1.

Tell me about yourself

I got into Public Health because I found out that I have an unusual mixture of medical aptitude with analytic skills. I had worked as an Aviation Technician, Engineering Technician for the first few years of my career, but when I saw how rare it was to find people with Epidemiological background who could also write, I started moving into Epidemiology. Ive found that I love helping people, giving them confidence about their infection, treatment and management, translating data into words that they can easily understand. My first boss as an Epidemiologist told me that I was one employee shed ever had who mixed those two skills to the extent that I do with empathy. Also I have family in the area and so Im really excited about the prospect of moving to be around them.

2. What interests you? why do you want to work for us?

You should hire me because I am the best person for the job. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have the ability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing good results. I have the skills to investigate cases, maintain data systems, do research, analyze data, interpret and disseminate data, facilitate group discussions, solve problems, developing rapport, organizing and meeting goals and ability to lead. I like the idea of doing projects with

favorable outcomes to benefit the people I serve.

Why do you want this job?

This is not only a fine opportunity, but this company is a place where my qualifications can make a difference. I like the idea of doing projects with favorable outcomes to benefit the people we serve and the State. That contains the challenge to keep me on my toes. That's the kind of job I like to anticipate.

3..Knowledge about our company?

I have heard presentations from employees during CDC conferences, group sessions, abstracts presentations and workshops in Atlanta. I believe they did a fine job

4.

Why leave your last job? ( why are you leaving your current job?)

After working there for 10 years, I have learned a great deal about the company and the ways we conducted business. I did enjoy working at my last job. The culture and the people made it a great place to work. But I was looking for more responsibility with new and fresh challenges that could offer me continued professional growth. Advancement opportunities were scarce at my last job. Even though, I was looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my

career, I couldn't leave my job because we were often shorthanded and it didn't seem fair to leave when we were short handed. Then fortunately or unfortunately, I was separated from my last job about 5 months ago for using a flash drive that was infected with a virus and inadvertently transferred my personal information onto my office computer. The agency was looking at restructuring and had closed down some divisions and severed some employees, it was clear that any minor infringement was only way to dismiss employees rather than lay them off with payments. It was a blessing in disguise.

5. What experience do you have doing ____? (Fill in each of the major responsibilities of the job.)

6.

Strengths.

When I first started as an Epidemiologist, I found that I wasnt as naturally organized as I wanted to be. Without a system to keep track of everything I was juggling a bit, I sometimes lost track of what needed immediate attention. So for the past years, I made Microsoft Outlook Calendar my TO DO List and check them every morning to make sure that nothing is slipping through the cracks and all my priorities are met. That strategy has worked well for me to be organized, meet deadlines and accomplish goals. I have the ability to work well with people or bring them on board. I manage time very well, I meet deadlines for projects, I try to excel in what I do and always try to improve upon the last one.

Greatest strength?
My greatest strengths is meeting deadlines and completing projects or tasks well ahead of schedule. My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. How Will Your Greatest Strength Help You Perform? I have the ability to work well with people or bring them on board. I manage time very well, I meet deadlines for projects, I try to excel in what I do and always try to improve upon the last one.

7. Difficult customer Respond to a crisis you had to give difficult feedback to an employee
When I was assigned as field Epidemiologist, I was able to convince a provider to report cases to the Health Department. This provider handled about 33% of cases and would not report which led to loss of Federal funds. My Supervisor and Manger at the time have unsuccessfully tried to no avail. It was a matter of structured, cordial, face to face conversation that won her over. My bosses could not believe it. They told me that I have special qualities about me that win admiration. Of course, the provider offered me free lunch every time I went for record review and abstraction. I later convinced them to report passively.

