20 CDC Foundation Interview Questions and Answers

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen CDC’s ability to save lives and protect Americans from health, safety and security threats. The CDC Foundation provides critical resources and support to CDC through its work with philanthropy, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

If you’re hoping to land a job at the CDC Foundation, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and goals. To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve gathered a list of sample CDC Foundation interview questions and answers.

CDC Foundation Interview Process

The CDC Foundation has a multi-step interview process that includes an initial screening with HR, followed by interviews with potential managers. For some positions, candidates may also be asked to complete a task or case study. The entire process can take several weeks to complete.

1. What is your experience working with data?

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that relies on data to make decisions. Your answer should show the interviewer your experience with data and how you use it to support decision-making processes.

Example: “In my previous role, I was responsible for organizing all of our data into one central location so we could access it easily. This helped us identify trends in our data and allowed us to create reports based on those trends. For example, if we saw an increase in certain types of illnesses, we would be able to investigate why this was happening and take steps to prevent further illness.”

2. How would you handle a situation where someone was not following the proper procedures for Covid-19?

The CDC Foundation is responsible for ensuring that the proper procedures are followed when it comes to handling and disposing of biohazardous waste. This question helps an interviewer determine how you would handle a situation where someone was not following protocol, which could be dangerous if done improperly. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the process.

Example: “I have worked with hazardous materials before, so I understand the importance of following protocols. If I saw someone not following the proper procedure, I would first ask them why they were doing things differently than normal. If they still refused to follow the rules, I would report the issue to my supervisor immediately. They would then work with HR to address the problem.”

3. Tell me about a time that you had to work under pressure and how did you deal with it?

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of people in need. As such, it’s important for employees to be able to work under pressure and perform well when they’re faced with challenges. When answering this question, you should describe how you handled the situation and what steps you took to ensure success.

Example: “When I was working as an assistant at my previous job, there were times when my boss would ask me to do several things at once. This happened often during fundraising events where we had many tasks to complete. In these situations, I learned to prioritize my tasks and focus on one thing at a time. If something urgent came up, I asked my boss if I could take care of it first before moving onto other tasks.”

4. Describe a time when you were able to improve on a process or procedure at work, what did you do?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to work. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to analyze situations, develop solutions and implement changes.

Example: “At my last job, I noticed that we were spending too much time on data entry because our forms weren’t compatible with the software we used for reporting. So, I worked with IT to create an online form that was compatible with all of our other systems. This saved us a lot of time and money in the long run.”

5. We are looking for people who can work independently while still being part of a team. Do you think you would be a good fit for this type of environment?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are a good fit for the CDC Foundation. This is because it’s an organization that values teamwork and collaboration, but also allows employees to work independently when needed. Your answer should show that you can be independent while still being able to collaborate with others.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for this type of environment. In my previous role, I was often tasked with working on projects alone, but I always made sure to communicate with my team members about what I was doing. I find that collaborating with others makes me more productive, so I try to do it as much as possible.”

6. Are you comfortable talking to parents about their child’s health?

The CDC Foundation often hosts events that involve parents and children. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable interacting with people of all ages. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you enjoy working with a variety of people. Explain that you have experience talking to parents about their child’s health.

Example: “I love working with kids, so I am definitely comfortable speaking with parents about their child’s health. In my previous role as a pediatric nurse, I was responsible for educating parents on how to care for their sick child. I would explain what symptoms to look out for and when they should seek medical attention. I also taught them how to administer certain medications.”

7. What is your approach to teaching children about hygiene?

The CDC Foundation often works with children to teach them about hygiene and how to stay healthy. Your answer should show that you have experience working with children and can effectively communicate information to them.

Example: “I find it important to make lessons fun for kids so they’re more likely to remember what we talk about. I usually start by asking the child questions about their favorite animals or foods, and then relate those things back to health. For example, if a kid loves lions, I’ll tell them that lions are very clean animals and always wash themselves after eating. Then I’ll explain why this is important for humans as well.”

8. Why do you want to work at the CDC Foundation?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for this role. Use your answer to highlight your interest in working at an organization that supports public health initiatives. You can also use this opportunity to discuss how passionate you are about the CDC Foundation’s mission.

Example: “I want to work at the CDC Foundation because I am so passionate about supporting public health initiatives. I have always been interested in science, which is what led me to pursue a career in healthcare. Working here would allow me to put my skills to good use while helping others live healthier lives. I think I could make a valuable contribution to the foundation as someone who has experience working with patients of all ages.”

9. Can you tell me about a time when you had to make an important decision without consulting anyone else first?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your decision-making skills and how you handle pressure. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership abilities.

Example: “When I was working as an event planner for a large company, my team and I were tasked with planning a charity gala that would raise money for a local hospital. We had several ideas on how we could make this event successful, but we didn’t know which one would be best. So, we decided to hold a meeting where everyone pitched their idea and then discussed why they thought it would work best. After hearing all of our ideas, we decided to combine two of them together to create the most effective plan.”

10. What is your experience with epidemiological research?

The CDC Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports the work of the CDC. The foundation often hires individuals with experience in epidemiological research, and this question can help an interviewer determine if you have relevant skills for the role. Use your answer to highlight any previous experience working in a lab or conducting fieldwork.

Example: “I worked as a research assistant at my university’s department of public health for two years. I assisted professors with their studies on various diseases and helped them collect data from patients. This experience taught me how to use different tools and software to analyze large amounts of information. It also gave me valuable insight into what it’s like to work in a professional setting.”

