Lean Into Your Biggest Strengths
Whether its your thoughtfulness, critical thinking or the fact youre an excellent communicator with people. Whatever your biggest strength is, lean into it before and during your social work interview. Youre unique and so are your strengths and your weaknesses, an interview is about both parties getting a good picture of each other before deciding on the next steps. By promoting your strengths in a positive way, whatever they are, youre bound to have a good interview.
Why Do You Want To Become A Social Worker
The interviewers want to hear that you care for their institution, and for the target group. I suggest you to talk about your desire to help peoplethe particular group of people youd work with in your new job.
On the top of that, you shouldnt connect your job choice to the past, saying that you want to work as a social worker because you graduated from the field. Such an answer would indicate a must, while you want to show a desire.
You can talk about your desire to make things better in your city, county, or country , about your wish to help the others, to make a difference in the world, or at least in local community.
Say them that you see a meaningful purpose in this career, and imagine doing it for many years to come.
What Experience Do You Have With Respects To This Particular Mental Health Social Worker Position
Answer tips:
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you know you do not have much experience in the job you are applying for, plan for this question ahead of time and ensure you can provide some relatable examples based on what you have done.
Almost all interviewers will appreciate confidence and pride in the work experience you have earned and your passion in transfering these valuable skills to your future role or position.
Answer sample
Ever since my first paper route at age 10 Ive been doing something to keep myself busy and earn money. Back then, it was obviously about earning some spending money. What I didnt realize was that I was actually starting the journey of establishing what I liked to do and how I fit in to the grand scheme of things. I then worked as a junior computer tech in my last 2 summers of high school. It was here that I discovered what I was passionate about and what I wanted to do. I enrolled in college to get my degree in computer sciences, and I have been working around technology ever since.
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Our Field Is Always Changing As Such What Have You Done With Regards To Personal Development When It Comes To Our Posted Mental Health Social Worker Position In The Last 12 Months
Answer tips:
Here is an opportunity for you to showcase a wide variety of things you may have done both personally and professionally that will get your potential employers interested. Be sure to think about this one in advance in the event that it comes up.
Keep in mind, one of the key things that employers look for is an applicant who is self motivated and goal oriented.
Even if you dont have something that is specific to the role you are applying for, dont be afraid to list hobbies or other non-work related activities here. Again, this shows your employer you are the go-getter they are looking for.
In the end, you want to ensure that you are leaving your interviewer with the impression that you are motivated, self sufficient, and manage your time effectively.
Answer samples
That is a really great question. While I havent had the opportunity to develop within this particular role per se, I have actually become very involved in my local foodbank this year. This has taught me a great deal about community, teamwork, and taking initiative.
I took it upon myself to enroll in a summer business admin course at the local community college. Through this, I picked up some really great knowledge on communication and teamwork, as well as further develop overall managerial skills. Though it may not be directly applicable to this particular job, I believe the overall experience I gained could be a real asset here.
What Qualities Make A Good Social Worker
The role of a social worker is highly demanding yet rewarding. It is a job that requires a set of essential skills and qualities to deal with the challenges within the role.
You may be required to carry out assessments with children, adults or families so you can identify their needs and recommend the right level of support or intervention. To perform your role effectively, you need a set of essential skills.
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What To Expect During A Social Work Job Interview
The job interview is where you would showcase the sought-after skills the interview panel wants in an ideal candidate. Whats more?
- You want to show you are the best fit for the job.
- You want to evidence having the skills and expertise for this job role.
- You want to prepare for the interview as this is vital.
I am usually nervous when going for an interview .
However, I have found that reconstructing the interview helps me build confidence and allows me to stay calm during the interview.
Before reconstructing the interview, I make a document called how to prepare for an interview checklist and I will be sharing this personal checklist with you.
Lets dive in, now shall we?
Why Do You Wish To Leave Your Current Role
Moving to a new school district can be a big commitment. Employers might ask this question to learn why you want to leave your current role. Show them that working for their school would be a better fit for your interests and career goals. Make sure to only say positive things about your previous employer and focus on your new goals.
