Our goal at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is to give all children the best care possible. Thank you for considering us as a possible employer. We are looking for skilled people to join our team.
Please be sure to choose your correct candidate status (internal vs. external) when applying for a job. If you chose the incorrect status, your application will not move forward in the selection process.
Sorry, but because we get so many applications, we can’t give you status updates or answer your phone calls about your application. However, if you are selected and invited for an interview, manager for that position will contact you. We encourage you to log in and check the status of your application online at any time.
All offers of employment are conditional upon the successful completion of a background check and post-offer health assessment. This health check includes a drug test, an occupational health history, a physical exam based on the job description, and a check to see if the person is immune to certain diseases that can be spread.
Our hospital does not tolerate any kind of harassment or discrimination against anyone working or applying for a job at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Oakland because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the armed forces.
Interviewing at the prestigious UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals can be an exciting yet daunting experience. As one of the top academic medical centers in the nation, UCSF attracts some of the best medical talent. Competition for jobs is fierce. If you have an interview scheduled, proper preparation is key to presenting yourself as a strong candidate.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll overview
- Background on UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
- Types of interviews conducted
- How to prepare for the interview process
- Sample interview questions with tips for responding
- What to expect after the interview
About UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
The UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals are renowned for delivering exceptional patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, and providing world-class medical education. UCSF Medical Center is ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of Best Hospitals. The medical center includes three major hospitals:
- UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus Heights
- UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is the other flagship hospital in the system Together, these hospitals have over 1,500 beds and see 1 million+ patient visits annually.
UCSF Health also has many outpatient clinics and networked facilities throughout the Bay Area. With so many sites and specialties, job opportunities abound at UCSF for clinical and non-clinical roles alike.
Types of Interviews at UCSF
UCSF utilizes different types of interviews depending on the position. Here are some of the most common:
One-on-One Interviews
One-on-one interviews involve you and one interviewer, usually your potential manager or supervisor. These are common for many types of jobs at UCSF. One-on-ones allow hiring managers to better understand your background and qualifications.
Be prepared to expand on your resume and skills. You may be asked behavioral questions, situational questions, technical questions, or a combination.
Panel Interviews
For more advanced clinical roles and leadership positions, panel interviews are frequently used. In a panel interview, you will be interviewed by a group of 3-6 people simultaneously.
Panelists often include department heads, physicians/clinicians, and a HR representative. You will answer questions from each panelist. Panel interviews allow multiple interviewers to assess your technical abilities, critical thinking, communication skills and cultural fit.
Group Interviews
Some nursing, allied health professional, administrative and support roles utilize group interviews. In these, you and other candidates interview together. The interviewer leads the group through a structured discussion and assesses how you interact with others.
Group interviews demonstrate your teamwork, attitude and ability to think on your feet in a real-time group setting.
How to Prepare for a UCSF Interview
Preparation is the key to interview success at UCSF. Here are some tips:
Study the Organization and Role
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Review the UCSF website, mission statement and current initiatives. Understand the organization’s values and goals.
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Research the specific department and role. Know the requirements and day-to-day responsibilities.
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For clinical roles, read up on the latest medical research and developments in your specialty.
Polish Your Resume
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Update your resume and have it reviewed by a recruiter or hiring manager in your field.
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Review key items you want to emphasize from your background. Identify gaps the interviewer may question.
Practice Responding to Questions
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Review common UCSF interview questions (see below) and practice responses.
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Prepare stories that provide specific examples of skills needed for the job.
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Practice aloud or record yourself to polish your delivery.
Dress Professionally
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Attire at UCSF tends to be formal. Wear a suit in a dark color like navy, black or gray.
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Limit accessories and fragrances. Keep hair and make-up simple and neat.
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Arrive 10-15 minutes early to get settled and appear confident.
Sample UCSF Interview Questions and How to Answer
Here are some commonly asked questions along with tips for acing your responses:
Tell Me About Yourself
Tips:
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Keep your answer to 2-3 minutes max. Don’t ramble.
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Focus on your relevant background, skills and achievements. Tie it back to the role.
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Use a chronological structure highlighting growth. End on a positive note.
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Exclude personal details unrelated to the job.
Sample Response: “I’m an RN with over 7 years experience in pediatric intensive care. In my current role at Stanford, I manage patient care for critically ill children and collaborate with physicians, nurses and families. I’m known for my compassion and commitment to improving patient outcomes, as evidenced by the Daisy Award I received for extraordinary nursing. My background in pediatric ICU aligns well with the PICU nursing role here. In addition, I’m eager to bring my patient advocacy and leadership skills to UCSF.”
