience in a similar role. Considering you have just 2 years' experience, would you be willing to accept this position at a lower salary?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is being transparent with you and wants to hear your thoughts on being offered less compensation due to your lack of experience. You need to decide if you are willing to earn your way up if the interviewer does not want to offer you top compensation. Discuss with the interviewer what you would expect for compensation if offered this position.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
You want to be flexible with the interviewer regarding compensation, but you also need to ensure that what they offer will financially work for you. Focus on showing the interviewer you are flexible with the salary but not willing to sacrifice the experience you do have for compensation that is not sufficient for you to live.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
11. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Mount Sinai Hospital focuses on ensuring high-level care and employment inclusion to diverse populations, including the LGBT population. What are your thoughts on supporting the LGBT community so openly?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
LGBT issues are at the forefront of many heated discussions in today's society. As a healthcare provider, one cannot discriminate against a client's sexual orientation or preference. Assure the interviewer that you feel it is important to treat all patients and coworkers with the same respect and care despite their sexual orientation. If you have ever worked directly with coworkers or patients who are part of the LGBT community, give a positive example to the interviewer.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer that you are first and foremost a professional and you do not judge anyone based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. Describe how you support the LGBT community, regardless if they are coworkers or patients.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
12. If Mount Sinai Hospital hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When you start a new position, 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. If you want to make an impact with your answer, refer to the company's immediate needs, such as increasing budgets or improving patient care, for instance.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on showing the interviewer how you will benefit Mount Sinai Hospital if hired. When companies interview candidates for a position, they want to see how their investment in that candidate will offer a return for the company.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
13. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear about your greatest weakness as a healthcare professional to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that needs improvement. When you admit you have a deficiency in a particular aspect of your profession and take steps to improve, it shows the interviewer that you are motivated and inspired to grow professionally.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on a weakness related to your profession, but not one that is an essential job duty. For example, suppose you say your weakness is your verbal communication skills. In that case, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate since that skill is an essential part of being an excellent healthcare provider.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
14. How do you handle a dispute with a coworker or supervisor?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is not uncommon for coworkers or supervisors to have a dispute or disagreement with someone they work with. The interviewer knows this and wants to see how you have handled disputes in the past. 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.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on giving a detailed explanation of how you handled a past disagreement with a supervisor or 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 June 1st, 2022
15. As a healthcare provider, what experience do you have training others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to determine your experience and qualifications in a teaching capacity to see if you will be a good fit for Mount Sinai Hospital. The interviewer will ask this question if one of the job duties is to train others. It could be that your job would be to train coworkers, the community, or students.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing the number of years of experience you have training others and in what capacity. Explain if you have trained and mentored new healthcare professionals, provided continuing education training, or trained businesses and the community in healthy living or CPR.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
16. Mount Sinai Hospital prides itself on providing excellent customer service. How do you provide excellent customer service?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Companies that provide excellent customer service greet customers with a smile and a greeting, listen to their customers, know their customers' preferences, and go above and beyond to make them happy. The interviewer asks this question to determine if your values align with theirs. The interviewer wants to hear how you provide excellent customer service to see if you will be a good fit for their team.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Think of how you like to be treated as a customer. Then, think of how you provide excellent customer service, treating your customers (patients) how you want to be treated. Describe the actions you take to provide excellent customer service to all, showing the interviewer you will be an asset to their team if hired. If you have received an award or recognition for the customer service or patient care you provide, be sure to include that in your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
17. How well do you collaborate with others?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While many of your job duties as a healthcare professional will be working independently, a lot of the time you will be collaborating with other members of the healthcare team. The interviewer wants to hear that you are a team player and can work well with diverse groups.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you have experience working as a healthcare professional, describe how well you have collaborated with others in the past. If you are new to this field, use an experience from a former job, sports team, or school to describe how you work well with others.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
18. What do you do when you are given an assignment and you are unfamiliar with how to complete the task?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to gain insight into your communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They want to understand how you tackle unfamiliar assignments and know you will ask for help when needed.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on showing how you approach a situation you are unfamiliar with. You want the interviewer to see that you have critical-thinking skills and can research how to complete an assignment. Still, you also want to show them you are unafraid to ask for clarification so you do not complete the task incorrectly.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
19. Are you available to work weekends and holidays when needed?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a healthcare professional, you must be flexible and available to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed. The interviewer asks this question to see that you are a team player and dedicated to your profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer you understand the nature of the business and that working weekends and holidays is part of the job. Let them know that you are flexible with your schedule and willing to work whatever hours they need.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
20. Besides vacation and holiday time, how many days were you absent from work last year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Mount Sinai Hospital wants to hire a healthcare professional who is responsible, dependable, and shows up to work when scheduled. The interviewer asks this question to evaluate your work attendance in the past year. If you called off work many times in the past year, they might hesitate to offer you the position unless your reasons were excusable.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on giving the exact number of days you missed work and why. If the interviewer deems your absence from work an excused and unavoidable reason to miss work, it will likely not be an issue. If you have many unexcused absences, they may disqualify you as a viable candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
21. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to make sure that all of your questions about the company or job role are answered during the interview. It is best to ask at least a question or two, showing the interviewer your eagerness to learn all you can. Of course, you want to review the job announcement and research the company beforehand so you are not asking questions that could be found during your research.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on asking questions specific to the role you are interviewing for or the company culture and work environment. Examples of good questions are asking the interviewer how you performed in the interview or if you need to clarify anything, asking what the interviewer likes most about working for the company, or if they have any hesitancy about hiring you.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
22. At Mount Sinai Hospital we seek to hire individuals who have ambitions of growing their career. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every hiring manager would like to know that their investment of time and training will pay off. Assure the interviewer that you see this position as a long-term fit. Describe how this role with Mount Sinai Hospital fits into your long-term plans.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing where you see yourself in 3-5 years with Mount Sinai Hospital. You may have plans to pursue higher education, move into a different healthcare career, or advance to an administrative role.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
23. At Mount Sinai Hospital 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?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Assure the interviewer that you are dedicated 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 The Mount Sinai Hospital as long as possible.
