Top 25 Cerner Behavioral Interview Questions & Answers

1. Introduction

Preparing for an interview at a renowned company can be daunting, especially when it comes to cerner behavioral interview questions. This article aims to guide prospective candidates through common behavioral interview questions they might encounter when interviewing with Cerner, providing insights on how to articulate experiences and skills effectively.

2. Understanding Cerner’s Interview Process

Cerner Corporation, a key player in healthcare information technology, seeks candidates who not only have the technical skills to excel but also embody the interpersonal and problem-solving abilities necessary to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Behavioral interview questions at Cerner are designed to assess a candidate’s past experiences and predict future behavior in various work scenarios, focusing on core competencies like teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. By delving into specific situations from your career, Cerner’s hiring team can gauge how you’ll fit within their culture and contribute to the company’s mission of transforming healthcare. Understanding the nuances behind these interviews can be pivotal in effectively preparing your responses.

3. Cerner Behavioral Interview Questions

1. Can you share an experience where you had to deal with a high-pressure situation at work? (Stress Management)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, you’ll want to highlight your ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Be honest and choose a real situation that demonstrates your stress management skills, but avoid overly personal stories or unprofessional examples.

My Answer:
In my previous role as a project manager, I encountered a high-pressure situation when our team was approaching a critical software release deadline. The situation involved a major bug that was detected very late in the cycle, which threatened to delay the entire release.

• Situation: Two days before the scheduled release, our quality assurance team identified a critical issue.
• Task: My task was to coordinate the team to fix the bug without postponing the release date.
• Action: I called for an immediate meeting with key team members, including developers and testers, to assess the impact and brainstorm potential solutions. I facilitated a prioritization session to ensure that we focused on the quickest and most effective fix. Throughout the process, I maintained clear communication with stakeholders about our progress and potential risks.
• Result: Thanks to the team’s dedicated effort and clear direction, we managed to resolve the issue and roll out the update on time. The release was successful, and we received positive feedback from users.

2. Why do you want to work at Cerner? (Company Culture Fit)

How to Answer:
To answer this question effectively, it’s essential to research Cerner and understand its mission, values, and culture. Align your professional goals and values with those of the company. Mention specific programs, initiatives, or aspects of Cerner’s work culture that resonate with you.

My Answer:
I want to work at Cerner because I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes. Cerner’s commitment to innovation in health information technology aligns with my career goals. I am particularly impressed by Cerner’s initiatives in interoperability and patient-centered care. Additionally, Cerner’s collaborative culture and focus on professional development are aspects that I value highly in an employer.

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology or software quickly. How did you approach it? (Adaptability & Learning Ability)

How to Answer:
Reflect on a time when you proactively took on the challenge of learning something new. Explain the steps you took to learn the technology or software, emphasizing your eagerness to learn and ability to adapt to new tools or processes.

My Answer:
At my previous job, we decided to transition from our legacy project management software to a new Agile management tool. I was responsible for learning the new system and then training the rest of my team on it.

• Approach: I took a strategic approach to learning the new software:
  • Self-Study: I began with the available online tutorials and documentation.
  • Practice: I set up a dummy project to test various features and understand their practical application.
  • Community Engagement: I joined forums and user groups to seek advice and best practices from experienced users.
  • Feedback Loop: I regularly shared what I learned with my team and collected their questions to further deepen my understanding.

4. Tell us about a complex project you managed. What was your approach and what were the outcomes? (Project Management)

How to Answer:
In your answer, you should clearly outline how you managed the project from conception to completion. Use the opportunity to showcase your strategic planning, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Make sure to detail the outcomes, emphasizing any measurable successes.

My Answer:
One of the most complex projects I managed was the development and implementation of a new electronic health records system for a large healthcare provider.

• Approach: My approach was methodical and involved several key phases:

  • Initiation: I conducted stakeholder interviews to understand the requirements and set clear objectives.
  • Planning: I created a roadmap that included milestones, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
  • Execution: I facilitated regular team meetings, kept all stakeholders updated, and made adjustments as necessary to keep the project on track.
  • Monitoring: I implemented KPIs to measure progress and identify areas needing attention.
  • Closure: I ensured proper documentation was in place and that all project deliverables were met to the stakeholders’ satisfaction.

