30 UPMC Mercy Interview Questions & Answers
1. Patient care requires a strong amount of compassion. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
How to Answer
To succeed in the healthcare services industry, you should have a substantial level of compassion for your patients or customers. Talk to the interviewer about the compassionate qualities that you possess. How would you rate your level of empathy for others?
Some ways to describe yourself could be:
- Understanding
- Warm-hearted
- Empathetic
- Responsive
- Charitable
- Tender-hearted
1st Answer Example
"I understand that compassion is one of the top qualities that I need to bring to the workplace, being in the healthcare services profession. I consider myself a very compassionate individual. I am warm-hearted, responsive to my patients' needs, and always empathetic."
2nd Answer Example
"Yes, I most certainly consider myself a compassionate person. I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending university, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local hospice - not only for the added experience but also to give back to others. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care with your organization."
2. At UPMC Mercy 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?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer of your dedication to a lucrative career in the healthcare services industry. The hiring manager would like to know that this position fits into your long-term plan and that, if hired, you would stay with UPMC Mercy as long as possible.
1st Answer Example
"I dedicated my entire career to the healthcare services field. I find it incredibly rewarding and interesting because I get to help others, and every day brings new challenges! One of the reasons I applied for this role with UPMC Mercy is because I can see a long-term fit here. I plan to work in the healthcare segment for my entire career."
2nd Answer Example
"I know this career can take a toll on personal life, and I understand that while it can be more-or-less sustainable, it's more than just a job for me. So far, I have dedicated my entire adult life to this career. I have shadowed numerous professionals and have worked in multiple clinics. I know this is the right career for me."
3rd Answer Example
"This career is not just something I want to do 8-5 to get by; it's something I want to BE. I want to be someone who dedicates themselves to a craft. I chose healthcare because the learning opportunities are endless. It's constantly evolving. I find the human body is fascinating, and I think that society is only healthy when it cares for its wounded."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
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3. In the healthcare services industry there are many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself to be an emotionally driven person. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work.
Keep in mind - almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but there are other ways that you can describe yourself that have a more positive connotation. If you are passionate, you could choose to refer to yourself as:
- Expressive
- Communicative
- Open
- Unreserved
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 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. "
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 severe cases. A child dies, or you have to give someone a cancer diagnosis. It's professional to take a few minutes after an encounter like that and let those emotions come and go. I cope with these emotions by telling myself that it's not my story, its the patient's story. I think it's okay to be moved by someone else's experience, but I don't need to make it mine."
4. Tell me about your healthcare related education and training.
How to Answer
Walk the interviewer through your formal post-secondary education as well as any on the job training. Talk about your most positive take-away's from your post-secondary experience and be sure to tie in how that experience will help you succeed in this position.
1st Answer Example
"I have a nursing degree as well as additional on the job training within clinical research. I feel that my nursing education opened up many potential industry-related avenues for me. I graduated top of my class and completed a valuable internship with 'XYZ Health Services.' All of these experiences have helped prepare me for success in this role with UPMC Mercy."
2nd Answer Example
"I did my undergraduate in chemistry and medical school at St. George's University. I loved surgery, so my electives were in general surgery, trauma epidemiology, and orthopedics. I'm happy to be moving on to more responsibility as a resident. I have had some amazing mentors, and I found that I could perform with some different teaching styles."
5. At UPMC Mercy we take pride in our great relationships with clients, vendors, coworkers, and patients. Do you consider yourself to be a strong relationship builder?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you would treat everyone at UPMC Mercy with great respect and a positive attitude. Discuss the ways that you would build strong and healthy relationships if hired.
Some ways to build strong relationships in the workplace:
- Have strong follow-up habits
- Offer sincere conversation
- Get to know people on a personal level
- Be trustworthy
- Avoid gossip
- Offer mutual respect
- Be mindful of your actions
- Compliment others
- Be positive
- Be a strong listener
1st Answer Example
"I have earned compliments on my relationship-building skills. I like to get to know people and ask them questions about themselves. Most people love to talk about themselves, and I find it's a great and simple way to start building rapport with others. I consider myself to be a strong relationship builder and take pride in my 'people skills'. Rest assured, I would be a great ambassador of positive relationships for UPMC Mercy."
