Top interview questions to expect

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult person. How did you manage the situation?
2. Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge? What was the challenge and how did you overcome it?
3. What was the biggest learning experience you had in a previous role? What did you take away from it?
4. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a patient, customer, or coworker.
5. Give me an example of a time when you used creativity or innovation to solve a problem.
6. Can you share a time when you had to adapt to a changing work environment or project? How did you handle it?
7. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How can they impact your work at UnitedHealthcare?

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a simple yet structured way to answer behavioral interview questions effectively. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

– Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event occurred.
– Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you had to address.
– Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the situation or complete the task.
– Result: Describe the positive outcome or result of your actions, emphasizing what you learned or how you grew from the experience.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide clear, concise, and compelling answers that highlight your skills, abilities, and experiences.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult person. How did you manage the situation?

Answer: In my previous role as a Client Relations Specialist at a healthcare services company, I encountered a challenging situation involving a particularly demanding and often frustrated client. To manage the situation, I employed the STAR framework as follows:

Situation: The client frequently called with complex inquiries, often expressing dissatisfaction with the service provided.

Task: My primary task was to effectively address the client’s concerns while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

Action: To address the client’s concerns, I actively listened to understand their perspective. I asked clarifying questions to ensure I fully grasped their needs and frustrations. Additionally, I provided detailed explanations of the company’s policies and procedures and explored alternative solutions to meet their requests.

Result: Through these actions, I was able to resolve the client’s issues promptly and efficiently. The client expressed appreciation for my patience and understanding, and they began to trust me as a reliable resource for their healthcare needs. This experience taught me the importance of active listening, empathy, and the ability to find creative solutions to challenging situations.

2. Question: Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge? What was the challenge and how did you overcome it?

Answer: During my tenure as a Registered Nurse at a local hospital, I faced a challenging situation involving a patient who was experiencing severe pain and discomfort. To overcome this challenge, I employed the STAR framework as follows:

Situation: The patient was suffering from a chronic condition that made it difficult for them to move or communicate effectively.

Task: My task was to provide compassionate care, manage their pain, and keep them comfortable.

Action: To address the challenge, I collaborated with the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This included administering medication, implementing pain management techniques, and providing emotional support. I also ensured the patient’s family was kept informed about their condition and progress.

Result: Through these actions, I was able to alleviate the patient’s pain and discomfort significantly. The patient expressed gratitude for the care provided and acknowledged the positive impact it had on their overall well-being. This experience taught me the importance of a patient-centered approach, teamwork, and the ability to adapt care plans to meet individual needs.

3. Question: What was the biggest learning experience you had in a previous role? What did you take away from it?

Answer: In my previous role as a Research Scientist at a pharmaceutical company, I encountered a challenging situation involving the development of a new drug. To address this challenge, I employed the STAR framework as follows:

Situation: During the research process, we encountered unexpected obstacles that hindered the progress of the drug development.

Task: My task was to identify the root cause of these obstacles and propose solutions to overcome them.

Action: To address the challenge, I conducted thorough research, analyzed data, and collaborated with experts in various fields to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues. I then developed and implemented innovative strategies to mitigate the obstacles and ensure the project stayed on track.

Result: Through these actions, I was able to successfully identify the root cause of the obstacles and propose effective solutions. The project regained momentum, and we were able to deliver the drug to market on time. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to think creatively in the face of challenges.

4. Question: Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a patient, customer, or coworker.

Answer: During my time as a Patient Advocate at a community health center, I encountered a patient who was struggling to access necessary healthcare services due to financial constraints. To go above and beyond for this patient, I employed the STAR framework as follows:

Situation: The patient was uninsured and could not afford the cost of their prescribed medication. This medication was essential for managing their chronic condition.

Task: My task was to identify resources and explore options to help the patient obtain the medication.

Action: To address the challenge, I conducted research, contacted various organizations, and advocated on the patient’s behalf. I identified a local charity that provided financial assistance to patients in need and helped the patient apply for this program.

Result: Through these actions, I was able to secure financial assistance for the patient, ensuring they could access the medication they needed. The patient expressed immense gratitude for my efforts and acknowledged the positive impact it had on their health and well-being. This experience taught me the importance of resourcefulness, empathy, and the ability to make a genuine difference in the lives of others.

5. Question: Give me an example of a time when you used creativity or innovation to solve a problem.

Answer: In my role as a Quality Assurance Specialist at a medical device manufacturing company, I encountered a challenge involving a defective product that posed a potential safety risk. To address this challenge, I used creativity and innovation as follows:

Situation: During a routine inspection, I discovered a manufacturing defect that could lead to device malfunction, potentially posing a risk to patients.

Task: My task was to develop a solution to address the defect and prevent future occurrences.

Action: To address the challenge, I brainstormed with a team of engineers and technicians to identify the root cause of the defect. We then developed an innovative solution involving a redesign of the manufacturing process and implemented rigorous quality control measures.

Result: Through these actions, we were able to eliminate the defect and ensure the safety of the medical device. This experience taught me the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to find creative solutions to complex problems.

6. Question: Can you share a time when you had to adapt to a changing work environment or project? How did you handle it?

Answer: During my tenure as a Project Manager at a healthcare IT company, I faced a challenging situation involving a sudden change in the project scope and timeline. To adapt to this change, I employed the STAR framework as follows:

Situation: The client unexpectedly requested significant changes to the project requirements, reducing the timeline by half.

Task: My task was to effectively manage the project team, re-evaluate the project plan, and ensure we met the revised deadline.

Action: To address the challenge, I communicated transparently with the project team, explaining the changes and seeking their input. We collaboratively developed a revised project plan, identified critical milestones, and adjusted our work schedules to meet the new deadline.

Result: Through these actions, we were able to successfully deliver the project within the revised timeline, meeting the client’s expectations. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to lead a team through challenging transitions.

7. Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses? How can they impact your work at UnitedHealthcare?

Answer: My strengths include my strong communication and interpersonal skills, which allow me to build rapport with patients, colleagues, and stakeholders. I am also a highly organized and efficient individual who can manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines. Additionally, I am passionate about healthcare and committed to providing high-quality care to patients.

Weakness: One area I am continuously working on is developing my public speaking skills. I tend to feel nervous when presenting in front of large audiences, but I am actively seeking opportunities to improve my confidence and delivery.

Impact on UnitedHealthcare: My strengths align well with UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to patient-centered care and innovation. My communication skills will enable me to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and provide exceptional care to patients. My organizational skills will help me manage complex patient cases and ensure efficient use of resources. As I continue to develop my public speaking skills, I am confident they will further enhance my ability to contribute to educational initiatives and conferences within UnitedHealthcare.