10 Questions to Ask an Employer During a Healthcare Interview

When applying for a healthcare job, it's important to be prepared for questions from potential employers. But don't forget that you should also be asking questions of your own! Doing so will help you gain a better understanding of the role and the company and show the employer that you are interested and invested in the position. In this article, we will provide a list of the best questions to ask an employer in a healthcare interview.

Why Should You Ask Questions in an Interview?

Most healthcare job seekers today know to prepare for an interview by researching the company, studying questions the interviewer may ask, and rehearsing answers beforehand. But many don’t realize that it is also important to prepare your own questions to ask an employer during the healthcare interview. This will show the employer that you are engaged and invested in learning more about the role, as well as their organization.

Currently, healthcare organizations are worried not just about finding the right healthcare workers but also about finding ones that will stay. Showing your enthusiasm and interest in questions of your own can demonstrate that you will be a committed employee. You can also show them that you are genuinely interested in their healthcare organization over others.

This can be especially important during peer interviews since healthcare workers are increasingly overworked due to staff leaving. Peers will want to know that you are committed to the organization and that you will stay with them. You might ask them about how long they have been working for this company and why they might stay long term.

Asking questions to an employer in a healthcare interview is also your chance to get answers that you can't find online. For example, questions about corporate culture, benefits, and policies can help you understand if this is the right fit for you. Working in healthcare is difficult, so you want to ensure you end up at a company that matches your values and supports you in the ways you need most.

No matter if you are talking to the hiring manager or potential peers, be sure to have some questions prepared to show that you are committed not only to your healthcare field but also to this organization. Plus, don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions that will help you determine if the position is right for you.

How Many Questions Should You Ask a Healthcare Interviewer

Some healthcare candidates worry that they may be asking too many questions or that their questions are things they should already know from their research on the company. However, asking questions during your healthcare interview allows you to gain insight into what it is like to work for that employer and helps you decide if it is a good fit for you.

That being said, you still want to respect the time of the hiring manager or employee who is interviewing you. It is a good idea to limit the questions you ask to no more than three or four, though the exact number will vary depending on the length of the interview and how long the answers are.

You will want to come prepared with a list of at least 10 questions to ask an employer in a healthcare interview. This will give you a good starting point for what to ask and also provide ammo if there is extra time at the end of your interview or if the interviewer encourages questions. You might find that some of your questions are spontaneously answered throughout the healthcare interview, so be sure to have some backup questions ready.

10 Best Questions to Ask an Employer in a Healthcare Interview

1. Tell me about a typical day working in this healthcare position.
2. What challenges have past employees faced with managing patient care in this role?
3. How does this department balance productivity requirements with delivering patient-centered care?
4. Have there been conflicts between healthcare disciplines in the past? How have these been addressed?
5. What opportunities are offered for advanced certifications, education, and specialization in the healthcare field?
6. Are there any others in my healthcare discipline that are willing to be mentors and help me advance my practice? (Alternatively: Is there an opportunity for me to mentor other healthcare workers in a similar role?)
7. What are the biggest challenges faced by patients at this facility/organization that may impact their care?
8. What resources are available to employees for improving or maintaining their mental health?
9. What challenges do current employees face with work-life balance and PTO/holiday schedules?
10. What would you say is your favorite thing about working for this healthcare organization?

Tell me about a typical day working in this healthcare position.

This is a good question to ask an employer during an interview because it gives you a general overview of the role and duties. You can gain valuable insight into the work that needs to be done and the type of environment you’ll work in.

What challenges have past employees faced with managing patient care in this role?

Before entering a new position, it's important to understand the challenges you will face. In a healthcare role, especially, understanding what might impact your ability to deliver quality patient care is crucial. You want to make sure that you are up to the challenge before taking on the role.

How does this department balance productivity requirements with delivering patient-centered care?

Productivity is an important factor in healthcare, but quality patient care should always come first. Knowing how the department will prioritize both aspects of patient care can help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you.

Have there been conflicts between healthcare disciplines in the past? How have these been addressed?

There will always be conflicts between healthcare disciplines. If the employer can't answer this question, that could be a red flag. Knowing how the organization handles these types of conflicts is important, as it can help you understand their values and culture. For the most part, you want to ensure that your professional opinion will be valued and respected.

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What opportunities are offered for advanced certifications, education, and specialization in the healthcare field?

Many healthcare positions offer opportunities for advancement, and it's important to know what those are upfront. Asking this question to an employer in an interview can help you understand the potential for growing within the position and developing new skills, which may extend your employment options down the line. In a healthcare market with high turnover rates, this question will also show the employer that you are intending to stick around for a while.

Are there any others in my healthcare discipline that are willing to be mentors and help me advance my practice? (Alternatively: Is there an opportunity for me to mentor other healthcare workers in a similar role?)

Mentorship can be an invaluable asset in a healthcare role, so it's always good to ask questions to an employer about mentorship opportunities. Knowing whether or not you will have access to experienced professionals in your field can help you decide if the position is right for you.

Alternatively, if you are a more seasoned healthcare professional, taking the opportunity to mentor other healthcare workers in a similar role can be both rewarding and beneficial. If mentoring others is something that you hope to do down the line, asking questions to an employer about mentorship programs can help you understand what a future at this healthcare organization might look like.

What are the biggest challenges faced by patients at this facility/organization that may impact their care?

The world of healthcare includes challenges no matter where you work. Asking questions to an employer about the types of challenges that patients at this particular organization face can help you understand what is expected of you as a healthcare worker. It can also help you determine if the challenges faced are ones that you are passionate about improving or if you will be weighed down by them.

What resources are available to employees for improving or maintaining their mental health?

Working in healthcare can be stressful, and it's important to know what resources are available to you if needed. Ask questions about mental health programs, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and access to counseling services for employees. Knowing what support is available will help you make an informed decision about taking the position. It can also give you an idea of how important employee mental health and well-being are to the organization.

What challenges do current employees face with work-life balance and PTO/holiday schedules?

Work-life balance is important in any job, but it's especially true in healthcare roles where you often work long hours, weekends, and holidays. Ask questions about PTO policies, holiday schedules, and other measures that can help alleviate work stress. Knowing what type of flexibility the organization offers will help you determine if this position is right for your lifestyle needs.

It is important to take care in how you ask this question to an employer in an interview, though. You do not want to come across as if you not wanting to work much. Instead, be sure to ask this within the context of work-life balance and with an understanding that coverage is needed during less-than-ideal times.

What would you say is your favorite thing about working for this healthcare organization?

This is a good question to ask an employer during a healthcare interview, especially the hiring manager. Their answer will tell you what the employer values most about the organization and their career as a whole. Do they value a good work-life balance, or are they more focused on being the best they can be? Do they focus on patient care outcomes, or are they motivated by financial gain? Neither is wrong. It's all about whether or not your potential supervisor's values align with your own.

Asking good questions to an employer during a healthcare job interview can help set you apart from other candidates and also helps give you a better sense of what the job entails. Be sure to research questions before the interview and come prepared with questions that will help you gain insight into the position and organization.

For additional interview guidance, check out our entire resource library for tips on how to prepare, advice for virtual interviews, how to follow up, and more. You can also enroll in our self-paced Interviewing Masterclass for a deep dive into best practices.