The Mount Sinai Hospital Interview
Questions

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. How does this role with The Mount Sinai Hospital fit into your longer-term plans?

Ryan's Answer #1

"In 3-5 years I would like to see my career with The Mount Sinai Hospital 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."

Ryan's Answer #2

"One of the attractive points of working for The Mount Sinai Hospital 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. Personally, I'd like 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."

Anonymous Answer

"In 3 to 5 years I would like to see myself becoming a board-certified pharmacist. I would love the opportunity to learn more about the process from colleagues and eventually become a clinical pharmacist."

Rachelle's Answer

Your goals are exciting and well stated. Nice work.

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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).

Ryan's Answer #1

"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on mine or my teams part. I like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that our patients and clients are assisted properly."

Ryan's Answer #2

"To be completely transparent, I probably bring myself the most stress because of my innate desire to be the best. I strive for perfection too often, which causes undue stress on myself. I manage this by focusing my energy on productive activities that are good for my career."

Anonymous Answer

"The part of my job that currently brings me the most stress is scheduling enough staff while remaining under our staffing budget. With a recent increase in script count, I feel the need for more staffing, but my budget won't allow for it, and there was a recent hiring freeze. I go into work early every day to ensure a clean start and delegate tasks to make sure everyone is completing everything."

Rachelle's Answer

Your response shows the pain points you currently face, but how you overcome them. Good job.

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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.

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 in the interview process and comply with your background checks should you allow for some exceptions.'

Ryan's Answer #1

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

Ryan'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."

Anonymous Answer

"I am happy to comply with any background check you require of me."

Rachelle's Answer

Short and sweet - good response.

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The interviewer wants to know how you would rate your problem-solving skills. Of course, you want to give yourself a strong rating; however, it's essential that you remain realistic. Everyone has room to learn and improve! Be sure to justify your score as well.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I rate my problem-solving skills as an 8/10. I will, on occasion, have times when I am not as efficient as I would like to be but all in all, I do feel that my problem-solving skills are above average. My supervisor and co-workers will attest to my fast reflexes when a problem arises, and they would also say that I remain calm under pressure."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I would say I get a solid 8.3 on a scale of 10. Seems weird to give myself something like a .3, but I think of it as an 83%, which is a B- teetering on a solid B. It's a solid grade, with definite room for improvement, since I'm certainly not perfect. The reason for the B-/B grade would be that I'm quick to take action and figure out the solution as I go, but sometimes I could benefit from taking a moment to pause and reflect or gather other contributors before taking action. That said, I believe I generally get the best outcome possible when faced with a challenge."

Anonymous Answer

"I would rate my problem-solving skills as an 8 out of 10. Occasionally there have been times when I was not as efficient as I'd like to be, but overall I do feel that my problem-solving skills are above average. My supervisor and coworkers would agree that I remain calm under pressure and have fast reflexes when problems arise."

Rachelle's Answer

It's great that you drew your answer back to your supervisor and coworker references. I like that you ended on a high note.

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There are many facets of health care. If you could choose any area of healthcare to specialize in, which would you choose? Be sure to tie your answer into some aspects of what The Mount Sinai Hospital does.

Ryan's Answer #1

"If I could choose any area of healthcare services to be a subject matter expert in, I would choose geriatric care. I do feel that this particular focus is not as popular as some, and becomin an expert in it would allow me to snowball in my career."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I have a variety of interests within healthcare service, so that is a tough question for me! I suppose if I had to narrow it to just one area of expertise, I would say palliative care and the necessary family care that comes with it."

Anonymous Answer

"If I could choose any area to expand my knowledge it would be geriatric care. With the elderly population continuing to grow I think it is important to have more knowledge of this group."

Rachelle's Answer

Wonderful answer I am sure the interviewer would appreciate.

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Are you 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.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I would be happy to earn my way to the top compensation level if required. I do assure you that, despite my being shy of experience by a couple of years, I am a top performer and you would not be disappointed in my performance."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I understand I do not quite meet the qualifications of experience you are looking for and am willing to be compensated in adjustment to that fact. However, I do look forward to proving my worth to The Mount Sinai Hospital in hopes to be considered for the median salary for the role."

Anonymous Answer

"I understand I don't meet the qualifications of experience you are looking for and am willing to be compensated in adjustment to that fact. I do, however, look forward to proving my worth in hopes of being considered for the median salary for this role."

Rachelle's Answer

This answer is good; however, try to draw in what you have in experience versus what you lack.

"My two years of experience are highly valuable, and I have learned a great deal over that time. I am confident that, despite falling short of these years, I can deliver what you need. As far as compensation, I am aware that this role offers a lower salary; however, I am interested in the complete package, not just the base salary offered at this time. I see a future here with a lot of exciting opportunities."

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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.

Ryan'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."

Ryan's Answer #2

"Yes. I used to do this in my former position. I was responsible for maintaining supplies on the general surgery ward for five years. It was great at working behind the scenes with the result being efficiency for others."

Anonymous Answer

"As a pharmacy manager, it is my responsibility to maintain inventory including controlleds. As an intern at Mt. Sinai I was responsible for ordering satellite and floor stock as well as filling pyxis machines."

Rachelle's Answer

Very helpful response. Great!

