20 Optum Interview Questions and Answers

As a leading healthcare company, Optum is always looking for talented and dedicated employees. If you’re interested in working for Optum, you can expect to be asked some specific interview questions about your experience and qualifications.

In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Optum interview questions, so you can go into your interview prepared and confident.

Optum Interview Process

The interview process at Optum can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one face-to-face interview. The length of the hiring process also varies, but it typically takes about two weeks to complete.

Overall, the interview process is not too difficult. However, some positions may require more technical interviews than others. For example, if you are applying for a position as a software engineer, you can expect to be asked questions about your coding skills and experience.

Overall, the interview process at Optum is positive. The company is very professional and organized, and they make sure to take the time to get to know each candidate.

1. What is your experience with coding in Java?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of coding in Java. It also allows the interviewer to see how you apply that knowledge and use it to solve problems. If you have experience with coding, describe what you did in detail. If you don’t have any experience coding, explain why you haven’t done so yet.

Example: “I’ve had some experience coding in Java. I took an introductory class on coding when I was in college, but I didn’t pursue it further because I wasn’t sure if it would be useful for my career. However, now that I’m looking at this position, I am considering taking another course on coding.”

2. Why do you want to work at Optum?

This question is a great way to see how much you know about the company. It also allows you to show your enthusiasm for the position and why you are qualified. When answering this question, make sure to highlight some of the unique aspects of Optum that attracted you to the job posting.

Example: “I want to work at Optum because I am passionate about helping people live their best lives. The mission statement of Optum really resonates with me, as it’s clear that the company cares deeply about its customers. I think my skills and experience would be an asset to the team here.”

3. What part of the healthcare industry interests you most?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have an interest in their company and how it fits into the healthcare industry. When answering this question, make sure to mention something specific about Optum’s role in the industry.

Example: “I am most interested in the technology side of the healthcare industry. I find it fascinating how much we can learn from data and how we can use that information to improve patient care. At my last job, I worked with a team of developers who were creating a new app for patients to track their symptoms and communicate with their doctors. It was so rewarding to see our work help people.”

4. If a customer was unhappy with their purchase, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer service issues. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving and interpersonal skills, as well as your ability to resolve conflict.

Example: “If a customer was unhappy with their purchase, I would first apologize for any inconvenience they experienced. Then, I would ask them what they were looking for in a product or service. This helps me understand what they’re hoping to get out of our company so that I can better meet their needs. After this, I would find out if there is anything we could do to make up for the situation. If not, I would offer a refund or exchange.”

5. Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a coworker and how you handled it.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle interpersonal conflicts and whether you’re able to resolve them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of conflict resolution and highlight your communication skills or teamwork abilities.

Example: “I once had a coworker who was very critical of my work. I tried to ignore her comments at first, but eventually she started making me feel like I wasn’t doing my job well enough. I talked with my manager about the situation, and they helped me understand that sometimes coworkers have different opinions on how things should be done. They suggested I talk with my coworker directly about what bothered me about her criticism. She apologized for being so harsh and explained that she just wanted to make sure I was performing my job well.”

6. What are some features that you think should be added to our current software program?

This question is a great way to see how you can improve upon an existing program. It also shows your ability to think critically and creatively about ways to make improvements in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what you would change and why.

Example: “I think one of the most useful features that could be added to Optum’s software is a more detailed reporting system. Right now, we have some basic reports that allow us to track our clients’ progress, but I think there are better ways to do this. For example, I would like to implement a system where we can create customized reports for each client based on their individual needs.”

7. How would you deal with an angry or upset patient?

This question is a great way to test your customer service skills. It also allows the interviewer to see how you handle conflict and stress. When answering this question, it can be helpful to give an example of a time when you had to deal with an upset patient or client.

Example: “I once worked with a patient who was very upset about their bill. They were calling me multiple times a day asking for different things. I calmly listened to them each time they called and explained that we would not change our billing practices based on one person’s request. After explaining this to them several times, they finally understood and stopped calling.”

8. Describe your experience working with clinical data.

This question is a great way to assess your experience with the healthcare industry and how you apply it to your work. When answering this question, consider describing a specific project or situation where you used clinical data to make an impact on your organization.

Example: “In my previous role as a database administrator, I worked closely with clinical data every day. My team and I were responsible for maintaining our company’s databases that stored patient information. We also had to ensure that all of the data was secure and accessible only by authorized personnel. In addition, we regularly updated the system to reflect any changes in the company’s software. This process required me to understand the importance of working with clinical data and how it can affect the overall health of a business.”

9. Are you comfortable working independently?

Optum is a large company that offers many opportunities for advancement. However, some positions require employees to work independently and make decisions without the guidance of their managers. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working alone and making important decisions. Use examples from your previous job or discuss how you would handle this situation if it arose in your new role.

Example: “I am comfortable working independently because I’ve done so throughout my career. In my last position, I was responsible for managing our social media accounts and creating content. My manager trusted me to create engaging content that met the company’s standards. She also gave me free rein to use my creativity when developing posts.”

10. Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years and how will this job help you get there?

This question is a great way to see how ambitious the candidate is and if they have career goals. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about what Optum does and how it can help employees achieve their goals.

Example: “I would like to be in a management position at a healthcare company, and I think this job could get me there. I’ve been working as a nurse for 10 years now, and I feel that my experience and education make me ready for a managerial role. I’m excited to work with such a forward-thinking company that values its employees.”

11. What is your experience working with medical insurance companies?

This question is a great way to see how much experience you have with the healthcare industry. If you are new to working in this field, it’s important to highlight your transferable skills and explain what you learned from previous experiences.

Example: “I worked as an insurance agent for five years before moving into my current role. I enjoyed helping people find affordable plans that suited their needs. In my last position, I was able to help clients understand all of their options when it came to medical insurance. This helped me learn more about different types of coverage and how they work.”

12. Do you have any type of advanced medical training?

Optum is a healthcare company, so it’s important that you have some type of medical training. This question helps the interviewer determine if your skills and experience match what they’re looking for in an applicant. If you don’t have any advanced medical training, explain why not and how you can still be successful in this role.

Example: “I do not have any advanced medical training, but I am currently enrolled in my state’s nursing program. I chose to pursue a career in sales because I wanted to work in the healthcare industry without having to go through the rigorous schooling required to become a nurse or doctor. However, I’m excited about the opportunity to work with Optum because it will give me valuable real-world experience while I complete my degree.”

13. We treat patients from all sorts of backgrounds. Do you feel comfortable working with people who may not share your views or opinions?

This question is a great way to determine how you will interact with patients who may have different backgrounds than you. It also helps the interviewer understand if you are able to work in an environment that supports diversity and inclusion. Your answer should show your ability to treat all types of people regardless of their background or beliefs.

Example: “I feel it’s important to be respectful of others, no matter what they believe. I would never want to make someone feel uncomfortable because of my own opinions. However, I do think it’s important to share information about our services and why we provide them. If I can help someone see our point of view, then maybe they’ll be more open to trying something new.”

14. What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s background and what they’re most proud of. It can also give you an idea of how they define success, which can be helpful in determining if they’ll fit well with your company culture. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to choose something that relates to healthcare or insurance.

Example: “My biggest accomplishment so far has been my work as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. I started there as a new graduate and worked my way up to head nurse within five years. I was able to help implement several changes to our patient care system that helped us achieve higher levels of efficiency and quality.”

15. Can you tell me about a time when you were unable to complete a task on time?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle stressful situations and your ability to prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous work experiences where you were able to overcome a challenge or complete a task in time despite being under pressure.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for managing several accounts at once. One day, one of my clients called me because they had an urgent issue that needed immediate attention. I immediately put all other tasks on hold and focused solely on resolving the issue with my client. After I resolved the issue, I returned to my other tasks.”

16. Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the specific actions you took that helped the customer.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a client who was having trouble with their website. They were trying to add new products but weren’t sure how to do so. After working on the site for several hours, I realized they didn’t have the right coding in place to add new products. I spent an extra hour researching the issue and found out what they needed to do to fix it. The client was very happy when I explained the problem and offered them a solution.”

17. Our company likes to promote innovation. How would you go about being innovative in the workplace?

This question is an opportunity to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can answer this question by describing a time you were innovative in the workplace, or you can describe how you would go about being innovative if you haven’t had that opportunity yet.

Example: “I think innovation starts with asking questions. If I noticed something wasn’t working well, I’d ask my coworkers what they thought of it and why. Then, I’d come up with some solutions and present them to my team. We could vote on which solution we liked best, and then I’d implement it.”

18. We have many different teams here at Optum, which team would you be interested in joining?

This question is a great way to see if you have done your research on the company. It also allows you to show that you are passionate about working in this industry and understand what Optum does as a whole. When answering, make sure to mention which team interests you the most and why.

Example: “I would love to work with the customer service team because I am passionate about helping others solve their problems. I think it’s important to be able to listen to customers and help them find solutions to their issues. I feel like my communication skills and problem-solving abilities would be an asset to this team.”

19. Have you worked as a nurse practitioner before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to this role. If you have worked as a nurse practitioner before, share some of your previous experiences with the interviewer. If you haven’t worked in this position before, you can still talk about your nursing background and how it applies to this role.

Example: “I’ve been working as a registered nurse for five years now. I started out my career at a local hospital where I was responsible for diagnosing patients and administering treatment plans. After two years there, I moved to a private practice where I had more freedom over my workday and could focus on treating specific conditions.”

20. Can you describe your experience creating reports using SQL?

SQL is a database language that allows users to create reports. This question helps the interviewer determine your experience with SQL and how you use it in your daily work. If you have previous experience using SQL, describe what types of reports you’ve created and if you used any tools or applications to help you complete them.

Example: “In my last role as an IT analyst, I was responsible for creating monthly reports on our company’s website traffic. Using SQL, I was able to pull data from several different sources within the organization to compile these reports. I also used some free online tools to help me organize the data before compiling the report.”