11. Have you worked in a school setting before? If so, describe some of the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

The CDC Foundation works with schools to help students develop healthy habits and learn about the importance of exercise. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working in a school setting, as well as how you can apply your skills to benefit their organization.

Example: “I’ve worked in a school setting for five years now, so I’m familiar with many of the challenges that come along with it. One challenge is getting kids to understand why they need to exercise. In my previous position, I developed an after-school program where we taught kids basic exercises like jumping jacks and sit-ups. We also had them do fun activities like relay races and obstacle courses. This helped get them excited about exercising and made them more likely to continue these habits outside of school.”

12. What is your take on the current pandemic?

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the work of the CDC. The foundation’s mission is to support the CDC in its efforts to protect Americans from disease, injury and disability by funding innovative research, education and outreach programs.

The interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your knowledge of current events and how they relate to the CDC. Use examples from your past experience to show that you are passionate about public health and safety.

Example: “I believe we’re currently experiencing one of the most dangerous pandemics in history. In my opinion, it’s important for us to continue researching infectious diseases so we can find ways to prevent them before they spread. I think the CDC Foundation does an excellent job supporting the CDC’s research initiatives.”

13. What is your experience with contact tracing?

Contact tracing is a process that involves identifying people who have been in contact with an infected person and monitoring them for symptoms. This question helps the interviewer assess your experience with this important task, which you may be required to perform as part of your job. In your answer, describe how you would complete this task and what steps you would take to ensure it’s done effectively.

Example: “In my previous role, I was responsible for contacting anyone who had come into contact with someone who tested positive for HIV. Contact tracing can be challenging because there are so many different ways to contract the virus, but I always made sure to explain the importance of being honest about any potential exposure. If someone didn’t want to provide their information, I would try to convince them by explaining that they could help prevent others from contracting the disease.”

14. Describe a time when you had to communicate complex information to someone who didn’t have any background knowledge.

This question can help interviewers understand how you might communicate with donors who don’t have a background in science or medicine. Your answer should show that you’re willing to take the time to explain complex information and are confident in your ability to do so.

Example: “When I was working as an outreach coordinator for my university’s biology department, I had to speak at several elementary schools about the importance of STEM education. The students were all between the ages of eight and ten, so I knew they wouldn’t be familiar with many scientific terms. I practiced explaining concepts like DNA and evolution multiple times before each presentation so I could make sure I used language that would be easy for them to understand.”

15. What is your experience with case investigation?

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the work of the CDC. The foundation often hires individuals with experience in case investigation, so your interviewer may ask you this question to learn more about your background and determine if it’s relevant for the role. If you have experience working as an investigator, describe what cases you’ve worked on and how they were similar or different from the type of work you’d do at the CDC Foundation.

Example: “I worked as a private investigator for five years before I started my current job. My first case was a missing person search, which turned into a homicide investigation when we found the body. After that, I mostly did divorce investigations, but occasionally helped find missing people.”

16. What kinds of programs do you use for analyzing data sets?

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the work of the CDC. As such, you may be asked to describe your experience with data analysis and how it relates to the foundation’s mission. Your answer should show that you have an understanding of what data analysis entails and how it can help organizations like the CDC Foundation achieve their goals.

Example: “I use several different programs for analyzing data sets. I find that Excel is great for organizing large amounts of information into tables and graphs. It also allows me to sort through data quickly by using filters and sorting functions. For more complex analyses, I use R and Python because they allow me to create my own formulas and functions. These two programs are especially useful when I need to analyze large datasets.”

17. The CDC Foundation focuses on helping out communities during times of crisis. Is there anything that has happened in your community that you wish you could help with?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience working with crisis situations and how you handled them. It also shows your passion for helping others in need.

Example: “In my community, there was a flood last year that left many people without homes or basic necessities. I wish I could have helped out more by volunteering at shelters or donating supplies. Unfortunately, I had to work during that time, but I did donate some money to help those affected.”

18. What do you know about STDs and HIV/AIDS?

The CDC Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises money to support the work of the CDC. The foundation’s website lists several diseases and conditions it supports, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. When an interviewer asks you this question, they want to know if you have any experience working with these types of illnesses. They also want to make sure you understand how important it is for people to get tested and treated for STDs and HIV/AIDS.

Example: “I’ve worked in healthcare for over ten years now, so I’m very familiar with STDs and HIV/AIDS. In fact, I recently had a patient who was diagnosed with HIV. We talked about his treatment options, and he decided to start taking antiretroviral medications right away. He came back for follow-up appointments every three months, and after six months, his viral load was undetectable. It’s great when we can help patients like him live long, healthy lives.”

19. Explain how you would teach high school students about safe sex practices.

The CDC Foundation often works with high school students to educate them about safe sex practices. This question helps the interviewer determine how you would approach this type of teaching and whether you have experience doing so. Use examples from your past experience or explain what you would do if you haven’t worked with high school students before.

Example: “I’ve volunteered at a local youth center where we taught teenagers about safe sex practices. I helped lead a group discussion on the topic, which included questions for the teens to answer. We also had an expert come in to talk to us about safe sex practices and provide information on different contraceptives.”

20. What is your experience with testing samples?

The CDC Foundation is responsible for testing samples to ensure the safety of products and services. This question helps employers understand your experience with this process, which can be a part of your daily responsibilities as a lab technician. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your skills in working with samples and ensuring their quality.

Example: “In my previous role, I was tasked with testing samples that were sent to us by clients. We used several different methods to test these samples, including chemical analysis, spectroscopy and chromatography. These tests helped me learn how to use equipment like gas chromatographs and mass spectrometers, which are common tools used in labs.”