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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.

Ryan'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."

Ryan's Answer #2

"It's funny; they say people in medicine are 'lifelong learners'. But on top of that, we're in this digital revolution, and everyone has to learn new software all the time. I'm finally getting old enough to realize that its difficult to be constantly adapting. I think my 75-year-old aunt telling me how to use my iPhone helped me appreciate that it's all about humility. Not 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 avoid my past way of thinking."

Anonymous Answer

"I'm always eager to learn new methods to solve a problem. Last year we had an update in our software that prompts pharmacists to identify patients who are candidates for receiving ancillary immunizations such as pneumonia and shingles. I quickly learned to utilize this update to identify, educate, and administer to more patients."

Rachelle's Answer

Your targeted example is exactly what the interviewer would be looking for. Good job.

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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.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I find that with the right company, it's pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do it doesn't feel like a chore. I am always sure that when at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I make a strong effort to keep a healthy balance by spending my free time away from my cell phone and having more face-to-face time with my friends and family. I indulge in the things that make me happy, on my time off. By consistently rejuvenating in this way, I can give even more energy when I am at work."

Anonymous Answer

"I use my time off work very efficiently to focus on a healthy lifestyle for myself. Having a well-balanced life is very important to me."

Rachelle's Answer

Concise and to the point - very good response!

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Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date on their respective field, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways that you 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 up a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two as well.

Ryan's Answer #1

"Every morning I listen to X Podcast because I find the information to be 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?"

Ryan's Answer #2

"I am an avid fan of google alerts! I will receive an email with the related information any time there is a major headline about the healthcare services industry. In addition to this, I also subscribe to a couple of medical-related journals."

Anonymous 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."

Rachelle's Answer

Great response with specific examples.

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In today's society, LGBT issues are at the forefront of many heated discussions. As a healthcare provider, one cannot discriminate against a client's sexual orientation or preference. Are you accustomed to working with individuals in the LGBT community? Assure the interviewer that you feel it is important to treat all patients and co-workers with the same respect and care despite their sexual orientation. If you have ever worked directly with co-workers or patients who are part of the LGBT community, give a positive example to the interviewer.

Ryan's Answer

"I believe that it is important for people to express their individuality, and being part of the LGBT community is part of that expression. I feel that showing mutual respect to another person's choices is a way to build morale among team members and to build trust with our patients."

Anonymous Answer

"As a healthcare provider, I cannot discriminate against anyone's sexual orientation or preference. I respect all individuals equally."

Rachelle's Answer

Your answer is good, but it could be more enthusiastic in regards to your thoughts on supporting this effort.

"I appreciate the stance and advocacy that Mount Sinai has taken when it comes to supporting the LGBT community. As a healthcare provider, it is vital that we are inclusive of all, no matter of sexual orientation or preference."

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Employers want to know that you have a methodical 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 come up with innovative solutions.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my sound decision making. I am a keen observer with a great memory which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I believe I am a great problem solver because I am sure to gather as many facts as possible, I look at the problem and its potential solutions from multiple angles, and I am not afraid to make a creative decision that might seem off the beaten path."

Anonymous Answer

"I always listen to the patient and clarify what the problem is before I tackle the issue. I then try to think of multiple ways to solve the problem and try to choose the most efficient way."

Rachelle's Answer

Perfect response - it's to the point and helpful.

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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.

Ryan's Answer #1

"A bit about me - I love to travel, read, and conduct research. I am a recent grad from Columbia University and have spent the past 12 months traveling the world. It was the best experience that I could have given myself as I was able to learn so much from seeing how the rest of the world lives. I returned to the US just last month and have been actively looking for work the past couple of weeks. I am looking forward to getting into the routine of a career again."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last eight years to compete in a variety of races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit. Being newer to my career in healthcare services, my biggest goal as of late has been to take as many related courses and workshops as possible. I am eager to get a great start on my career."

Anonymous Answer

"I am dedicated, friendly and able to grasp new concepts efficiently. With six years of experience in retail, I have gone through every rank starting from cashier to where I am now. My role as a pharmacy manager and love for solo travel have given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. I'm currently hoping to transition into a hospital setting to achieve my goal of becoming a board-certified pharmacist."

Rachelle's Answer

Your 'elevator pitch' is perfect! Just watch some simple grammar such as 'I have went...'

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In which situation are you 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.

Ryan's Answer #1

"Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be successful working autonomously as well."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I have found, in the past, that I work well in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."

Anonymous Answer

"I have always worked well in a team, but I take the initiative to succeed when working autonomously."

Rachelle's Answer

Your response offers a good balance of both individual and group work.

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The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader.

Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to 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.

Ryan's Answer #1

"I think that it is possible to be a great team member, even when disagreeing with the leader. It's all in how you maintain respect for each other despite the difference in opinion."

Ryan's Answer #2

"I believe that being a good team member is more about attitude than it is about compatibility. You do not need to agree with everyone 100% of the time, to be effective in your job."

Anonymous Answer

"I think being a good team member is all about maintaining respect for each other despite the difference in opinion. Not everyone has to agree on everything 100% but remaining professional and working through issues together is important."

Rachelle's Answer

Your answer is perfect. Good work!

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