2nd Answer Example
"I am happy to hear that UPMC Mercy values long-term relationships. This fact is a bonus for me, and it's one of the reasons I chose to work in the medical field. I like working in an industry where genuine care is valued. Healthcare is not a place for gimmicks because health is precious and irreplaceable. I've had success in university and my internships by focusing on building a reputation for consistency and followup. What you describe is a good fit for me, and I'd like to represent a company that wants to create long-term sustainable partnerships."
6. What is your patient care philosophy?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to research the company before your interview. You want to get to know their care philosophy so that your answer can reflect what is important to them. What is the core of your care philosophy? Keep your answer concise yet sincere.
1st Answer Example
"Every day at work, I remind myself that everyone I come across has their struggles. Every person we care for has a story. I make sure to get to know my patients whenever possible. Everyone has the right to compassionate care."
2nd Answer Example
"I have three philosophies when it comes to my work; One view for the clinic, one for me, and one for the patient. First, I work in a system, and I respect that. I follow the rules, I maintain my certifications, and I appreciate the policies and values of whatever site I work. Patient care is a privilege, and I respect the role I have in clinical care and the part other people have. Second, I want to be the best at what I do. Every day I learn something, and that's because I choose to get better.
Last, I adapt to the individual. If I'm meeting the requirements of my position, and evolving within my profession, then I am free to adjust to my patient and be the provider they need. Some patients need a lot of attention; some want less, and some need boundaries. I have trained myself to adapt my communication style, so a patient gets what they need."
7. In order to work for UPMC Mercy, 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 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.
1st Answer Example
"I have a clean criminal record and am happy to comply with any background check you require of me."
2nd Answer Example
"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."
3rd Answer Example
"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."
8. Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is properly organized, and highly accurate?
How to Answer
The success of the healthcare industry thrives on the accuracy of information and organization. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you ensure accuracy and organization in your day to day activities. Perhaps you use a particular app or software. Maybe you are a pen and paper person. Whatever your method, be sure to highlight that you are successful in organizing your day.
1st Answer Example
"I am a highly detailed person, and I thrive on having a high level of organization in my day. This organization includes my scheduling, paperwork, and more. If I am offered a position with UPMC Mercy you will never find me to be disorganized! I utilize my Outlook calendar and set alerts for myself for deadlines and important activities. My documentation is strong, as well."
2nd Answer Example
"I'm a bit of an organizational nerd. I carry around a notebook and write down important facts if I think there is a chance I will forget them. But this is usually just for transitions. Every clinic I've ever worked in has its way of communicating and recording facts, so I put time and attention into using the system the people around me are using. That way, its easier to transition care, and the patient has all their info in the same place. My notebook saves me when I'm swamped, but I try to be efficient and put info directly into the (group record/EMR/chart) when I can."
9. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any area of healthcare services, which would you choose?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to dig deeper into your real areas of interest when it comes to healthcare services. They want to know that your passions align well with what UPMC Mercy is offering. Talk to the interviewer about the areas of healthcare you would like to focus on most, and then tie that information in with what the position at UPMC Mercy would be offering you.
1st Answer Example
"If I could expand my expertise in any healthcare service area, I would choose anything within primary care. This interest is one of the reasons I have applied to your company. I feel that your focus will be a great fit with my long-term career goals."
2nd Answer Example
"I'm interested in research. One of the things that attracted me to working with your company is your ongoing community-based research collaborations. I'd be curious to hear if the (clinic/hospital/program) had any needs in this area. Is this something junior staff can be involved in?"
10. It is often said that a career in healthcare is a 'thankless job.' How can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how they could continue to motivate you - even on the hardest of days. Do you need to have verbal recognition? Are you motivated solely by the success of your team? Talk to the interviewer about how you have stayed motivated in the past.
1st Answer Example
"My chosen career was helping people at exactly the point they were least capable of censoring themselves or giving back. So, I stopped needing thanks from my patients. It's not like I don't need positive reinforcement. Everyone does. But I made a point to find it in other places instead of expecting it from my patients. Nowadays, I make an effort to expressly thank the people I work with when they do a good job. I focus on being grateful to be allowed to see private, raw, emotional parts of people's lives."
