Epidemiologist Interview Questions & Answers

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Critical-thinking skills
• Teaching skills
• Math & Statistical skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Epidemiologist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Epidemiologists must use their speaking and writing skills to inform the public and community leaders about public health risks. Clear communication is required for an epidemiologist to work effectively with other health professionals.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

Epidemiologists analyze data to determine how best to respond to a public health problem or an urgent health-related emergency.

Related: Pathologist vs. Epidemiologist – What’s The Difference?

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Epidemiologists must be precise and accurate in moving from observation and interview to conclusions.

Math & statistical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your math and statistical skills:

Epidemiologists may need advanced math and statistical skills to design and administer studies and surveys. Skill in using large databases and statistical computer programs may also be important.

Teaching skills

Why interviewers are interested in your teaching skills:

Epidemiologists may be involved in community outreach activities that educate the public about health risks and healthy living.

(source: bls.gov)

Epidemiologist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Epidemiologist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Epidemiologist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Give me an example that demonstrates your approach to informing the public and community leaders about public health risks.
2. Tell me about the steps you take to contain an epidemic. Where do you start your analysis?
3. How would you rate your critical-thinking skills? Can you give me an example that demonstrates you successfully using these skills?
4. Do you consider yourself a strong team player? Can you give me an example of a successful teamwork experience? What was your contribution?
5. Tell me about a time you thought outside of the box. What results did you get?
6. How do you ensure that you minimize errors when you move from observation and interview to conclusions? Do you have a strategy?
7. What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being an epidemiologist?
8. Walk me through your experience in giving speeches and presentations. How do you prepare for these?
9. How would you rate your stress management skills? Can you give me an example of when you responded to a public health problem or an urgent health-related emergency?
10. Which skills do you think are essential for an epidemiologist to succeed? Can you give me an example of a time you successfully used these skills?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.