The Administrative Fellowship Programs will let you know if they want to meet with you for an interview after you send in your application. It can be a little scary and theres a lot of uncertainty while you wait.
I know it may not feel like it, but you will be fine if interviews aren’t coming your way. There are still roles out there for you, and you will find the right one. I know that it’s different for everyone depending on their situation. Maybe my view was different because I didn’t have to do a Fellowship and I already had a job. Throughout the process, I tried to keep in mind that this would be a great chance, but I also knew it would be hard to get. I honestly just thought it was an honor and privilege to get an interview and learn more about the possible experience.
As soon as you start getting interviews, you should feel happy and proud. This is a great chance for the interview committee to learn more about you.
Some of the first interviews could be over the phone or in a Zoom or Teams meeting with one or more people. Some will be with a combination of current Administrative Fellows and healthcare leaders in the organization. You sort of have to get comfortable with preparing for all different situations. No matter what kind of interview it is, my advice is the same: be yourself, tell your story, and talk about why you want to do an Administrative Fellowship, what you will bring to the program, and why you want to go there.
Don’t forget that you’re also interviewing the program to make sure it fits you well. I got a sense of this by talking to current Fellows and leaders in the first round. Some of them struck a chord with me right away, while others didn’t. When someone asks you if you have any questions, make sure you have at least one or two ready. Also, I think it’s important to learn about the program you’re interested in; don’t just memorize website facts.
Some of these interviews may feel uncomfortable. I remember one place I had to record myself on video answering questions with a time limit. You had one minute to read the question, one minute to think about it, and then one minute to answer it. On video! With no other live people on the other side! For me, this didn’t work so well. I much prefer having a conversation, talking to a real person. Most of the places I liked wanted to know more about me and why I wanted to be there. There were no trick questions.
I had a first-round phone interview for another program and was then told I’d hear about the next steps. As I walked down a busy Boston street after leaving work to get a coffee, I didn’t get the calendar invite for the second round of phone interviews. As soon as I picked up the phone, I thought they were calling to talk about the next steps, but it turned out to be the interview! There were several people on the other end, and I couldn’t fully understand when they introduced themselves. I ended up sitting on someone’s apartment front steps to take the call. I didn’t make it to the next round after that, which made me sad, but I couldn’t really do anything about it, so I had to move on.
Another time, I was on speaker phone with eight people in the room I couldn’t see. They took turns asking me questions as they went around the room. Thinking about the person on the other end of the phone can be a little scary, especially if you can’t see them or read their face. I just reminded myself again to be myself and tell my story. That way, it shouldn’t matter who is on the other end of the phone.
Always send thank you notes. I still send a quick thank-you email to each person I met with after every interview.
I was lucky enough to get a lot of interviews, which helped me think about my options and make the best choice for me. Still, I sometimes feel like it’s a coin flip. When I went to interviews, it seemed like there was no rhyme or reason for why some of us were chosen for one place but not the other. You just have to trust the process.
It really is an exciting time and one that I hope you will enjoy, regardless of the outcome. Some of my favorite memories from the last few years come from this time, and I knew I was about to start an exciting journey.
We’re always here to help if you need it. You can reach us on LinkedIn, this blog, or Instagram (@healthcarebyrach).
Landing an administrative fellowship is a major step towards advancing your career. These highly competitive programs offer the chance to gain hands-on experience and develop leadership skills under the guidance of healthcare executives.
However, before you can embark on this journey, there is one vital step – acing the interview
This comprehensive guide will provide insights into some of the most common administrative fellow interview questions along with tips and sample answers to help you make a winning impression.
Why Do Organizations Hire Administrative Fellows?
A lot of time and money is spent by healthcare organizations training administrative fellows to become leaders. Here are some key reasons behind this commitment:
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Develop Future Leaders: Administrative fellowships create a pool of qualified people who can take over important leadership roles when current executives retire.
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Gain New Perspectives: Fellows bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking from their academic training. This sparks positive change.
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Improve Talent Retention: Fellows who get this kind of focused development are more likely to stay with the company for a long time.
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Enhance Operational Efficiency: Fellows receive comprehensive experience allowing them to identify and implement improvements.
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Give Back: For executives, teaching fellows allows them to share their knowledge and passion for the field.
With these motivations in mind, the interview aims to gauge your potential contribution as a fellow.
Common Administrative Fellow Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Here are some typical questions asked in administrative fellow interviews, along with strategies for crafting strong responses:
Why are you interested in an administrative fellowship?
This question evaluates your passion and suitability for the role. Emphasize your commitment to healthcare leadership and highlight how the fellowship aligns with your career goals. Outline specific aspects of the program that excite you.
Sample Answer: The mentoring and rotational experiences offered in your administrative fellowship perfectly complement my goal of managing a healthcare organization someday. I’m particularly excited by the quality improvement and strategic planning projects, as they will allow me to integrate my analytical skills with operational insights to drive positive outcomes. This role represents an invaluable springboard to develop the healthcare leadership capabilities I envision for my career.
How did you prepare for this position?
Demonstrate your initiative by highlighting relevant coursework, leadership experiences, and discussions with current fellows or faculty. Share key takeaways that sparked your interest and shaped your understanding of the role.