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
Tips:
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Show you understand UCSF’s reputation and align with the mission.
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Discuss specific things that excite you about the role and team.
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Share why you’re looking to make a change and feel UCSF is the right fit.
Sample Response: “I’m drawn to UCSF’s culture of compassion and innovation in pediatric care. The research coming out of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals is shaping the future of pediatric medicine worldwide. I’d be honored to work alongside such talented clinicians and be part of a team that’s leading change. In particular, I’m excited by the possibility to help define care protocols, conduct nursing research, and take on leadership projects.”
What Are Your Greatest Strengths?
Tips:
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Choose strengths that align with the role’s requirements.
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Provide 1-2 specific examples that showcase each strength.
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Emphasize unique strengths vs. generic ones.
Sample Response: “Two strengths I possess that would benefit this nurse educator role are strategic thinking and mentoring skills. As an example, in my last position I used strategic thinking to overhaul our outdated training program. I collaborated with managers to identify goals, assessed gaps, and devised a more hands-on, engaging curriculum. The result was an over 95% satisfaction rate from new nurses. In terms of mentoring, I excel at inspiring others through compassionate guidance. I currently mentor 5 nurses, including precepting new hires. My mentees consistently praise my approach and have rapidly grown in their roles.”
What Are Your Greatest Weaknesses?
Tips:
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Choose a minor weakness that won’t raise red flags.
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Demonstrate self-awareness by sharing how you’re working to improve.
Sample Response: “My greatest weakness is probably that I sometimes over-commit myself. Because I’m passionate about my work, I tend to say yes enthusiastically. This has led to some overwhelm at times. However, I’ve gotten better about not biting off more than I can chew. I set clear boundaries and will communicate openly when my plate is full. I know my limits and will delegate or ask for help when needed. Overall, I don’t let my enthusiasm become an obstacle but use it to fuel positivity.”
Why Should We Hire You?
Tips:
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Pitch yourself and abilities with confidence.
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Summarize your value and what sets you apart from other candidates.
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Remind them why you’re an excellent fit.
Sample Response: “You should hire me because my medical-surgical nursing experience, dedication to quality care, and passion for the UCSF mission make me an ideal candidate. Over the last 5 years, I’ve honed my clinical expertise and become a strong advocate for patients. I have a proven track record for improving processes and protocols. Colleagues commend my teamwork and commitment to excellence. While other candidates may have similar skills, few match my depth of knowledge and drive to go above and beyond expectations. I will bring fresh perspective and leadership to your existing nursing team.”
Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Tips:
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Always prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement.
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Inquire about challenges, training, team dynamics, or next steps/timeline.
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Avoid questions with easily found answers online.
Sample Questions:
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“What are the most immediate challenges or opportunities this department is facing?”
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“How does the management team support professional development and continuing education?”
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“What qualities does someone need to thrive in UCSF’s collaborative environment?”
What to Expect After Your UCSF Interview
The interview process varies by department, but here’s the general timeline:
- One week after:
Apply for jobs at our San Francisco hospital and clinics
We are a world leader in pediatric care and innovation. Learn about our history, areas of expertise, locations and more.
Caring, healing and discovering are the reasons we exist. Learn about our organizations mission, vision and values.
Learn about the accomplished backgrounds of our executive team and their current roles at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospitals.
Highlighting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital’s life-saving work
FAQ
What is the mission statement of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital?
What level of trauma is UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital?
How long does it take to get hired at UCSF?
Why should you visit UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital?
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals have been the birthplace of many medical breakthroughs, including the first successful fetal surgery and the development of several lifesaving treatments for preemies. When you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the passion and expertise we bring to each child’s care.
When can a person with c-diff be able to come out of their room and be around other people?
C diff or Clostridium difficult infection occurs as a result of disruption of normal gut flora by the use of antibiotics. This can affect the colon and result in diarrhoea. This infection can spread from one person to another by bacterial spores. The patient remains infective even after the last episode of loose stool. He or she can come out after 48 hours of the last loose stool.
What if I don’t receive an employment check from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland?
If you do not currently receive an employment check directly from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland,you do not qualify as an internal applicant and should apply as an external candidate. This includes (but is not limited to) volunteers, temporary agency personnel, contractors, etc.
Is UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland an ‘internal’ candidate?
You are considered an ‘internal’ candidate (on-going, regular employee) if you currently receive an employment paycheck directly from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. The paycheck will have the payer name “UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland” printed on it.