• Outcomes:
  | Milestone | Expected Date | Actual Date | Notes |
  |———–|—————|————-|——-|
  | Kickoff | Jan 10 | Jan 10 | On schedule |
  | Phase 1 Complete | Mar 15 | Mar 13 | Ahead of schedule, minor bugs noted |
  | Phase 2 Complete | Jun 30 | Jul 02 | Slightly delayed due to unforeseen vendor issues |
  | Final Implementation | Sep 15 | Sep 14 | Successful launch with minimal disruption |

The project was completed on time and within budget, resulting in a 20% increase in process efficiency.

5. Have you ever faced an ethical dilemma at work? How did you handle it? (Ethics & Integrity)

How to Answer:
Choose an ethical dilemma in which you made a decision based on integrity and professionalism. Explain the situation and how you analyzed the problem, the options you considered, the decision you made, and why. It’s important to convey a strong sense of ethics and a commitment to doing what’s right.

My Answer:
In my previous role, I faced an ethical dilemma when I discovered that a colleague was taking shortcuts that compromised the quality of our software.

• Situation: My colleague was bypassing certain testing protocols to meet deadlines.
• Options Considered: I considered talking directly to the colleague or reporting the behavior to management.
• Decision Made: After careful consideration, I decided to speak with my colleague first to understand his perspective.
• Why: I believed it was important to address the issue directly and give him a chance to correct his actions before escalating the matter.

We had an open discussion, and I explained the potential risks associated with his approach. He acknowledged the issue and agreed to adhere to the proper procedures going forward. I monitored the situation to ensure compliance, and the issue was resolved without compromising our standards or reporting the colleague.

6. Can you give an example of a time when you had to work with a difficult person and how you addressed the situation? (Interpersonal Skills)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, it is important to show that you have strong interpersonal skills and can handle conflict professionally. Focus on the actions you took to resolve the situation rather than the negative aspects of the other person’s behavior. Highlight your ability to understand different perspectives, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively towards a solution.

My Answer:
I once worked with a colleague who had a very different work style from mine. He was very vocal about his opinions and often disregarded the input from others, which caused tension within the team.

• Step 1: I initiated a one-on-one meeting to discuss our project goals and how our differences were affecting our work.
• Step 2: During the meeting, I practiced active listening to fully understand his perspective and shared my own concerns respectfully.
• Step 3: We agreed to establish clear communication channels and regular check-ins to provide updates on our tasks.
• Step 4: I also suggested dividing the project into areas that played to each of our strengths, which he agreed to.

This approach helped to improve our collaboration, and we were able to successfully complete the project.

7. Describe a situation where you had to deliver bad news to a team or client. How did you manage it? (Communication & Empathy)

How to Answer:
In delivering bad news, it is crucial to be honest, empathetic, and proactive in offering solutions. Your answer should reflect your ability to handle sensitive situations with care and maintain trust with your team or client.

My Answer:
In my previous role, I had to inform a client that a critical feature they requested could not be implemented by the deadline due to technical constraints. Here’s how I managed it:

• Step 1: I requested a meeting with the client to discuss the situation in person.
• Step 2: I prepared a clear explanation of the issue, including the technical challenges and efforts made to resolve them.
• Step 3: I expressed empathy for any inconvenience caused and reassured the client of our commitment to their project.
• Step 4: I presented alternative solutions, along with a revised timeline for implementation.

The client appreciated the transparency and the proactive approach to problem-solving, which helped to maintain a positive relationship.

8. Tell us about a time when you had to go above and beyond your job responsibilities. (Initiative & Commitment)

How to Answer:
Highlight a scenario where you took the initiative to exceed expectations, showing your dedication and willingness to contribute to your team’s success. It’s also beneficial to explain the impact your actions had on the project or organization.