Written by Ryan Brown on September 11th, 2018
Focus Your Answer On
Mount Sinai Hospital invests a lot of time and money in hiring and training employees. Focus on assuring the interviewer their investment will be well-spent if they choose to hire you for the position.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
24. In the healthcare services industry there are many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself an emotionally driven person. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work.
Keep in mind that almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but there are other ways to describe yourself that have a more positive connotation. If you are passionate, you could choose to refer to yourself as:
- Expressive
- Communicative
- Open
- Unreserved
- Warm-Hearted
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer that while you have feelings and a heart, you can remain professional at work and not let your emotions interfere with your job. The interviewer wants to hire compassionate and empathetic individuals, but ones that will not let their emotions get in the way of their work.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
25. Mount Sinai Hospital is a learning facility with over 2,000 residents and clinical students. Tell me about your healthcare-related education and training.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your formal post-secondary education and any on-the-job training. Talk about your most positive take-aways from your post-secondary experience, and be sure to tie in how that experience will help you succeed in this position. Stating that you appreciate the role of a preceptor and that having the opportunity to give back to those who are learning is something you look forward to shows the interviewer that you understand the role the staff plays as educators in this type of setting.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Review the job announcement before your interview to see what educational requirements are listed. If you have made it to the interview, you must have met the requirements for the job. Focus on briefly describing where you went to school, what degrees you hold, and any specialized training and certifications you have received.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
26. At Mount Sinai Hospital we take pride in our great relationships with clients, vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Assure the interviewer that you would treat everyone at Mount Sinai Hospital with great respect and a positive attitude. Discuss the ways that you would build strong and healthy relationships if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on providing examples of how you have built work relationships in the past. Here are some ways to build strong relationships in the workplace:
- Have a strong follow-up
- 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
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
27. Out of our six core values, which resonates the most with you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It's always a great idea to research the company before your interview. You want to get to know their core values so that your answer can reflect what is important to them. Describe which core value resonates the most with you, so the interviewer can determine if you will be a good fit for the company culture. Keep your answer concise yet sincere.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on choosing one of Mount Sinai Hospital's core values and describe why this value resonates the most with you.
Core Values:
Safety: We protect our patients and our colleagues from harm.
Equity: We create a diverse and inclusive environment for our patients, students, and colleagues, free from bias, racism, and favoritism, to foster optimal care and just opportunities based on one's individual needs and abilities.
Agility: We are flexible and quick to adapt to changes.
Creativity: We identify and develop forward-thinking approaches to challenge conventions, solve problems, and push the boundaries of medicine.
Empathy: We demonstrate a deep understanding of our colleagues, our patients, and their loved ones through inclusion, compassion, respect, and caring.
Teamwork: We are better together by including the diverse perspectives of each team member to achieve outcomes far superior to those any individual could achieve alone.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
28. In order to work for Mount Sinai Hospital, you must be able to pass a full criminal background check. Do you consent to a full background check?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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. If you have a criminal record, you must disclose this. Assure the interviewer that you are able and willing to pass a complete background check.
If you have a criminal record, you can say something like: 'I have a misdemeanor on my record from 15 years ago. I am happy to continue the interview process and comply with your background checks if you allow for some exceptions.'