8. Salaries or compensation?
Started at $40,000 a year and earned a 6% across the board raise for State employees and one promotional raise of about 8%. My last salary was about $47,120 per year

9. Desired Salary
Its open. A compensation package of salary, benefits, and bonus that is fair and commensurate with my job duties and experience

10. Experience or Responsibilities?

Managed and maintained the quality of eHARS database Conducted data analysis, wrote reports, disseminated and interpreted statistical data. Carried out special investigations (e.g. perinatal, pediatrics, HIV2) of HIV/AIDS cases Participated in epidemiologic studies, and surveys Contributed to the publications of HIV/AIDS, STD Epidemiologic Profile, Annual Summary of Infectious Diseases, Quarterly Epidemiology Bulletin, Oklahoma Infertility Screening / Region VI (IA, OK, LA, AR, NM,TX) RIPAC GC/CT Screening Report, HIV/AIDS Newsletter, and HIV/STD Quarterly Statistics

Coordinated Epidemiologic Capacity Building with community partners/ stakeholders/ counseling and testing sites Assisted in research studies, surveys and disease outbreaks of infectious diseases Advised health care professionals, community based organizations, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, HIV counseling and testing sites and the public on outbreaks, specific diseases, treatments, rules, and regulations Conducted record searches and Routine Interstate De-duplication Reviews (RIDR) Provided analytical data to Health Care Professionals, students, and the public on request Answered general HIV/AIDS questions to persons exposed to the HIV virus Assisted with grant writing, trained new employees on dBase (eHARS) database

11. Like or dislike about your previous job?

I enjoyed the people I worked with. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I actually enjoyed going to work each morning. I also enjoyed that fact that the office tried to do community outreach with local organizations. One of the reasons I wanted to leave is that I felt I was not challenged enough at the job. As a fresh face in the working world, the company offers a great opportunity for a good entry level position; however, after being there for so many years, I felt I was not able to reach my full potential because of the lack of challenge and there was no room for advancement in the company. While I did enjoy working there and appreciate the skills I developed while with the company, I feel my skill set can be better utilized elsewhere, where my capabilities are more recognized and there is the opportunity for growth.

12. Major challenges and problems faced?

I had barely finished training or orientation when my Supervisor quit. With no mentor at hand, I had to mature quickly and take on the responsibilities of a supervisor. I was able to rearrange my workload to cover the position. It was time to write an epidemiologic profile. With no experience, I had to read from other States profiles to get ideas and incorporate that into what our stakeholders wanted. I had to work 60 to 70 hours a week to meet CDCs deadline in order to qualify for federal funding. I put out an epi profile and was accepted by CDC and printed for distribution. I did get a big recommendation from my Manager

13. Greatest weakness?

Being organized wasn't my strongest point, but I implemented a time management system that really helped my organization skills. I have a tendency of working a little too late when completing an interesting project. I am a kind of person that takes initiative and does more than is expected.

14. Handle stress and Pressure?

From a personal perspective, I manage stress by prioritizing my responsibilities so I have a clear idea of what needs to be done, and that has helped me effectively manage pressure on the job. I also use my break periods to climb 24 stairs - a routine exercise that I do 2x day with friends to relieve stress

15. Difficult work situation / project and how you overcame it.
"Even though it was difficult when my boss quit, I was able to rearrange my workload to cover the position. It was time to write an epidemiologic profile. With no experience, I had to read from other States profiles to get ideas and

incorporate that into what our stakeholders wanted. I had to work 60 to 70 hours a week to meet CDCs deadline in order to qualify for federal funding.

16. Biggest failure in this position? I was entrusted as backup in the absence of the Manager while she travelled. We had changed our door locks and entry code and were advised not to use the new key. As the last person to leave, I unfortunately locked the door using the new key. The office was secured but we could not enter the office the next morning. We had to watch video tapes about bloodborne pathogens, Cultural Diversity and sensitivity issues and got credit as part of an annual training till a locksmith unlocked the door.

17. How do you evaluate success?

I evaluate success in different ways. At work, it is meeting the goals set by my supervisors and my fellow workers while giving employees opportunity to grow as well.