My Answer:
When a team lead unexpectedly left the company, I volunteered to take on additional responsibilities to ensure the continuity of a critical project. Although it was beyond my usual scope of work, I worked extra hours to understand the project’s intricate details, led team meetings to keep everyone on track, and liaised with stakeholders to ensure transparency. My initiative helped keep the project on schedule, and it was successfully completed without compromising quality.

9. Describe a situation where you made a mistake at work. How did you handle the aftermath? (Accountability & Problem-Solving)

How to Answer:
Admitting to a mistake shows humility and the ability to learn from errors. Your response should focus on how you took responsibility and the steps you took to rectify the issue, preventing it from recurring.

My Answer:
I once overlooked a bug in the code that resulted in incorrect data being displayed on our customer’s dashboard. Upon noticing the error, I immediately took the following actions:

• Step 1: I acknowledged the mistake to my team and supervisor.
• Step 2: I worked diligently to correct the error and implement a fix.
• Step 3: I conducted a thorough review of the system to prevent similar issues.
• Step 4: I documented the incident and the resolution in our knowledge base.

This experience taught me the importance of thorough testing and has improved my attention to detail.

10. Give an example of how you prioritize your tasks in a fast-paced work environment. (Time Management)

How to Answer:
Discuss your approach to managing a heavy workload by explaining your method of prioritizing tasks. It’s helpful to mention any tools or techniques you use to stay organized and efficient.

My Answer:
In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize my tasks based on urgency and impact. Here’s an example of how I do this:

• High Priority: Tasks that are critical to the project’s success and have tight deadlines.
• Medium Priority: Important tasks that contribute to long-term goals but are not immediately time-sensitive.
• Low Priority: Tasks that have minimal impact and no immediate deadlines.

To manage these priorities, I create a daily to-do list and use project management software to track progress. I also communicate regularly with my team to ensure alignment on priorities and deadlines.

Task Type	Criteria	Examples
High Priority	Imminent deadlines & high impact	Fixing critical bugs, preparing for product demos
Medium Priority	Important but not urgent	Code refactoring, writing documentation
Low Priority	Low impact & flexible timing	Minor UI enhancements, attending optional workshops

11. Can you discuss a time when you had to implement feedback from your superiors? How did you respond to it? (Receptiveness to Feedback)

How to Answer:
When answering this behavioral question, focus on demonstrating your ability to accept constructive criticism and use it to improve your work. Emphasize your openness to feedback, your eagerness to learn and grow, and your commitment to incorporating the feedback effectively. Talk about specific changes you made in response to the feedback and the positive outcomes that resulted.

My Answer:
Receiving and implementing feedback is crucial for personal and professional development. I remember a specific instance when my supervisor reviewed my project report and highlighted that while the content was comprehensive, it lacked a concise executive summary that would be valuable for our leadership team.

I responded by thanking my supervisor for the constructive feedback and immediately set out to revise the report. I researched best practices for executive summaries, extracted the key points from my report, and crafted a clear and concise summary that aligned with management’s expectations. The revised report was well-received, and since then, I’ve incorporated executive summaries in my reports as a standard practice, resulting in improved communications with the leadership team.

12. Have you ever had to convince your team to adopt a new approach? How did you do it? (Persuasion & Leadership)

How to Answer:
In your response, showcase your ability to lead change, communicate effectively, and persuade others. Mention the steps you took to understand both the benefits of the new approach and the concerns of your team members. Discuss how you educated the team about the new approach, addressed their concerns, and achieved consensus.

My Answer:

• Understanding the Team’s Perspective: I first gathered the team to discuss the current methods and their pain points.
• Presenting the New Approach: I then introduced the new approach with a detailed presentation, highlighting its benefits and how it addressed the challenges with our current process.
• Addressing Concerns: After the presentation, I opened the floor for questions and addressed each concern with data and examples.
• Trial Period: To ease their apprehension, I proposed a trial period for the new approach, allowing the team to experience its benefits firsthand.
• Gathering Feedback: Throughout the trial, I collected feedback and made adjustments where necessary.
• Final Adoption: After demonstrating the positive impact during the trial, the team was more open to adopting the new method permanently.

