UNC Health Care Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

UNC Health Care is an inclusive organization with over 40,000 employees dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

The Data Analyst role at UNC Health Care focuses on providing analytical, technical, and reporting support across various departments within the organization. Key responsibilities include collecting, preparing, and delivering datasets, managing reporting projects to ensure timely and accurate completion of data requests, and applying knowledge of business operations to meet departmental needs. Excellent communication skills are essential, as the role demands collaboration with team members at all levels to assess requests and solicit feedback. A strong understanding of statistics, analytics, and database management is crucial, along with proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel. Candidates should exhibit traits of emotional intelligence and adaptability, as they will often encounter diverse challenges in a healthcare setting. This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by equipping you with insights into the expectations and competencies required for the Data Analyst position at UNC Health Care.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at UNC Health Care is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their analytical capabilities and interpersonal skills.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a phone interview, usually conducted by a recruiter or hiring manager. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, relevant experience, and motivation for applying to UNC Health Care. Expect to discuss your resume, your interest in the role, and how your skills align with the organization's mission.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the phone screen, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve an Excel test or a data analysis task that evaluates your proficiency in data manipulation, statistical methods, and reporting. The assessment is designed to gauge your analytical skills and your ability to work with data effectively.

3. Panel Interview

The next step typically involves a panel interview with multiple team members, including the hiring manager and other analysts. This interview focuses on behavioral questions, often utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to assess how you handle various work scenarios. Questions may revolve around your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you manage competing priorities. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous roles.

4. Presentation Round

In some cases, candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation for the panel. This could involve presenting a data analysis project or a case study relevant to the role. The goal is to evaluate your communication skills, ability to engage an audience, and how you convey complex information in an understandable manner.

5. Final Interview

The final stage may include a one-on-one interview with senior management or department heads. This interview often delves deeper into your fit within the team and the organization. Expect to discuss your long-term career goals, your understanding of UNC Health Care's values, and how you can contribute to the department's objectives.

Throughout the process, candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset, as these qualities are highly valued at UNC Health Care.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Emphasize Emotional Intelligence

Given the emphasis on emotional intelligence during interviews at UNC Health Care, be prepared to discuss your interpersonal skills and how you handle various situations. Reflect on your experiences and think of specific examples where you demonstrated empathy, conflict resolution, or effective communication. This will not only show your ability to work well with others but also align with the organization's values of inclusivity and community care.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant number of behavioral questions, particularly those framed in the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. Practice articulating your past experiences in a structured manner. For instance, think of a time when you trained someone or managed a project, and be ready to detail your specific contributions and the outcomes. This will help you convey your experience effectively and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Data Analyst, your technical skills are crucial. Brush up on your knowledge of statistics, SQL, and data analysis techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you have used these skills in previous roles, particularly in relation to data collection, analysis, and reporting. You might also be asked to solve case-related scenario questions, so practice explaining your thought process clearly and logically.

Understand the Company Culture

UNC Health Care values inclusivity and community service. Familiarize yourself with their mission and how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to their goals and how you can support their mission of improving health and well-being in the communities they serve.

Be Ready for Panel Interviews

You may encounter panel interviews, which can be intense. Prepare by practicing your responses to common questions with a friend or mentor. Make sure to engage with each panel member, maintaining eye contact and addressing their questions directly. This will help you build rapport and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a team setting.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the organization's future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the environment is a good fit for you.

Stay Calm and Collected

Finally, remember that interviews are as much about you assessing the company as they are about the company assessing you. Approach the interview with confidence, and don’t hesitate to take a moment to think before responding to questions. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your composure under pressure.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for UNC Health Care. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at UNC Health Care. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with data management, and ability to communicate effectively with team members across various departments. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your problem-solving abilities and how you handle data-related challenges.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a time when you had to analyze a complex dataset? What was your approach?

This question assesses your analytical skills and your ability to handle complex data.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific dataset you worked with, the tools you used for analysis, and the insights you derived from it. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“I worked on a project where I had to analyze patient admission data to identify trends in hospital readmissions. I used SQL to extract the data and Excel for analysis. I discovered that certain patient demographics were more likely to be readmitted, which led to targeted interventions that reduced readmission rates by 15%.”

2. Tell us about a time when you had to present your findings to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure they understood?

This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to convey complex information clearly.

How to Answer

Explain how you tailored your presentation to the audience's level of understanding, using visuals or simplified language to make your points clear.

Example

“I presented my findings on patient satisfaction scores to the hospital board. I used simple graphs and avoided technical jargon, focusing on key takeaways. I also encouraged questions throughout the presentation to ensure everyone was following along.”

Technical Skills

3. What statistical methods are you familiar with, and how have you applied them in your work?

This question tests your knowledge of statistical concepts relevant to data analysis.

How to Answer

Mention specific statistical methods you have used, such as regression analysis or hypothesis testing, and provide examples of how you applied them in your previous roles.

Example

“I am familiar with regression analysis and have used it to predict patient outcomes based on various factors. For instance, I analyzed the impact of treatment plans on recovery times and presented my findings to the clinical team, which helped them adjust their approaches.”

4. How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of your data?

This question assesses your attention to detail and understanding of data quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the processes you follow to validate data, such as cross-referencing with other sources or using data cleaning techniques.

Example

“I always perform data validation checks by cross-referencing with original sources and using automated scripts to identify anomalies. Additionally, I maintain detailed documentation of my data sources and any transformations applied to ensure transparency.”

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

5. Describe a situation where you missed a deadline. What did you learn from it?

This question evaluates your ability to handle setbacks and learn from experiences.

How to Answer

Be honest about the situation, explain the reasons for the missed deadline, and focus on what you learned and how you improved your time management skills.

Example

“I once underestimated the time required for a data cleaning project, which led to a missed deadline. I learned the importance of setting realistic timelines and now always build in extra time for unforeseen issues in my project plans.”

6. How do you prioritize competing tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question assesses your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, such as using a task management system or assessing the urgency and importance of each task.

Example

“I use a task management tool to list all my projects and their deadlines. I prioritize tasks based on their impact on the organization and deadlines, ensuring that I focus on high-priority items first while keeping track of longer-term projects.”

Emotional Intelligence

7. Can you provide an example of how you handled a difficult team member?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Describe the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome. Emphasize your communication and empathy skills.

Example

“I had a colleague who was resistant to feedback on a joint project. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our goals and listen to their concerns. By addressing their feelings and finding common ground, we improved our collaboration and successfully completed the project.”

8. What motivates you to work in healthcare data analysis?

This question assesses your passion for the field and alignment with the organization's mission.

How to Answer

Share your motivations, such as a desire to improve patient outcomes or contribute to healthcare efficiency, and connect it to the mission of UNC Health Care.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to use data to improve patient care and outcomes. Working at UNC Health Care aligns with my values of service and community, and I am excited about the potential to make a positive impact through my work.”