Example:”I want to work for a new school district because I feel like my talents and background would be a better fit here. When going into this career, I wanted to work with children of all backgrounds. While my previous job was a great experience, I feel like I am ready for more of a challenge as a social worker.”
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How Do You Balance Your Responsibilities As A Social Worker With Your Personal Life
The interviewer likely knows the high demands of social work and understands how your job can interfere with your personal life, and they’ll want to ensure you can balance both your career and personal life. Emphasise your time management and organisational skills and reiterate your commitment to your job.
Example:’**I am very well organised and manage my professional and personal life in equal balance. In my job, I use time tracking methods to ensure I stay on task and focused during my work hours. I ensure I have family and friends who can support me when I work overtime and to help out when I am off duty and need some free time. I’ve found this balance between work and my personal life helps me stay engaged and passionate about my job.’
Has A Client Ever Disagreed With Your Treatment Plan What Did You Do
Employers ask this question to assess your communication and collaboration skills. You’re the expert in your field, but it’s important you can take clients’ wishes into consideration when creating a treatment plan. Mention a specific time a client has disagreed with your treatment plan and what you did to overcome the challenge.
Example:”I had a new client that I thought could benefit from depression and anxiety medication, so I wanted to refer him to a psychiatrist. Although I thought this was the best treatment plan, the client insisted he didn’t want medication and wanted to pursue speech therapy with me instead. We agreed to try it for three months and reevaluate then. At the end of the three months, I saw great progress, so we continued speech therapy.”
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Be Fully Prepared In Advance
Being fully prepared gives you an advantage on the day of the interview.
“Have a copy of your resume handy, be on time, eat something — don’t go in hungry or thirsty,” Fraser-Solak says. “Trust you will have the right words to say when you need to say them.”
Hollis advises applicants to know what they are going to wear ahead of time so they’re not rushing the morning/day of your interview .
“If it is a Zoom/remote interview, make sure that your technology works. Try it out ahead of time. Make sure your computer/phone/tablet is charged and that the microphone and camera work. Give yourself at least half an hour to work out any technical issues,” Hollis says.
Tip 1: Show You Genuinely Want This Job
There is nothing worse than candidates that show up to job interviews, and its clear they have no intention of putting the effort into getting the job.
If you have turned up for an interview, then it means you want the job.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm not in an Over the Top manner, but in a subtle way.
Dont turn them off by not showing interest or playing hard to get.
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What Do You See Yourself Doing In Five Years
This one is all about job commitment.
Some people make job hopping a career in of itself, and your answer here can be telling. Here, your interviewer is determining if you are:
- someone who sets goals
- someone who demonstrates commitment
- someone who is loyal
While no interviewer expects someone to stay at a company forever, try and craft your response in such a way that shows progression in your career, and alignment with the Companys needs and future. Again, self awareness is key your employer doesnt want to send you down an unwanted path, resulting in wasted time and energy for everyone.
If A Client Has An Outburst In Response To Your Recommendation How Do You Handle It
As a social worker, youre going to have to say things that to put it mildly upsets a client. When a clients emotions spike, they can lash out, at times in unpredictable, aggressive, or even violent ways.
Social workers have to be prepared for this inevitability. Its not a matter of if it is genuinely a matter of when. Hiring managers want to know that you have a plan for this kind of situation. If you do, they know you are more likely to act appropriately, even under stress.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
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Are You Familiar With Special Education Law
Since school social workers often work with students who have special needs, employers ask this question to make sure you are familiar with laws that involve these children. As a trained school social worker, you need to know and follow these laws. Explain to an employer that you can ensure you’ll always follow these important rules and policies.
Example:”Yes, I am quite familiar with special education laws. A requirement for my program was to complete several courses that covered these laws. Along with learning through coursework, I completed an online certification program to ensure I can put these laws into practice. I regularly research law changes to make sure I am abiding by the most recent special education laws.”
Question #: What Strategies Do You Use For Crisis Intervention
The interviewer wants to know that your strategies mirror the job description and that you have conflict-resolution skills, the ability to prioritize, and empathy:
- Check the job description before your interview to align your experiences and beliefs.