2nd Answer Example
"I am an easily motivated individual, and it does not take much to keep me engaged. I am fully aware that healthcare-related positions can seem thankless. Honestly, the best thanks that I can get is a pat on the back now and then. The majority of my motivation comes from simply helping people."
11. Have you ever been involved in ordering medical supplies, maintaining inventory, or other types of healthcare-related administrative duties?
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. 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.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"I performed a few admin duties during my internship. I helped maintain supplies in the general surgery ward for five weeks. I was great at working behind the scenes, with the result being efficiency for others."
12. At UPMC Mercy we seek to hire individuals who have ambitions of growing their career. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
How to Answer
Every hiring manager would like to know that their investment in time and training will pay off. Assure the interviewer that you see this position as a long-term fit. How does this role with UPMC Mercy fit into your longer-term plans?
1st Answer Example
"In 3-5 years I would like to see my career with UPMC Mercy 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."
2nd Answer Example
"One of the attractive points of working for UPMC Mercy is that you care about the growth of your employees. I'm motivated to learn and am looking for a long-term fit. In 3-5 years, I'd like to be grounded in the clinic, learn about this site, your patient base, and earn certifications that would help the unit advance. I want to get involved in some of the local volunteer organizations. I speak Spanish, and I have an interest in urban outreach, so it would be nice to do something formal in that context, health-education, or fundraising."
13. UPMC Mercy 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. 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.
1st Answer Example
"I was working in a clinic where the primary population was low income. We had a lot of concerns with patients not showing up for appointments when expected. The staff wanted to start double-booking patient time slots. Instead, I got permission to spend a day in a highly-rated clinic serving the same population. Instead of scheduling, they had these 'drop-in mornings' with a shared waiting room. I took these methods and incorporated them into our setting. We did that twice a week, and it completely solved our scheduling problem."
2nd Answer Example
"We had many group projects in university, and I noticed a consistent problem with team members showing up late for meetings or messaging in sick at the very last moment. As the team leader, rather than getting upset, I proposed that when a team member disrespectfully dropped the ball, they would be asked to leave the group and find a new group or commit to an independent project. I felt this encouraged accountability and showed teamwork as a privilege rather than a right. Team member commitments increased as did work ethic among the groups."
14. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"They say people in healthcare are 'lifelong learners.' I'm now old enough to realize that its difficult to be always adapting. I think my 45-year-old aunt telling me how to use my iPhone helped me appreciate that it's all about humility. It's not about who is teaching you, but if you are willing to learn. In the medical context, I just took an updated CPR course, and it went from the 2:15 compressions to continuous compressions, and I had to adapt to overcome my former way of thinking."
15. How would you describe your personality?
How to Answer
Personality and character are two very different things. The interviewer is looking for more information on your traits vs. your integrity. Your example could include buzzwords such as introverted, energetic, and confident.
1st Answer Example
"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I believe that, if asked, my colleagues and supervisor would say the same about me."
2nd Answer Example
"I'm genuinely easy-going, probably from all the international travel I experienced in my 20's. I like to do the right thing, and sometimes I get stressed trying to reach that goal, but I think it's a worthwhile endeavor. I can be funny, but my sense of humor is pretty dry, so people don't always know that about me when they first meet me."
16. UPMC Mercy has a diverse workforce. When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity. Even better, give an example of being able to embrace diversity in the workplace.
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable and happy in this type of environment because it offers me unique learning opportunities."
2nd Answer Example
"I am so glad you pointed out your need for diversity at UPMC Mercy. I greatly value diversity. I grew up in a fairly homogeneous town in Montana. When I hit my 20's, it was so important to me to learn about other cultures. I worked with community volunteer organizations in Peru, inner-city Chicago, and Russia."
17. Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"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."
18. UPMC Mercy 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. Talk to the interviewer about how you can maintain that appropriate balance for yourself.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"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."
19. Tell me about yourself.
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.
