Preparing for Your New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Interview: Top Questions and How to Ace Them

Interviewing for a job at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience With some preparation and insight into the most commonly asked interview questions, you can enter your interview feeling confident and ready to shine

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to have a successful DOHMH interview including

• An overview of the DOHMH and the work they do
• The most frequently asked interview questions and how to prepare winning answers
• Tips for making a strong first impression and acing different interview formats
• Steps to take after the interview is over

Let’s get started!

About the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

The DOHMH is the city’s lead agency for public health. Their mission is to champion justice, equity and wellbeing for all who call NYC home. The department works to promote and protect the health, mental health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

With over 6000 employees. the DOHMH oversees a wide range of programs and services including

• Infectious disease prevention and control
• Environmental health services
• Chronic disease and injury prevention
• Mental health services
• Health promotion and disease prevention

The DOHMH also responds to public health emergencies, performs restaurant inspections, issues health advisories, and more. They are dedicated to making NYC a healthier place for all residents.

Most Frequently Asked DOHMH Interview Questions

Let’s look at some of the most common interview questions asked by DOHMH hiring managers and tips on how to craft winning answers:

1. Tell me about yourself.

This open-ended question is often used as an icebreaker. Keep your answer focused on your qualifications for the job. Share details about your education, relevant work experience, skills, achievements and why you want this particular position at DOHMH.

2. Why do you want to work at DOHMH?

Hiring managers want to know you have a genuine interest in the department and the work they do. Be enthusiastic in your response. Share why their mission resonates with you and how you hope to contribute to the health and wellbeing of NYC residents in this role.

3. What makes you a strong candidate for this position?

Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job listing and explain how your past experience, hard and soft skills directly match what they are looking for. Focus on skills relevant to the day-to-day work responsibilities.

4. How does your past experience relate to this role?

Refer to the job description and tie specific aspects of your background directly back to the position requirements. Emphasize how you’ve used similar skills or fulfilled comparable responsibilities in previous jobs.

5. Why do you want to leave your current job?

Avoid bad-mouthing your current employer. Instead focus on positive reasons like seeking new challenges and professional growth opportunities. You can mention that the DOHMH mission strongly aligns with your passion for public health.

6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Choose strengths like organization, analytical thinking, teamwork that apply to the open role. For weaknesses, pick something minor that won’t undermine your ability to do the job. Then share steps you’ve taken to improve.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hiring managers want to see you are interested in growing long-term with the DOHMH. Share your career goals and how this job moves you closer towards that vision. Be enthusiastic about taking on more responsibility over time.

8. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

Summarize your most relevant qualifications, achievements and skills. Then explain what makes you the strongest fit for this specific role at the DOHMH compared to other applicants.

9. Do you have any questions for me/us?

Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to the department. For example:

• What are the department’s top priorities this year?
• How will the work I’ll be doing contribute to the larger goals of the DOHMH?
• What are some of the skills and accomplishments that have enabled previous hires to succeed in this role?

The key is to show your genuine interest in joining the DOHMH team.

Interview Tips and Strategies for Success

Beyond preparing answers for common questions, here are some additional things you can do to make a great impression during your DOHMH interview:

Come prepared – Thoroughly research the department so you understand their structure, initiatives and goals. Review your resume and qualifications for the position. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Dress professionally – Avoid casual clothing. For men, wear a suit and tie. For women, a suit or professional dress is recommended.

Make eye contact – When answering questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer to demonstrate confidence.

Highlight achievements – Use specific examples and metrics when describing your accomplishments. Quantify your contributions at past jobs.

Ask thoughtful questions – Inquiries show your interest in the department and in-depth understanding of the role.

Send thank you notes – After the interview, follow up with a thank you email or hand-written note. This extra touch can help you stand out.

Be authentic – Let your personality shine through. The hiring manager wants to get a sense of what you’re truly like.

With practice and preparation, you can become fully ready to have an outstanding interview. The key is to enter the discussion focused, confident and with compelling stories that convey why you are an exceptional candidate.

Following Up After the DOHMH Interview

Once your interview is over, here are some things you can do to help secure the job:

• Send thank you notes – Reiterate your interest in the role and highlight one or two standout moments from the interview.

• Share any requested items – If the hiring manager asked you to provide additional materials like a portfolio, references or writing samples, submit these promptly.

• Follow up – If you don’t hear back after 1-2 weeks, it’s appropriate to politely follow up by email or phone. Ask about hiring timelines and next steps.

• Evaluate offer – If you receive a job offer, thoroughly review the compensation package and ask any clarifying questions before accepting.

• Start strong – Once you start the new role, show up eager to learn and contribute. Consider asking your manager for 30/60/90 day goals.

With determination and the right mindset, you can get hired for your dream job helping improve public health outcomes for the people of New York City. Use these tips to have a stellar interview that convinces the DOHMH you are the perfect candidate for the position. Good luck!