- Walk through basic crisis intervention best practices.
- Tell a story about a time you were involved in a crisis intervention.
How You Could Answer
“I saw that your organization uses the Roberts and Ottens seven-stage crisis intervention model: Assess the injury and imminent danger, form a collaborative relationship, identify the root of the crisis, talk about feelings and emotions, talk about coping strategies, implement an action plan, and schedule a follow-up. During my internship at a women’s shelter, a woman came in with her children, showing signs of physical abuse that didn’t require hospitalization. She was afraid her husband would find her there. I validated her feelings of fear but reassured her that she was safe. We set up a plan for her to stay at the shelter for three nights while she contacted family who would take her in. I told her I would check in with her the next day.”
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Common Asked Social Worker Interview Questions
Tell Me About The Most Difficult Case You Have Worked On
As a social worker, there are times where you must deal with aggressive or angry clients. In rare cases, the client may become hard to control and even violent. This question helps the hiring manager learn more about your ability to resolve a crisis. It also lets them know that you have already experienced challenging scenarios.
One of my clients has serious substance abuse issues. Last year, I went to visit his home, and he had relapsed. He had a knife in his hand and was shouting while saying he was prepared to use the weapon. I used a low tone of voice and remained calm. After a few minutes, he had calmed down and handed over the knife. Eventually, I was able to get him the help he needs, and he has been clean for almost a year.
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Have You Read The Job Description Do You Have Any Questions
TDC Tips: You should have at least one question that reflect your understanding of the job description it helps show the interviewer that youve done your homework and understand what they are looking for, but it also helps you gather more information for yourself. So, if the position requires home visiting, you could ask a question about how the agency trains and supports staff in preparing for potential crises in the community setting.
More Specific, Tougher Questions:
Tip : What Is The Star Interview Response Method
When asked about a behavioural type situation, my favourite structure to use when doing a questions and answers practice is the STAR Interview Structure.
STAR is an acronym for four key concepts. This interview response method is a structured way of answering interview questions.
It is used for behavioural interview questions to understand how a person has behaved and handled certain situations.
The interviewer uses this to analyse the skills and qualities you will be bringing to the job role.
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Tell Me About A Time You Had To Work With A Challenging Parent
Working with challenging parents is an inevitable part of this career. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience resolving challenging situations. Use the STAR method to show that you are capable of working with anyone. Remember to define the situation, tasks, actions and results.
Example:”When working college intern, one parent was upset that I was on their child’s case. He felt like there was no need for me to be observing their child’s challenges, and he only wanted professionals working with his child.
To resolve the situation, I wrote him a polite email that explained that being involved in these cases was essential to my education as an aspiring social worker. I explained that working with his child would allow me to develop the skills needed to help similar students in the future. He apologized for his behavior and thanked me for choosing this challenging profession.”
What Are Your Biggest Strengths Social Worker Interview Questions And Answers
This is a great question for you, as it allows you to highlight your best qualities. Make sure that your answer is relevant to the role. As we have mentioned several times, personality is extremely important within the social sector. Its a difficult and often emotionally challenging career, and therefore the organisation needs to know that they are hiring someone who can deliver on their personal expectations. As we have relayed at several points in this book, a good social worker is someone who is:
- Caring and non-judgemental.
- Able to make key decisions.
- An excellent communicator.
In your answer, show the interviewer that you are in possession of the personal qualities that they are looking for, and that you know how they are relevant to the role.
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Subject Specific Social Work University Interview Questions
It is important that potential students understand the role of the social workerin society. This is often very different from what you may have experienced firsthand, and so you will be asked questions to assess your understanding, such as:
- What do you think a social worker does?
- Why does society need social workers?
- What experience do you have of social work?
- Has a social worker ever worked with you or your family?
- What is the ultimate aim of social work?
- What do you think people expect from social workers?
- Is there a particular area of social work that interests you, and if so why?
- Describe a typical week for a social worker?
- What are the biggest issues in social work right now?