18. Goals for the future? Or where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For the past 10 years, I have been working as Epidemiologist/ Analyst/ Epi Capacity Building and I see myself growing by moving into more challenging roles, with greater responsibility My long-term goals involve growing with a company where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can. I see myself as a top performing employee in a well-established organization. I plan on enhancing my skills and continuing my involvement in (related) professional associations. Once I gain additional experience, I would like to move on from an Epidemiologist to management.

19. Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
I've learned from each boss I've had. From the good ones, what to do, from the challenging ones - what not to do. Early in my career, I had a mentor who helped me a great deal, we still stay in touch. I've honestly learned something from each boss I've had.

20.

Passion?

One of my greatest passions is helping others. I am the eldest of my siblings and had the responsibility of helping and caring for them and setting good example, As I grew older, that habit grew and I desired to help others as well. I like helping people who are in unfortunate circumstances find solutions that meet their specific needs. I lost my grandmother to pressure ulcers without proper medical help. That sparked my interest in health. I'm passionate about making a difference in the lives of people. When I'm involved with a project involving people I want to do my best to achieve success. I feel the same way about what I do in my personal life.

21. How do you measure success?

I measure professional success by the standards of the company for which I work, the feedback I receive from my peers, supervisors and subordinates.

22. Project that didnt work out well?

Gay Rodeo.

23. Favorite job and why did you like it?

My last job offered me the professional and creative freedom to perform my job in the best way that I saw fit. This freedom was not just handed down to me; I had to earn it by proving to my manager that I really understood my our business and company goals.

24. Boss I didnt like or get along with?

My past boss and I got along very well. We were always on the same page with where the business was going. We shared a lot about our personal lives and formed a strong bond.

25. Supervisors and Co-workers not working fair share

I worked closely with Anna who, for the most part, always carried her fair share of the work load. During a stressful time, working on a project with a deadline, I realized Ann's contributions to the project were almost minimal. I made the decision to wait until after the project to speak with her. I'm glad I did, because I learned she'd been going through a very tough time in her personal life and she appreciated my willingness to go the extra mile so the project was completed on time. As a result, our ability to work well together significantly increased.

Give me an example of a time when you took the time to share a co-worker's or supervisor's achievements with other? At my most recent position, one of my co-workers, Steve, did an outstanding job of calming an irate client. When our boss asked me how things were going, I told him everything was going fine and that Steve had just calmed down an irate client, transferred the call to me and was able to help resolve the issue and offer advice. It was a win-win-win- for our boss,. Working with someone you didn't like Yes, I've worked with someone whom I found difficult to like as a person. However, when I focused on the skills they brought to the job, their ability to write programs and solve problems I did appreciate him and we did work well together. Misjudging a person. There was a long-time employee (George) at my second company who was very gruff when he spoke to me. At first, I went out of my way to win the George's approval. Then I realized that was compounding the problem. So I observed how he interacted with other employees and discovered I wasn't alone. He was gruff to most people. I quit trying to gain his approval and, in the process, discovered he'd learned his behavior from a former boss he'd had whom he admired. Older (younger) co-workers? There are times when I just know that a new way of doing something makes more sense to me; but, first hand, I learned that my "better way" may not be the best way to get the job done. As a consequence, I respect my older co-workers knowledge and I've learned how to make a suggestion at the appropriate time. Suggested answer if your co-workers are younger: I quickly realized it was not my job to "parent" the younger people with whom I work; it was my job to get to know them and for us to find common ground where we could effectively work together. It took time, but the result was worth the effort.

How many hours a day/week do you need to work to get the job done? I use my time efficiently at work and, for the most part, it's not the number of hours I work; but how effective my time has been to accomplish the job. I'm sure my references will tell you I was more than willing to put in the time to be sure the job was completed as quickly and as professionally as possible.

26. What questions do you have for me

Whats most important to you in a new position? How does this position fit in with the career path you envision for yourself? What has been your biggest professional achievement? If I spoke with your previous boss, what in which areas would he or she say you need improvement?

What are the first five things you would do if you got this position?