Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time you successfully analyzed and interpreted health data to inform public health policy or program decisions.
2. Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex public health concepts to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure that your message was understood?
3. Can you give an example of a time when you identified a public health problem and developed a plan to address it?
4. How do you stay updated on the latest public health trends and developments?
5. What are your thoughts on the role of technology in improving public health?
6. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a public health analyst?
7. Why are you interested in working as a Public Health Analyst?

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework is a structured way of answering interview questions that helps you to provide clear and concise responses. To use the STAR framework to answer a question:

1. Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event took place.
2. Task: Explain the task that you were assigned or the problem that you needed to solve.
3. Action: Describe the specific actions that you took to complete the task or solve the problem.
4. Result: Explain the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can ensure that your answers are clear, concise, and focused on the specific question being asked. This will help you to make a strong impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of getting the job.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Tell me about a time you successfully analyzed and interpreted health data to inform public health policy or program decisions.

Answer:

Situation: I was working as a public health analyst for a state health department when we received a report of a cluster of cancer cases in a small town.

Task: My task was to analyze the data and determine if there was a link between the cancer cases and a local environmental hazard.

Action: I collected data from a variety of sources, including the state cancer registry, the local hospital, and the environmental protection agency. I also conducted interviews with residents of the town.

Result: My analysis showed that there was a statistically significant link between the cancer cases and exposure to a chemical that was being released from a local factory. This evidence led to the factory being shut down and the cancer rates in the town declining.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear and concise account of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also demonstrates the candidate’s ability to analyze data, identify a health problem, and develop a solution.

2. Question: Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex public health concepts to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure that your message was understood?

Answer:

Situation: I was giving a presentation on the importance of childhood immunizations to a group of parents.

Task: My task was to explain the benefits of vaccines and address any concerns that the parents might have.

Action: I used simple language and clear visuals to explain how vaccines work and how they protect children from disease. I also answered questions from the parents and addressed their concerns.

Result: The parents were very receptive to my message and many of them said that they would be vaccinating their children.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear and concise account of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also demonstrates the candidate’s ability to communicate complex information to a non-technical audience.

3. Question: Can you give an example of a time when you identified a public health problem and developed a plan to address it?

Answer:

Situation: I was working as a public health analyst for a local health department when I noticed a spike in the number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among teenagers.

Task: My task was to identify the cause of the outbreak and develop a plan to address it.

Action: I conducted a study to identify the factors that were contributing to the outbreak. I also worked with local schools and community organizations to develop and implement a comprehensive STD prevention program.

Result: The outbreak was eventually brought under control and the STD rates among teenagers declined.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear and concise account of the situation, task, action, and result. The answer also demonstrates the candidate’s ability to identify a public health problem, develop a solution, and implement that solution.

4. Question: How do you stay updated on the latest public health trends and developments?

Answer:

Situation: It is important for public health analysts to stay up-to-date on the latest public health trends and developments.

Task: I make it a priority to read public health journals and attend conferences. I also follow public health news outlets on social media.

Action: By staying up-to-date on the latest public health trends and developments, I am able to better serve my community and make informed decisions about public health policy.

Result: My knowledge of public health trends and developments has helped me to identify and address public health problems in my community.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest public health trends and developments. The answer also shows how the candidate uses this knowledge to better serve their community.

5. Question: What are your thoughts on the role of technology in improving public health?

Answer:

Situation: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in public health.

Task: I believe that technology can be used to improve public health in a number of ways.

Action: For example, technology can be used to track disease outbreaks, monitor environmental hazards, and provide access to health information.

Result: By using technology in public health, we can improve the health of our communities.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of the role of technology in improving public health. The answer also shows how the candidate is thinking about ways to use technology to improve public health in their community.

6. Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a public health analyst?

Answer:

Situation: It is important to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses as a public health analyst.

Task: My strengths include my ability to analyze data, identify health problems, and develop solutions. I am also a good communicator and I am able to work well with others. My weaknesses include my lack of experience in some areas of public health and my tendency to be a perfectionist.

Action: I am working to address my weaknesses by gaining experience in new areas of public health and by learning to be less of a perfectionist.

Result: By addressing my weaknesses, I am becoming a better public health analyst.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s self-awareness and willingness to work on their weaknesses. The answer also shows how the candidate is taking steps to address their weaknesses.

7. Question: Why are you interested in working as a Public Health Analyst?

Answer:

Situation: I have always been interested in making a difference in the lives of others.

Task: I believe that working as a Public Health Analyst is a great way to do this.

Action: As a Public Health Analyst, I will be able to use my skills to help people live healthier lives.

Result: I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health of my community.

Why is this answer strong?

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s passion for public health and their desire to make a difference. The answer also shows how the candidate sees the role of a Public Health Analyst as a way to achieve their goals.