Sample Answer: In anticipation of this role, I completed coursework in healthcare systems, policy, and finance to cement foundational knowledge. As president of my university’s healthcare management club, I gained valuable team management experience. I also connected with Dr. Jane Smith, a former fellow here, who shared deep insights about the program. These opportunities fueled my passion for the fellowship.
Why do you think we should hire you over other applicants?
Concisely convey why you are the top candidate for the role. Focus on one or two key strengths or skills that make you uniquely qualified. Provide specific examples to back up your statements.
Sample Answer: As a Certified Associate in Project Management, I possess strong analytical and organizational skills which will allow me to successfully manage complex assignments and contribute to operational efficiency. For instance, for my senior capstone project, I utilized Lean Six Sigma methodologies to redesign patient billing processes, leading to a 10% reduction in claim denials. This passion for driving institutional improvements makes me a strong fit for your organization.
How would you handle a conflict between two supervisors who are directing you towards different goals?
This scenario demonstrates your conflict management abilities. Acknowledge both perspectives, but emphasize resolving the situation in an objective manner aligned with the organization’s best interests. Highlight communication and teamwork.
Sample Answer: Understanding priorities of both supervisors is essential, so I would have an open discussion to fully grasp their individual goals and point of view. I would aim to find common ground between their needs while keeping the organization’s objectives above personal motivations. If a reasonable compromise could not be reached, I would consult my fellowship director to mediate in an unbiased manner.
What area in our fellowship program interests you the most and why?
Showcase your enthusiasm by highlighting one area of the program such as a rotation, project, or skill development opportunity. Explain why it appeals specifically to your passions, experience, or career aspirations.
Sample Answer: The quality improvement rotation stands out as an area of particular interest. Improving processes to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction aligns perfectly with my Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. I look forward to partnering with cross-functional teams to identify performance gaps and implement data-driven solutions. I plan to leverage this experience to build a career focused on elevating healthcare systems.
What challenges do you foresee in working with multidisciplinary teams as a fellow? How would you address them?
This demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss potential roadblocks stemming from varied backgrounds, communication styles, or priorities. Emphasize listening skills, tact, and relationship building to overcome these hurdles.
Sample Answer: One challenge with cross-functional teams lies in reconciling diverse viewpoints and priorities. To foster unity, I would proactively consult each discipline to understand their perspectives. Bringing hidden assumptions to light early prevents misunderstandings. I would aim to identify common goals across disciplines by focusing discussions on patient outcomes. My strong interpersonal skills will help build bridges across departments.
How do you plan to expand your healthcare administration knowledge during this fellowship?
Show you are eager to maximize learning opportunities. Mention activities like seeking mentorship, engaging in rotations, conducting research, earning certifications, attending conferences, and connecting with professional organizations.
Sample Answer: I plan to fully immerse myself in every rotational experience to learn practical applications of management theory. In addition, I hope to earn Lean or Six Sigma certifications to strengthen process improvement skills. Attending ACHE’s annual congress would expand my professional network and exposure to the latest healthcare administration best practices. Most importantly, I look forward to learning from my mentors here by proactively seeking their advice and guidance.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Employer
The close of your interview provides a chance to demonstrate your engagement by asking insightful questions. Here are some options:
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How are fellows evaluated throughout the program and what growth opportunities are provided?
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Can you describe the culture here? What makes your organization an exciting place to work?
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What characteristics do the most successful fellows possess?
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What types of responsibilities are fellows given during the first month of the program?
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Is there flexibility in the rotation schedule to spend additional time in departments of particular interest?
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Do fellows have input into shaping their experience or is the curriculum standardized?
Make Your Interview a Success
Landing an administrative fellowship takes rigorous preparation. Follow these tips to maximize your chances of success:
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Research the Organization: Understand their mission, values, leadership, and current strategic objectives.
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Review Program Details: Closely examine curriculum, rotations, projects, and assessments.
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Polish Your Resume: Highlight leadership roles, process improvements, and healthcare-related experiences.
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Practice Responding: Rehearse answers to likely questions out loud to polish your delivery.
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Prepare Questions: Brainstorm thoughtful questions that show your investment in the role and organization.
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Be Authentic: Share your passion for the field and showcase your unique skills and perspective.
With meticulous preparation and a genuine, engaging interview presence, you can impress hiring teams and achieve your dream of becoming an administrative fellow. Approach each question as an opportunity to convey your fit. Soon you will be on your way to launching a meaningful and rewarding healthcare leadership career.
Mayo Clinic Administrative Fellowship Program
How many questions are in a fellowship interview?
Practice 40 Fellowship Interview Questions. Written by professional interviewers with 40 answer examples and 40 community answer examples.
What questions should an administrative assistant ask an interviewer?
Describe a project you enjoyed working on as an administrative assistant. This is another question an interviewer may ask to determine what you like most about working as an administrative assistant. This question also helps them understand how you apply your skills to contribute to projects in the office.
How do I prepare for an administrative assistant interview?
Key takeaways: In your next administrative assistant interview, prepare to address your organizational, communication and time management skills. Prepare specific examples of times you’ve made an impact in previous roles with the STAR response technique. Review the job description to weave the employer’s requirements into your answers.
Do administrative assistants know a lot of confidential information?
Administrative assistants often know a lot of confidential information about both the office and the company’s customers. This question helps the employer determine whether you can handle complex or sensitive situations while maintaining confidentiality and discretion.
