Your resume and cover letter may be great avenues for hiring managers who want to delve deep into what the candidate is all about, but they are no match for face-to-face meetings.
An interview is a better way of discovering a candidate’s abilities, making it easy for hiring managers to gauge how suitable he or she is for a position.
But there is no way that you can reach the interview stage if you don’t first send in a cover letter and resume.
These two documents help convince a hiring manager that you are worthy of an interview.
And once you have convinced the hiring manager that you are the one, it is time to look at some sample interview questions (and answers):
Epidemiology Interview Questions and Answers
1. What are an epidemiologist’s prime duties?
An epidemiologist’s prime duties are developing and implementing methods and systems for acquiring, compiling, synthesizing, and reporting information, in addition to providing advice and recommendations on issues based on accepted scientific understanding of both infectious and emerging diseases.
2. What personal skill set does one need in order to work successfully as an epidemiologist?
I believe that the ability to work independently is foremost. Being analytical and possessing exceptional research skills are also extremely important.
3. How do you feel about working in the field?
An epidemiologist often has to work in epidemic locations, and it is all part of the territory. I don’t mind it one bit. In fact, I enjoy working in the field.
4. Don’t you think that working in epidemic locations is risky?
Of course, it is. But the fact that epidemiologists work towards providing solutions for deadly diseases is good motivation. And we make sure that we wear protective gear when we are out in the field, minimizing (often diminishing) the risk of infection.
5. What is your take on bioterrorism? How does the work of an epidemiologist help?
I strongly condemn bioterrorism. To me, it is a blow below the belt, no matter which country or individual it is coming from. In the event that a bioterrorism threat is imminent, an epidemiologist makes sure that the threat is minimized by being prepared for it with research and effective solutions to counter the problem.
6. What areas of this work are you most proficient in?
As an epidemiologist, I am proficient in many areas including infectious diseases, bioterrorism, emergency response, chronic diseases, environmental health, occupational health, substance abuse, maternal and child health, and oral health.