20 John Snow, Inc Interview Questions and Answers

John Snow, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities around the world. JSI has worked in over 100 countries and with more than 500 clients, including government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and the private sector.

If you’re interviewing for a job at JSI, you can expect to be asked a mix of questions about your qualifications, experience, and motivations for wanting to work in the public health field. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample JSI interview questions and answers.

John Snow, Inc Interview Process

The interview process at John Snow, Inc can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. For some positions, there may also be a Skype interview. The interview process can take up to 5 weeks.

1. What do you think are the most important issues facing public health today?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your passion for public health and how you might contribute to the company’s mission. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an issue that is relevant to the community where John Snow, Inc operates.

Example: “I think one of the most important issues facing public health today is access to healthcare. In my last position, I worked with a team that was trying to find ways to improve patient care in rural areas. We found that many patients were not able to afford transportation to their appointments or medications, which made it difficult for them to receive proper treatment. My team and I developed a program that provided free transportation to medical facilities for low-income families.”

2. Describe a time when you had to make an unpopular decision, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to make unpopular decisions. Use your answer to highlight your ability to be decisive, communicate clearly and manage challenging situations.

Example: “In my last role as a marketing manager, I had to decide which of our clients we would scale back on in order to focus more resources on our most profitable accounts. This was an unpopular decision because it meant letting go of some long-term clients that were important to the company. However, I knew scaling back these accounts would allow us to better serve our existing customers and grow our business.”

3. Why do you want to work at John Snow, Inc?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about the company that interests you or how your skills and experience align with what they’re looking for in an employee.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in public health, so I’m excited to work at John Snow, Inc., where you have such a strong focus on providing quality healthcare services to communities. I think my background as a nurse would make me a great addition to your team because of my ability to connect with patients and provide them with compassionate care.”

4. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would lead your team if hired. Your leadership style is a personal preference, but it’s important to be able to explain what makes you effective in leading others and motivating them to achieve goals.

Example: “I believe that my leadership style is collaborative. I like to involve everyone on the team in decision-making processes so they feel invested in the outcome of their work. Collaborative leaders also encourage open communication among employees so they can learn more about each other and support one another when needed. This helps me create an environment where people are comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.”

5. Tell me about a time where you had to prioritize tasks, how did you decide what came first?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your tasks and what methods you use to ensure that you complete them in a timely manner. Use examples from previous work experience or school projects where you had to manage multiple assignments at once, and explain how you managed your time effectively.

Example: “In my last internship, I was working on several different projects at once. One of my main responsibilities was to create weekly reports for our clients, but I also had to update social media accounts and write blog posts. To prioritize these tasks, I started with the most important ones first, which were creating client reports. After completing those, I moved onto updating social media accounts and writing blog posts.”

6. Have you ever worked in a team environment?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with others and your ability to work in a team. Teamwork is an important skill for many positions, so it’s likely that this question will come up during the interview process.

Example: “I have worked in a team environment throughout my career. I find that working together as a group helps us achieve our goals more efficiently than if we were to do everything on our own. In my last position, I was part of a marketing team where we all had different roles but collaborated to create content for our company website. We also worked together to develop strategies for social media.”

7. Do you have any experience working with international clients or organizations?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients or organizations that are not based in the United States. If you do, share your experiences and how they helped you develop skills that will be useful for this role.

Example: “I worked as a project manager at my previous company where we had several international clients. I was responsible for communicating with our team members to ensure everyone understood the client’s needs and expectations. This helped me learn more about different cultures and how to communicate effectively with people from all over the world.”

8. Can you tell us more about your experience working with data analysis and management?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. Use examples from your past work history to explain how you’ve used data analysis tools, organized information and managed large amounts of data.

Example: “In my last position as a business analyst, I was responsible for creating reports using data management software. I would use the software to organize and analyze company financial records, which helped me identify areas where we could save money or increase revenue. I also worked with our IT department to create a database system that allowed us to store all of our important documents in one place.”

9. How do you keep up with new trends in the field of public health?

Employers ask this question to see if you are committed to your career and how much you know about the latest developments in public health. They want someone who is passionate about their work, so they may be looking for a candidate who has taken classes or read books on current topics in public health.

Example: “I am always reading up on new research that comes out. I have subscribed to several newsletters from different universities and organizations that publish studies. I also follow some of these organizations on social media, which allows me to learn more about what’s happening in the field. I think it’s important to stay informed because it helps me do my job better.”

10. What is your biggest weakness?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you handle challenges. When answering, it’s important to be honest but also highlight a weakness that isn’t too detrimental to your career or ability to perform the job well.