13. Describe a project where you had to collaborate with other departments. What was your role and how did the collaboration work? (Teamwork & Cross-Departmental Collaboration)

How to Answer:
Illustrate your ability to work in a team and coordinate with diverse departments. Describe the nature of the project, your role, and the way in which you facilitated communication and cooperation among the different departments. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure a successful collaboration.

My Answer:
In my previous role, I was the project manager for a system integration project that required close collaboration between the IT department, operations, and finance. My role was to oversee the project’s progress, manage communication between departments, and ensure that all parts of the project were aligned with the organization’s goals.

• Initial Planning: I organized joint meetings to define the project scope and objectives, ensuring that each department’s needs were considered and included in the project plan.
• Regular Updates: We established a schedule for regular update meetings, where each department shared progress, discussed challenges, and coordinated efforts.
• Problem-Solving: Challenges inevitably arose, such as misaligned timelines between departments. I facilitated problem-solving sessions to realign our schedules and resources.
• Successful Outcome: Through continuous communication and collaborative problem-solving, the project was completed on time, and the system integration was successful, enhancing company-wide productivity.

14. Can you talk about a long-term project you were involved in and how you kept motivated? (Persistence & Long-Term Commitment)

How to Answer:
Discuss how you maintain focus and enthusiasm over extended periods, especially when faced with challenges. Describe specific strategies you use to stay motivated, such as setting milestones, celebrating small wins, or keeping the end goal in sight.

My Answer:
I was involved in a two-year project to implement a new software system across the company. To stay motivated during this long-term project, I employed several strategies:

• Setting Milestones: I broke the project down into smaller, manageable milestones and celebrated each achievement with the team.
• Visual Progress Tracking: I used visual tools like Gantt charts to track progress, which helped in maintaining a clear view of our advancement and remaining tasks.
• Peer Support: I encouraged a supportive team environment where team members could rely on each other for encouragement and assistance.
• Personal Growth: I focused on the learning opportunities presented by the project, using them as a motivator for personal and professional growth.

15. Tell us about a time when you had to analyze complex data or information. What was your process? (Analytical Thinking)

How to Answer:
Provide an example that showcases your ability to handle complex information systematically. Outline the steps you took to break down the data, analyze it, and draw meaningful conclusions. Emphasize your attention to detail and your methodological approach to problem-solving.

My Answer:
While working on a healthcare data analysis project, I had to sift through vast amounts of patient data to identify patterns for improving patient care. Here was my process:

• Data Collection: I gathered data from various sources including electronic health records and patient surveys.
• Data Cleaning: I meticulously cleaned the data to ensure accuracy, removing duplicates and correcting inconsistencies.
• Data Analysis: I used statistical software to analyze the data, applying techniques such as regression analysis to uncover relationships between patient outcomes and treatment protocols.
• Reporting: Finally, I compiled my findings into comprehensive reports, using visualizations to illustrate key patterns and insights.

The process required careful attention to detail and strong analytical skills, but it led to actionable recommendations that improved patient care outcomes.

16. Describe an instance where you identified a problem and proactively solved it. (Proactive Problem-Solving)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to outline the specific problem, your thought process in identifying it, the steps you took to solve it, and the outcome of your actions. Employers ask this question to gauge your problem-solving skills and your initiative in taking action without being prompted.

My Answer:
At my previous job, I noticed that our team was spending an excessive amount of time on manual data entry, which was prone to errors and was a repetitive task that affected team morale. I proposed the idea of automating this process through a simple script that could extract data from our client forms and populate the necessary fields in our database.

• Problem Identified: Manual data entry was time-consuming and error-prone.
• Solution Implemented: I developed a script to automate the data entry process.
• Outcome: This solution reduced data entry time by 70% and minimized errors significantly, which allowed the team to focus on more valuable tasks and improved overall productivity and morale.

17. How do you handle constructive criticism from colleagues or managers? (Professional Growth & Self-Improvement)

How to Answer:
Discuss how you view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a negative experience. Explain the steps you take to process the feedback, and how you apply it to improve your work or behavior.

