Interviews for healthcare admin positions are often tough because of the tough interview questions for a hospital administrator and the diverse range of skills and issues the profession entails. Most healthcare admin interviews are a mixture of behavioral and technical questions, and the breadth and scope of these questions delegate the core tenants of the position.
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Preparing For Your Interview
Because the market is so competitive, it is crucial for you to thoroughly prepare yourself for your healthcare admin interview. This is particularly important if you have not had an interview in some time.
First and foremost, you must research the position before your interview. This includes familiarizing yourself with the administrative processes, systems, and the position’s specific job requirements. It also includes doing a minimal amount of background research on the business you will be interviewing with.
Secondly, you must prepare for the interview questions you will be asked. While it’s impossible to know the exact questions you will be asked during the interview, you should review current fundamental issues faced by the profession, like organizational relationships and problem-solving questions, and formulate a response to them.
Common Healthcare Admin Interview Questions
Below are five common questions that are often asked during interviews. Familiarize yourself with these questions and prepare your answers in advance.
1. Why Do You Want to Work with Company X?
The trick to successfully answering this question is to align the business’s mission and purpose with your own personal goals.
For example, an acceptable answer to this question might be – I am impressed with [insert company’s name] research and work in the field of pediatric cardiology, and I would like to mentor others via my experience by accepting a leadership role.
2. How Do You Respond to Stressful Situations?
It is common knowledge that working in the healthcare industry is stressful. Consequently, you must be able to prove to your interviewer that you are capable of handling stressful situations. Try providing examples from your previous job in which you handled a stressful situation well.
Moreover, tell your interviewer how you cope with stress in your day to day life (e.g. by working out, doing yoga, etc.).
3. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?
This is a difficult question to answer. While you want to be honest, you do not want to present yourself in a negative light. Ideally, you should play off your weakness as a strength or asset. For example, you might say – My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist.
It is my goal to provide all of my patients with exemplary care, and if a treatment plan or prescribed medicine doesn’t produce the desired results, I feel let down. However, rationally I know that there are some things that are out of my control – regardless of how well I do my job.
4. Why Should We Hire You?
Currently, there is a healthy amount of competition for healthcare admin jobs. Before your interview, take some time to assess and think about what specific traits and assets you possess that distinguish you from your competition.
In addition to the standard achievements and awards, tell your interviewer about your future goals. Make them understand why these goals make you an ideal addition to their company. The main goal here is to highlight your job-related experience and your best qualities in such a manner that will ensure you will stand out from the crowd.
5. What Are Your Requirements for Salary?
This is another question that is difficult to discuss. Make sure to do your research before you walk in the door for your interview. What are the median salaries for individuals with your level of experience and your educational background?
Alternately, instead of quoting a set amount, try quoting a salary range. This presents you in a positive light because it shows that you are flexible and are willing to negotiate.
Landing an interview for a healthcare admin position is always exciting, and it is perfectly natural to feel some amount of nervousness as the day of your interview approaches. However, remember that the more prepared you are, the more confident and relaxed you are going to feel.