Example: “My biggest weakness is my attention to detail. I am always looking for ways to improve in this area, so I have started using an app on my phone to take notes during meetings and presentations. This has helped me remember many details from meetings and conversations with clients.”

11. What is your ideal work environment?

Employers ask this question to make sure you will be happy in their company. They want employees who are going to work hard and enjoy the job they’re doing. When answering, think about what makes you feel productive and motivated. Think about your favorite workspace and how it made you feel.

Example: “I love working in a quiet environment where I can focus on my work. I find that when there is too much noise around me, I get distracted and don’t do as good of a job. I also like having natural light in the room so I can see clearly while I’m working. I find that sunlight helps me stay energized throughout the day.”

12. If hired, how would you use your skills to improve our organization?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer how your skills and abilities can benefit their company. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant experience and how you would apply it to help John Snow, Inc. succeed.

Example: “I believe my communication skills and ability to work as part of a team are two of my most valuable skills. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with many different departments to ensure that projects were completed on time and within budget. In addition, I have excellent attention to detail, which has helped me find solutions to problems before they became more serious.”

13. Are you prepared to work long hours if necessary?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to work hard and put in extra hours when necessary. This is especially important for positions that require a lot of independent research or complex problem solving. When answering, emphasize your commitment to the job and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the results you need.

Example: “I am prepared to work long hours if necessary. I understand that sometimes there are emergencies or projects that take more time than expected. In my last position, I was often required to stay late or come in on weekends to finish reports or presentations. I always understood that these situations were out of my control and did everything I could to complete them as quickly as possible.”

14. What do you know about JSI’s mission statement?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company’s values and goals. When answering, it can be helpful to refer back to the mission statement in your interview packet or on the company website.

Example: “I read through JSI’s mission statement before my interview with you all, and I think it’s an excellent representation of what this company stands for. The goal of providing clean water to those who need it most is something that I am passionate about as well. In fact, I have volunteered at several organizations that work toward this same cause.”

15. What do you think makes a good leader?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leadership skills and how you would apply them to a new role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss what qualities you think are important in a leader and how those relate to your own strengths.

Example: “I believe that good leaders should have strong communication skills, as well as the ability to motivate their team members. I also think it’s important for leaders to be able to make decisions on their own, without needing approval from others. These skills helped me become a successful manager at my previous job, where I was responsible for managing a small team of data analysts.”

16. Tell me about a time that you were able to help someone achieve their goals.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your interpersonal skills and how you work with others to achieve success. Use examples from previous jobs or volunteer experiences where you helped someone overcome challenges, develop new skills or learn something new.

Example: “In my last position as an accountant, I worked with a client who was trying to start her own business but didn’t have much experience in accounting. She hired me to do her books for the first year while she got her company off the ground. As we went through each month’s financials together, I taught her about different aspects of accounting so that by the end of the year, she felt confident enough to take over bookkeeping duties on her own.”

17. How would you manage multiple projects going on at once?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and manage multiple responsibilities. Use examples from previous experience to show that you are organized, detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.

Example: “In my last role as a marketing manager, I had three different campaigns going at once. One was for a new product launch, one was an ongoing social media campaign and the other was a seasonal promotion. I used project management software to keep track of all of these projects and their due dates. This helped me stay on top of each project’s progress and ensured that I met every deadline.”

18. What is one thing you wish you could change about the healthcare industry?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the healthcare industry and how you can improve it. When answering this question, think about what frustrates you or what you wish was different in the healthcare industry. Explain why you would change it and how you would do so.

Example: “One thing I wish I could change about the healthcare industry is the amount of time patients spend waiting for care. In my last position as a nurse, I saw many patients who were frustrated because they had to wait several hours before seeing a doctor. To solve this problem, I would implement more technology into the healthcare system. This would allow doctors to see more patients per day while also providing better patient care.”

19. What type of software programs do you have experience with?

John Snow, Inc. may ask this question to see if you have experience with the software they use in their office. If you don’t have any experience with the company’s specific programs, consider mentioning a similar program that you do know how to use.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of software throughout my career. I’m familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Drive, which are both commonly used in many offices. In my last position, I also learned how to use Salesforce, which is an excellent customer relationship management system. I find all three of these programs easy to navigate and would be able to learn John Snow, Inc.’s specific systems quickly.”

20. Would you be comfortable traveling for work?

Traveling for work is a common requirement of many positions in the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re prepared to travel if necessary and that you have experience with it. Before your interview, think about how often you’ve traveled for work or school. Consider what kind of transportation you used and whether you enjoyed it.

Example: “I’m very comfortable traveling for work. In my last position as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, I had to travel frequently to visit patients in other departments. I usually drove myself to these visits, but sometimes I took public transportation. I enjoy getting to know new people and places, so I always looked forward to visiting new patients.”