My Answer:
I welcome constructive criticism because it provides me with a different perspective and an opportunity to develop my professional skills. When I receive feedback, I:

• Listen carefully to understand the points being made without becoming defensive.
• Ask questions for clarification to ensure I fully comprehend the feedback.
• Reflect on the criticism to evaluate its validity and how it can be applied.
• Act on the feedback by implementing changes or adjustments to my work style or processes.

18. Can you provide an example of a successful team project you were part of? What made it successful? (Collaboration & Team Success)

How to Answer:
Highlight a project where team collaboration was key to its success. Emphasize the role you played, how the team worked together, and the outcome. This question helps the interviewer assess your teamwork and leadership abilities.

My Answer:
I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with developing a new client reporting system. The project was a success due to several factors:

• Clear goals: We had a clear understanding of what we needed to achieve.
• Diverse skills: Each team member brought unique skills and perspectives.
• Effective communication: Regular meetings and updates kept everyone informed.
• Mutual support: Team members helped each other overcome obstacles.

19. Have you ever had to manage conflicting priorities? How did you decide what to prioritize? (Decision-Making)

How to Answer:
Discuss your approach to prioritizing work when faced with conflicting tasks, including any tools or methodologies you use. It’s important to convey that you can make considered decisions under pressure.

My Answer:
Yes, I often encounter conflicting priorities. My approach involves:

• Assessing urgency and impact: I evaluate the deadlines and the potential impact of each task.
• Consulting stakeholders: I discuss priorities with stakeholders to understand their needs.
• Re-evaluating regularly: Priorities can change, so I reassess them as necessary.

20. Describe a time when you had to use your communication skills to explain technical information to a non-technical audience. (Technical Communication)

How to Answer:
When discussing your communication skills, focus on your ability to tailor your language to the audience, simplify complex concepts, and ensure understanding. Use a specific example to illustrate how you achieved this.

My Answer:
In my previous role, I led a workshop to explain our software’s data encryption features to a group of non-technical clients. To ensure they understood the technical information, I:

• Used analogies: Compared data encryption to a complex lock-and-key system to protect valuable information.
• Avoided jargon: I carefully avoided technical terms that could confuse the audience.
• Checked for understanding: Throughout the presentation, I asked for feedback to ensure the audience followed along.

Table of Successful Communication Techniques Used:

Technique	Description	Example Used
Analogies	Relate complex concepts to familiar ideas.	Data encryption as a lock-and-key system.
Avoiding jargon	Substitute technical terms with more accessible language.	Explained "end-to-end encryption" in plain terms.
Interactive feedback	Engage the audience to gauge understanding and clarify as needed.	Asked for questions and provided clear answers.

By adhering to these techniques, I was able to successfully convey the importance and functionality of data encryption to our clients, ensuring they felt confident in our software’s security capabilities.

21. How do you ensure the quality of your work under tight deadlines? (Quality Assurance & Time Pressure)

How to Answer:
Employers ask this question to assess your ability to manage stress and maintain high standards even when time is short. In your answer, showcase your time management skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and strategies for ensuring quality doesn’t slip. Mention any tools or techniques you use to keep focused and organized.

My Answer:
To ensure the quality of my work under tight deadlines, I follow a structured approach:

• Prioritization: I identify the most critical aspects of the project that will have the highest impact on quality.
• Time Management: I use tools like calendars and to-do lists to manage my time efficiently.
• Checklists: I create and follow a checklist to ensure all necessary steps are taken and nothing is missed.
• Peer Reviews: Whenever possible, I ask for a quick peer review to catch any errors I might have overlooked.
• Focused Work: I allocate uninterrupted time slots for intensive work to maintain a high level of concentration.
• Quality Standards: Despite the rush, I adhere to predefined quality standards and best practices.

22. Can you give an example of how you have dealt with an unsatisfied client or stakeholder? (Client Relationship Management)

How to Answer:
This question evaluates your problem-solving and communication skills in difficult situations. Discuss a specific situation, the actions you took to address the client’s concerns, and the outcome. Emphasize your ability to stay calm, listen actively, and work towards a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.

