I’m finding it impossible to get into UnitedHealth Group as a business analyst (telecommute). I’ve interviewed, identified as one of top two candidates, felt pretty good about my chances, but didn’t get selected in the end. I have 6+ years of healthcare analytics experience. I’ve applied for additional analyst opps and receive rejection letters pretty swiftly. Any insight into what recruiters are looking for? How best to get my foot in the door? UnitedHealth Group
I’ve been with optum for 5 years and 2 coworkers in my position were recently promoted to business analysts. (This is in mental health / Medicaid and Medicare lines of business.) The trend I see specifically for that position is to promote from within.
The trend I see and have heard from others is that not only does Optum/UHC tend to promote from within but they also prefer to hire less experienced ppl so they don’t have to pay as much. Their HR ppl are inexperienced and young ppl too. That’s what someone at UHC told me.
I have a friend that works at optum under uhg if you are interested
I highly recommend checking out Health Care Service Corporation (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, TX, NM, OK, & MT)
You are too qualified for the BA level. I just got in as a Sr BA with only 3 years of exp. Get a referral or reach out on LinkedIn as hiring managers can completely skip the HR screen if they’re interested in you. Their recruiters are not the best so your best odds are connecting directly with someone hiring for the role.
Have you reached out to the recruiters asking for feedback? Sometimes they’re responsive and actually help out
UHG recruits extensively from colleges, and there are many kids with 2-3 years of experience that qualify for those jobs. They’re at the low end of the pay band and there’s less time and money to onboard internal candidates. Keep applying, and maybe look at a slightly higher job level.
I used to work under the Optum public sector work and still have connections there. Let me know how I can help.
Coach
Get a referral — also consider the consultant or sr. Consultant level because you’re a bit experience for an analyst level. I had the best luck with my referral back in 2020. I worked at Optum for about a year.
Have you had a phone screen or interview any of the times you’ve applied?
Yes. I completed two rounds of interviews for a business analyst consultant role. They said I was one of two final candidates but ultimately didn’t get the job.
Community Builder
I was previously at Optum. I will say I only got called externally when my resume was almost an exact match for the role and spend some time trying to really prep for the interviewer, a couple different folks had totally different perspectives on how they interacted with the role
I’ve experienced the same. I even went as far as to search the title I was applying to on LinkedIn to check the experience of people already in the role and it was nothing impressive so I don’t get it.
I don’t get it either. I have 6+ years healthcare analytics experience at a large and nationally ranked medical facility. I’m clearly missing something…
I’ve had the same issues.
I took a role as apart of a career pivot to learn the organization and business. It's been two years. I bring value to my org with my experience and willingness to participate in stretch goals. I have found it challenging to move into an analyst role as well.
Feel free to DM! Just joined UHG practice 6 months ago. Happy to discuss process.
I have. One of the recruiters emailed and said I was still being considered for a position and would be in touch with next steps. Well, instead of that recruiter following up, I logged in to check the status and saw I was no longer under consideration. The recruiter neglected to respond to my emails requesting feedback. Crickets.
Bowl Leader
Yeah UHG recruiters are some of the worst I’ve seen.
Why United healthcare specifically? Just curious. Are they special compared to other places?
Were you able to get any feedback from your interviews? I would see what you can improve and roll this experience into the next interview. Also, if not married to the idea of UHC, try CVS Health.. just interviewed with them and they’ve got a bunch of roles to fill.
Are you applying for an Optum role?