1st Answer Example
"A bit about me - I love to travel, read, and conduct research. I spent the past few months traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders. 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 had been actively looking for new work for the past couple of weeks. I am eager to getting into the routine of a career again."
2nd Answer Example
"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. New to my career in healthcare services, my biggest goal is to take as many related courses as possible. I am eager to get a great start on my career."
20. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
How to Answer
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 healthcare worker should not find facing illness to be the most stressful part of the job).
1st Answer Example
"When the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on mine or my team's part, I find it stressful. I like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that our patients and clients get the proper, timely help that they need."
2nd Answer Example
"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."
21. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?
How to Answer
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 UPMC Mercy does.
1st Answer Example
"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 become an expert in it would allow me to snowball in my career."
2nd Answer Example
"I have a variety of interests within the 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."
22. If UPMC Mercy hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
How to Answer
When you start a new position, it is essential to be clear on how you will make a positive impact after being hired. This question is a delicate one, and you need to show respect for the onboarding process, then give a moderately ambitious project that you could execute. This concept is often called your 'value proposition' in marketing. 'Hire me because I'll do X.'
Remember, this is your campaign promise. If hired, it will likely be your first target to hit, and depending on the environment; it could make or break you. The best approach is to give a functional analysis of the employers' needs and your skills.
Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate. Be sure to refer to the immediate needs of the company, such as increasing budgets, or improving patient care, for instance.
1st Answer Example
"When we were speaking earlier, you mentioned that you were urgently seeking to improve the level of patient care and compassion at this facility. I want to offer my skills when it comes to building patient rapport and help to improve the satisfaction of everyone that uses the services of UPMC Mercy. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."
2nd Answer Example
"If hired today, I would commit to diving into every resource provided to me, speeding up the learning curve typical of a new hire who is also new to their career. I will soak in every learning opportunity that comes my way so that I can be a self-sufficient member of your healthcare service team within the first 30 days."
23. Think about a difficult boss, professor or coworker. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
How to Answer
Show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please.
Think about that one person at work who is 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 what their relationship was with you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone, and be sure to end your response on a positive note.
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 prepare 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 a lot of 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."
2nd Answer Example
"During my internship, I had a fellow student who didn't pull their weight. This unmotivated person 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 professor noticed this particular individual was slacking. I feel like, in most instances, the underachievers will weed themselves out over time, and it's rarely worth making a fuss over."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Amanda's Feedback
24. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
How to Answer
Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date in 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.
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.
1st Answer Example
"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?"
2nd Answer Example
"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, including A and B."
25. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? 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 for you.
1st Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."
2nd Answer Example
"I prefer to focus on the positive, so if it's okay, I would like to share with you my ideal work environment. My ideal environment is organized, collaborative, positive, energetic, and encouraging. I love working with like-minded people who set challenging goals for themselves. I thrive when I work for supervisors who encourage curiosity and creativity in problem-solving."
26. In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?
How to Answer
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 come up with innovative solutions.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"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 decision that might seem off the beaten path."
27. Rate your problem solving skills from 1-10. How do you justify your rating?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"I would say I get a solid 8.3 on a scale of 10. It 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."
28. What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
Pick a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. 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.
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!
1st Answer Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is not delegating. I know what I want and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I cannot take on every step of a project; I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report, let go of the control, and know it will be taken care of. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where he can call me out on the behavior since often I'm not aware of it. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
2nd Answer Example
"At this point in my career within healthcare services, my newness is my greatest weakness. To overcome this, I have committed to ten extra hours per week of study. I dive into various medical journals and spend a great deal of time educating myself beyond what my degree and internship have offered."
29. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with UPMC Mercy?
How to Answer
Rather than share how you have gone beyond expectations in the past, focus on how your qualities will help you to exceed company expectations. Discuss the reasons why you will 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.
1st Answer Example
"I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years with great training and mentorship. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). Also, I have all of my updated certifications as outlined in your job description. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe my success with UPMC Mercy will come from having all of the hard skills that you are looking for, whether learned in school or gained through my internship experience. I have a great deal of current knowledge in the healthcare services industry and stay informed of best practices."
30. UPMC Mercy 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?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"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 UPMC Mercy in hopes of being considered for the median salary for the role."