My Answer:
In my previous role, I dealt with an unsatisfied client who felt their expectations were not being met. Here is how I handled the situation:

• Listening: I listened carefully to the client’s concerns without interrupting.
• Empathy: I acknowledged their frustration and expressed understanding of their perspective.
• Clarification: I asked clarifying questions to ensure I fully understood the issue.
• Solution-Oriented: I proposed a clear plan to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.
• Follow-up: I maintained open communication with the client to ensure they were satisfied with the resolution.

23. Describe a time when you showed initiative in the workplace without being asked. (Self-Starter & Initiative)

How to Answer:
This question is designed to uncover your proactivity and ability to take charge without direct orders. Describe a situation where you identified an opportunity or problem and took steps to address it on your own. Highlight the impact of your actions on the organization.

My Answer:
While working at my previous job, I noticed that our team was spending a significant amount of time on repetitive data entry tasks. Without being asked, I took the initiative to:

• Research: Investigate potential automation tools that could streamline the process.
• Proposal: Draft a proposal outlining the benefits and potential ROI of implementing such a tool.
• Implementation: After receiving approval, I led the implementation of the automation tool.

The result was a 30% reduction in time spent on data entry, freeing up the team to focus on more strategic activities.

24. Have you ever taken on a leadership role in a project? If so, what was your approach to leading the team? (Leadership & Team Management)

How to Answer:
Discuss a specific instance where you assumed a leadership role. Explain your leadership style, how you motivated the team, addressed challenges, and what the project’s outcome was. Your answer should exhibit qualities like communication, delegation, and decision-making.

My Answer:
In my last position, I took on the leadership role for a cross-departmental project. My approach included:

• Clear Goals: Establishing clear, measurable goals for the team to aim for.
• Delegation: Assigning tasks based on individual strengths and expertise.
• Communication: Holding regular meetings to ensure open communication and address any issues promptly.
• Support: Providing support and resources the team needed to succeed.
• Recognition: Acknowledging team members’ contributions throughout the project.

The project was a success, resulting in improved workflow efficiency by 20%, and the team felt valued and motivated throughout the process.

25. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt to significant changes in the workplace. (Change Management)

How to Answer:
Change is constant in any organization, and your ability to adapt is crucial. Talk about a specific instance of change, such as a shift in company strategy, the introduction of a new technology, or a major organizational restructuring. Discuss how you handled the change and what you did to adjust or help others adjust.

My Answer:
At my previous job, the company underwent a major software transition affecting all departments. It was a significant change from the legacy system to a modern platform. Here’s how I adapted:

Action	Description
Learning:	I took the initiative to learn the new software through online courses and tutorials.
Sharing Knowledge:	I then organized informal training sessions for my colleagues.
Feedback Loop:	I acted as a liaison between the software vendors and my team, providing feedback and getting issues resolved quickly.
Positive Attitude:	I maintained a positive attitude, encouraging others to see the benefits of the change.

The transition was smoother than anticipated, and the team quickly adapted to the new system with my support.

4. Tips for Preparation

Before your interview with Cerner, invest time in understanding the company’s mission, values, and recent news. Familiarize yourself with their healthcare solutions, as demonstrating knowledge about their products can set you apart.

For role-specific preparation, review the job description to anticipate the skills and experiences you may need to discuss. Practice articulating your thoughts on relevant technical knowledge, such as any specific software or tools mentioned, and prepare examples demonstrating soft skills like teamwork and leadership.

5. During & After the Interview

During the interview, maintain a balance between professionalism and approachability. Interviewers often look for candidates who not only have the necessary skills but also fit the company culture. Be attentive, engage with the interviewer, and provide clear, concise answers with relevant examples.

Avoid common mistakes such as speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues. Instead, focus on what you learned from challenging experiences. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer about the role or company, showing your genuine interest and initiative.

After the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to express appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the position. This can leave a lasting positive impression. Lastly, while waiting for feedback, continue with your job search and stay open to other opportunities. Cerner typically follows up within a few weeks, but timelines can vary depending on the role and the number of applicants.