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
As with any interview question, you want to focus on being completely honest in your response. As embarrassing as it may be, you need to let the interviewer know that now if you have a criminal background. If you do not have a criminal history, assure the interviewer that you will have no problem passing the background check.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
29. Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is properly organized and highly accurate?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The success of the healthcare industry thrives on the accuracy of information and organization. The interviewer wants to ensure that you pay attention to detail and are a highly organized individual.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Talk to the interviewer about how 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 successfully organize your day.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
30. As you know, Mount Sinai Hospital is a learning facility. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any area of healthcare services, which would you choose?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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 Mount Sinai Hospital would be offering you. The interviewer would like to dig deeper into your actual areas of interest in healthcare services. They want to know that your passions align well with what Mount Sinai Hospital offers.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Review the company website before your interview to see what Mount Sinai Hospital offers. Then, find an area that interests you and describe how you would like to expand your knowledge and expertise with their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
31. 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?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Talk to the interviewer about how you have stayed motivated in the past. The interviewer would like to know how they could continue motivating you - even on the most challenging days. The interviewer wants to see if you need to have verbal recognition or if you are inspired solely by your team's success.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on letting the interviewer know that while you appreciate being recognized for a job well done, you are not the type of person who is only motivated by recognition. You most likely got into the healthcare field to help others, and for most, that is thanks enough.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
32. Have you ever been involved in ordering medical supplies, maintaining inventory, or other types of healthcare-related administrative duties?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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 can foresee needs and take the appropriate action. Highlight your ability to be responsible when it comes to related administrative tasks.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you have been involved in administrative duties, focus on describing your duties. If you have not been involved in ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, or other administrative responsibilities, explain how you do not have experience with these tasks, but you are excited and eager to learn.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
33. Patient care requires a strong amount of compassion. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
To succeed in the healthcare services industry, you should have a solid level of compassion for your patients or customers. Talk to the interviewer about the compassionate qualities that you possess. Describe how you would rate your level of compassion for others.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on providing an example of how you show compassion for others. Some examples could be holding a patient's hand when they feel scared, providing a shoulder for a loved one to cry on, or bringing a pediatric patient a stuffed animal to make them feel more comfortable.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
34. Mount Sinai Hospital seeks to hire those with strong problem-solving skills. When were you able to successfully resolve a problem in the workplace?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on September 11th, 2018
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on providing a work-related example showcasing your problem-solving skills. You want to assure the interviewer you have the skills they are looking for in their ideal candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
35. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Being flexible and handling 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 spend more time highlighting the resolution rather than the problem.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Even if you do not adapt well to change, you want to assure the interviewer that you are open and willing to try new methods and approaches to solving a problem. If you are set in your way of doing things and are unwilling to adapt, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
36. In a facility as large as Mount Sinai Hospital, you will meet people with different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. What is something you would like someone who is going to meet you to know about your personality?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Personality and character are two things that are closely related. For instance, someone with an honest character or good work ethic will tend to be more open about their beliefs and personal and professional expectations. The interviewer is looking for cues as to what character you may bring to the table. Be confident when you answer and make eye contact with the interviewer. It is essential to remember body language speaks volumes and eye contact is a significant indicator of your self-esteem, and your self-esteem is reflected outwardly in your personality.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on showing the interviewer that you are approachable and interact well with diverse groups. The way you present yourself in the interview will show the interviewer that you are an easy person to be around and that you will get along with different cultures and personalities.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
37. Mount Sinai Hospital has a diverse workforce. When have you worked amongst a diverse group of people?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity. Perhaps you are accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals. If so, give an example of being able to embrace diversity in the workplace. If you are not accustomed to working with diverse groups, explain how you look forward to working in an environment that embraces diversity.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
You want the interviewer to understand that you can work with people from all walks of life. Focus on sharing past experiences where you have worked with diverse groups, showing the interviewer you are a team player and will fit with the company culture if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
38. Do you prefer to work in a team-based position or individually?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Think about which situation you are the happiest and most productive. Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. 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.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
You can describe which environment you prefer to work in but assure the interviewer you can work independently or on a team equally. Working in healthcare will often require you to work independently but in a team environment as well.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
39. Mount Sinai Hospital supports a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is essential to keep a healthy work/life balance to prevent burnout. Talk to the interviewer about how you can maintain that appropriate balance for yourself.
Written by Ryan Brown on September 11th, 2018
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer that you have a healthy work/life balance. The interviewer wants to see that you take time for yourself away from work to decompress from the stressors of the job. Healthcare professionals will often care for others before taking the time to care for themselves, quickly leading to burnout and stress-induced illness.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
40. Tell me about yourself.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer will generally ask this question at the beginning of an interview to break the ice and learn a bit about your personality and communication skills. 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.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on having a prepared answer for this question. It is easy to ramble on about yourself, but you want to have a concise, well-formulated response.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
41. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Stress can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience. 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 bus driver should not find driving to be the most stressful part of the job).
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing the area of your career that brings you the most stress, but do not dwell on it. Instead, show the interviewer how you turn the stressful part of your job into a positive way of dealing with it.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
42. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are many facets of health care. Think of what area you would like to expand your knowledge and share with the interviewer. They want to hear what inspires and motivates you in your career to see if Mount Sinai Hospital can offer you what you are looking for. Be sure to tie your answer into some aspects of what Mount Sinai Hospital does.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on keeping your response in an area that Mount Sinai offers. For example, perhaps you want to expand your knowledge to learn more about radiology. In that case, you want to be sure Mount Sinai provides radiological services.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022