Public Health Solutions Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Public Health Solutions (PHS) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving health equity and addressing social needs for historically marginalized communities in New York City.

The Data Analyst role at Public Health Solutions is integral to the agency's mission of enhancing public health outcomes through data-driven insights. This position involves analyzing and managing data related to community outreach and health programs, primarily utilizing Salesforce applications. Key responsibilities include ensuring data integrity, performing statistical analysis, developing data visualizations, and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. A successful Data Analyst will possess strong skills in statistics, probability, and SQL, and will be capable of communicating complex data findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Furthermore, the role emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a commitment to understanding systemic issues affecting underserved communities.

This guide will equip you with targeted insights and preparation strategies to excel in your interview for the Data Analyst position at Public Health Solutions. By focusing on the specific skills and experiences relevant to this role, you can confidently demonstrate your fit for the organization’s mission and values.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at Public Health Solutions is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages designed to evaluate your analytical capabilities, communication skills, and alignment with the organization's mission.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The first step in the interview process is a phone screening with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Public Health Solutions. The recruiter will also discuss the role's responsibilities and the organization's values, ensuring that you understand the mission of improving health equity and addressing health-related social needs.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates are invited to a technical interview, which is often conducted via video call. This stage typically involves a panel of interviewers, including team members and managers. You can expect questions that assess your proficiency in data management, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and possibly SQL or Python. Additionally, you may be asked to complete a short quiz or practical exercise to demonstrate your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next round is a behavioral interview, where you will meet with senior management or team leads. This interview focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Expect questions that explore your ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and adapt to changing priorities. The interviewers will be looking for examples of how you have used data to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes in previous roles.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process typically involves a meeting with the director or senior leadership. This interview is more conversational and aims to assess your fit within the organizational culture. You may be asked about your long-term career goals, your understanding of public health issues, and how you envision contributing to the mission of Public Health Solutions. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and the organization's future initiatives.

5. Reference Check

After successfully completing the interviews, the final step is a reference check. The organization will reach out to your provided references to verify your work history and assess your suitability for the role. Be prepared for this step by ensuring your references are informed and ready to speak positively about your skills and experiences.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your analytical skills and your commitment to public health.

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

Understand the Mission and Values

Public Health Solutions is deeply committed to improving health equity and addressing the needs of historically underserved communities. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. This understanding will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and technical questions during your interviews. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. For example, when discussing a time you faced a challenge in data analysis, clearly outline the situation, your specific role, the actions you took, and the outcome. This approach will help you convey your experiences in a concise and impactful manner.

Showcase Your Data Storytelling Skills

As a Data Analyst, your ability to communicate complex data insights in an understandable way is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've transformed data into actionable insights in previous roles. Highlight your experience with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau, and be ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools to tell compelling stories with data.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Public Health Solutions values teamwork and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and how you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders at various levels of data literacy. Share specific examples of how you’ve facilitated discussions or training sessions to help others understand data concepts.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SQL, Excel, and data visualization tools, ensure you are comfortable with these technologies. Review key concepts in data management, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Be ready to discuss your experience with data cleaning, analysis, and reporting, as well as any relevant projects you’ve worked on.

Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

You may encounter scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. For instance, you might be asked how you would approach a situation where data integrity is compromised. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be prepared to discuss your thought process and the steps you would take to resolve the issue.

Follow Up with Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interview, you’ll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time to demonstrate your interest in the role and the organization. Ask about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the organization measures success in its initiatives. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organization is the right fit for you.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Interviews can be stressful, but maintaining a positive and open demeanor can make a significant difference. Approach the interview as a conversation rather than an interrogation. This will help you build rapport with your interviewers and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Analyst role at Public Health Solutions. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at Public Health Solutions. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with data management, and ability to communicate findings effectively. Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, particularly in data visualization and statistical analysis, as well as your understanding of public health issues.

General Experience and Motivation

1. Why do you want to work at Public Health Solutions?

This question assesses your alignment with the organization's mission and values.

How to Answer

Express your passion for public health and how your skills can contribute to the organization's goals. Mention specific programs or initiatives that resonate with you.

Example

"I am drawn to Public Health Solutions because of its commitment to improving health equity in underserved communities. I believe my background in data analysis can help enhance the effectiveness of your programs, particularly in areas like maternal and child health, which I am passionate about."

2. Where do you see yourself in three years?

This question gauges your career aspirations and commitment to the organization.

How to Answer

Discuss your professional growth and how you envision contributing to the organization’s mission over time.

Example

"In three years, I see myself taking on more leadership responsibilities within the data analysis team, helping to drive strategic initiatives that improve health outcomes in the community. I hope to develop my skills further in data visualization and program evaluation."

Technical Skills

3. Can you describe your experience with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau?

This question evaluates your technical proficiency in data visualization.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of projects where you used these tools to create impactful visualizations.

Example

"I have used Power BI extensively to create dashboards that track key performance indicators for health programs. For instance, I developed a dashboard that visualized outreach efforts, which helped the team identify areas needing more focus and ultimately improved our engagement rates."

4. How do you ensure data accuracy and integrity in your analyses?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for data cleaning, validation, and ongoing monitoring.

Example

"I prioritize data accuracy by implementing a thorough data cleaning process, which includes checking for duplicates and inconsistencies. I also regularly validate data against source documents and maintain clear documentation of any changes made during the analysis."

5. Describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use, and what was the outcome?

This question tests your analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, including the tools you used and the impact of your analysis.

Example

"I once analyzed a large dataset using SQL to identify trends in health service utilization among different demographics. By segmenting the data, I was able to present actionable insights that led to targeted outreach efforts, resulting in a 20% increase in service uptake among underrepresented groups."

Behavioral Questions

6. Give an example of a time you failed in a project. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your resilience and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Be honest about a failure, but focus on what you learned and how you improved.

Example

"In a previous role, I miscalculated a key metric in a report, which led to incorrect conclusions. I immediately took responsibility, communicated the error to my team, and worked overtime to correct the analysis. This experience taught me the importance of double-checking my work and implementing a peer review process."

7. How do you approach working with stakeholders who have varying levels of data literacy?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to collaborate.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for tailoring your communication to different audiences.

Example

"I adapt my communication style based on the audience. For technical stakeholders, I provide detailed analyses and data visualizations, while for non-technical stakeholders, I focus on the implications of the data and use simpler language. I also encourage questions to ensure everyone is on the same page."

Public Health Knowledge

8. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing public health today?

This question gauges your understanding of current public health issues.

How to Answer

Discuss relevant challenges and how data analysis can help address them.

Example

"One of the biggest challenges is health inequity, which is exacerbated by social determinants of health. Data analysis can help identify these disparities and inform targeted interventions to improve access to care for marginalized communities."

9. How would you use data to improve community outreach efforts?

This question evaluates your ability to apply data analysis to real-world public health challenges.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to analyzing outreach data and making recommendations.

Example

"I would analyze demographic data to identify underrepresented groups in our outreach efforts. By mapping this data against service utilization rates, I could recommend targeted outreach strategies that address barriers to access, ultimately improving community engagement."

10. Can you discuss a public health initiative that you admire and why?

This question assesses your knowledge of public health initiatives and your values.

How to Answer

Choose an initiative that aligns with your interests and explain its impact.

Example

"I admire the CDC's initiative on maternal health, which focuses on reducing maternal mortality rates through data-driven strategies. The emphasis on community engagement and evidence-based practices resonates with my belief in the importance of addressing health disparities."