Interviewing at UPMC for your dream job? With over 90,000 employees, UPMC is one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania Competition is fierce for open roles at this world-class health system. Acing the interview is crucial to stand out from the crowd and land the job
To help you succeed, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on UPMC interview questions. Read on to learn:
- Common UPMC interview formats
- Must-know UPMC background info
- Specific examples of popular UPMC interview questions
- Expert tips to craft winning answers
The Various Types of UPMC Interviews
UPMC utilizes various interview styles depending on the role This keeps the process targeted, efficient and insightful Common UPMC interviews include
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One-on-one Traditional format with just you and the interviewer, Allows deep discussion,
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Panel: Interview with 3-5 people at once. Gives multiple perspectives.
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Group: Interview alongside other candidates. Tests teamwork skills.
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Technical: Focuses on hard skills needed for the job.
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Behavioral: Draws from past experience to assess soft skills.
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Case: Analyzes ability to solve real-world problems.
Understanding the format helps you strategize answers accordingly. I’ll share examples of popular questions for the different types of UPMC interviews next.
Key Facts About UPMC
Before interviewing, learn about UPMC’s history, values, and facts. This shows your interest in the company. Key facts include:
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Founded in 1893, UPMC has over 35 hospitals across PA and beyond.
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With over $23 billion in revenues, it’s one of the largest health systems.
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UPMC is closely tied with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences.
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Its core values are Quality & Safety, Dignity & Respect, Caring & Listening, Responsibility & Integrity, Excellence & Innovation.
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UPMC made U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll ranking of best hospitals.
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UPMC offers opportunities in clinical and non-clinical roles across its various entities.
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UPMC focuses on talent development, with robust training programs.
Showcasing this grasp of the company will impress interviewers. Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of sample UPMC interview questions.
One-on-One Interview Questions
One-on-one interviews allow in-depth discussion with the recruiter or hiring manager. Some common examples:
General background questions:
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Tell me about yourself.
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Why are you interested in this role?
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What interests you about working at UPMC?
Experience questions:
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What experience do you have that’s applicable to this position?
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Tell me about your experience with [key requirement]. How would this help you succeed here?
Motivation questions:
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Why did you choose a career in healthcare?
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What are you looking for in your next role?
Behavioral questions:
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Tell me about a time you provided excellent patient care. What was the situation and outcome?
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Give an example of when you faced a conflict at work. How did you handle it?
One-on-one interviews allow the interviewer to probe with follow-up questions. Use the STAR method – situation, task, action, result – to convey your strengths through stories.
Panel Interview Questions
Panel interviews with multiple interviewers assess how you engage with a team. Some sample panel questions:
Icebreaker questions:
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Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
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What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
General questions:
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Why are you interested in this role?
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What can you bring to this team?
Experience questions:
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This role requires strong skills in [key requirement]. Can you describe your experience with that?
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What challenges have you faced relevant to this position? How did you tackle them?
Scenario questions:
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A patient is upset about a long wait time. How would you handle this situation?
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You disagree with a new policy. Walk me through how you’d address it with leadership.
With multiple people interviewing at once, keep answers focused and directed at the group. Make eye contact and engage with each panelist.
Group Interview Questions
Group interviews demonstrate teamwork skills by having candidates interview together. Some examples:
Introductions:
- Tell us your name, background, and why you’re interested in this role.
General questions:
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What makes you a strong fit for this position?
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If you were hired, what value would you bring to the team?
Teamwork questions:
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Tell me about a time you successfully collaborated with others. What was your role?
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How would you handle a disagreement with a coworker?
Scenario questions:
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A patient’s family member is yelling at a nurse. How should the team respond?
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You’re given feedback from your manager that you disagree with. How do you handle it?
Group interviews allow employers to see you collaborate in real-time. Focus on showcasing teamwork abilities.
Technical Interview Questions
For clinical and technical roles, UPMC interviews assess hard skills through technical questions. Some examples:
General technical questions:
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On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your skills in [key requirement]?
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What training have you received relevant to this role?
Role-specific questions:
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Walk me through how you’d use [technical system] in this role.
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What would you do if a patient presented with [medical condition]?
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Tell me the steps involved in [technical procedure required for the role].
Technical interviews confirm you have the clinical/technical abilities to succeed. Use specific examples to illustrate capabilities.
Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral questions have you recount previous experiences that demonstrate soft skills. Some examples:
Communication questions:
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Tell me about a time you effectively communicated complex information. How did you ensure understanding?
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Give me an example of when you adapted your communication style based on the audience or situation.
Problem-solving questions:
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Describe a time you solved a difficult problem. What was the outcome?
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Tell me about a mistake you made at work. How did you handle it?
Teamwork questions:
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Give me an example of a time you collaborated successfully on a project.
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Tell me about a conflict you faced with a coworker. How did you resolve it?
Use the STAR method to craft compelling stories that showcase soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Case Interview Questions
Case interviews present real-world problems to gauge analytical abilities. For example:
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A hospital unit has seen lower patient satisfaction scores. What steps would you take to address this?
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Our clinic has a high no-show rate. How would you tackle this issue?
Discuss your approach in a structured way:
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Clarify key details about the problem.
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Identify the underlying causes.
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Develop solutions.
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Consider pros and cons of each solution.
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Recommend the best options based on the context.
Case interviews demonstrate how you navigate ambiguity and think critically under pressure.
7 Tips to Ace the UPMC Interview
Now that you know what to expect, here are some tips to ace the UPMC interview:
1. Research the role, department, and UPMC. Understanding the specifics shows your commitment.
2. Review commonly asked questions. Practice answers using real examples and the STAR method.
3. Prepare success stories. Reflect on past successes relevant to the position.
4. Align to UPMC’s values. Tailor responses to Quality & Safety, Dignity & Respect, Caring & Listening, Responsibility & Integrity, and Excellence & Innovation.
5. Dress professionally. Appearance matters, so dress neatly and appropriately.
6. Arrive early. Punctuality demonstrates reliability.
7. Ask insightful questions. Queries about the team, training, and growth opportunities make you memorable.
Preparing responses using these insider tips will help you present your best self during the UPMC interview process. Showcase how your skills, experience and values align to propel you to success in the role. With diligent practice and these strategies, you’ll be ready to ace the UPMC interview and launch your career at one of the nation’s top health systems. Best of luck!
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FAQ
Why do you want to work at UPMC?