Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about your experience working in public health.
2. Describe a time you had to educate a community on a health issue.
3. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest public health trends and guidelines?
4. Describe a time you had to work with a diverse population.
5. How would you handle a situation where a patient refused a recommended health service?
6. Tell me about a time you had to work independently on a project.
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a powerful tool for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This framework helps you structure your responses by providing a clear and concise way to demonstrate your skills and experience.

* Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context of the experience you are sharing.
* Task: Explain the task or problem you were assigned.
* Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation or complete the task.
* Result: Highlight the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR method, you can effectively showcase your skills and abilities to the interviewer, making your responses more compelling and memorable.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about your experience working in public health.

Example Answer: “I have been working as a public health nurse for the past five years, primarily focused on community health education and outreach. During my time at [Previous Employer], I developed and implemented health promotion programs for underserved populations, targeting issues like diabetes prevention and childhood obesity. I also collaborated with local organizations and community leaders to address health disparities and improve access to healthcare services. This experience has provided me with a strong understanding of the social determinants of health and the importance of community engagement in public health initiatives.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer effectively uses the STAR method by outlining the situation (working as a public health nurse), the task (developing and implementing health promotion programs), the action (collaborating with community leaders and organizations), and the result (improving access to healthcare services). It also highlights relevant skills and experience, demonstrating the candidate’s passion for public health and their ability to work effectively in a community setting.

2. Describe a time you had to educate a community on a health issue.

Example Answer: “During my time at [Previous Employer], I was tasked with educating a low-income community about the importance of regular prenatal care. Many women in the community were hesitant to seek prenatal care due to financial constraints and cultural barriers. I organized community health fairs, partnered with local churches and community centers, and provided culturally sensitive educational materials to address their concerns. As a result, we saw a significant increase in prenatal care utilization within the community, leading to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, tailor their approach to specific needs, and achieve positive outcomes. By highlighting the challenges faced and the actions taken to overcome them, the candidate showcases their problem-solving skills and commitment to improving community health.

3. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest public health trends and guidelines?

Example Answer: “I am a lifelong learner and am committed to staying informed about the latest developments in public health. I regularly subscribe to relevant journals and publications, such as the American Journal of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. I also actively participate in professional development opportunities, such as webinars and conferences, to stay abreast of emerging health issues and best practices. Additionally, I am a member of the [Professional Organization] and regularly engage in peer-to-peer learning and networking.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s dedication to professional development and continuous learning. By mentioning specific resources and activities, the candidate showcases their commitment to staying informed and applying the latest evidence-based practices in their work.

4. Describe a time you had to work with a diverse population.

Example Answer: “In my previous role as a public health nurse, I worked with a diverse population in a community health center serving a large immigrant population. I had to navigate cultural differences and language barriers to effectively communicate health information and provide culturally sensitive care. I learned to utilize interpreters, adapt my communication style, and develop culturally relevant educational materials to ensure that all patients received appropriate care. This experience taught me the importance of cultural competency and the value of building trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to work effectively with diverse populations and adapt their approach to different cultural contexts. By highlighting specific strategies used to overcome challenges, the candidate showcases their cultural sensitivity and commitment to providing equitable care.

5. How would you handle a situation where a patient refused a recommended health service?

Example Answer: “I understand that patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. In a situation where a patient refused a recommended health service, I would first try to understand their concerns and reasons for refusal. I would then provide them with accurate and unbiased information about the benefits and risks of the recommended service, addressing any misconceptions or fears they may have. If they still refused, I would respect their decision while emphasizing the importance of ongoing communication and follow-up. I would document the conversation and ensure that the patient received appropriate alternative care or referrals if necessary.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of patient autonomy and their commitment to providing respectful and patient-centered care. By outlining a clear and empathetic approach to handling patient refusal, the candidate showcases their communication skills, cultural competency, and ability to navigate challenging situations.

6. Tell me about a time you had to work independently on a project.

Example Answer: “I was tasked with developing a community-based health education program on healthy eating habits. I had to independently research best practices, identify target audiences, develop curriculum materials, and secure funding for the program. I utilized my organizational skills, resourcefulness, and creativity to successfully implement the program, which resulted in a significant increase in community awareness and participation in healthy eating initiatives.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to work independently, manage projects effectively, and achieve positive outcomes. By highlighting the specific tasks undertaken and the results achieved, the candidate showcases their self-motivation, problem-solving skills, and ability to take initiative.

7. What are your salary expectations?

Example Answer: “Based on my experience and the responsibilities outlined for this position, I am seeking a salary range of [Salary Range]. I am confident that my skills and qualifications align with the requirements of this role and I am eager to contribute to the success of your team.”

Why this answer is strong: While this question may seem straightforward, it requires careful consideration. It’s important to research industry standards, consider your experience level, and be prepared to negotiate. By providing a specific salary range based on research and confidence in your qualifications, you demonstrate professionalism and a clear understanding of your value.