Do you prefer working with children or senior citizens?

"I enjoy working with both populations. I enjoy learning and spending time with senior citizens and I also like having fun with children. "

Because you've done your homework on the position you are interviewing for, you'll want to answer the question based on the particular vacancy. If you are applying to work at an elementary school, then your answer should be working with children. Working at a VA clinic? Your answer should be that you enjoy working with adults best. If you would like to mention both adults and children just follow each with a brief reason why.

How would your patients describe you?

"My patients would say that I'm a very patient person. I pride myself on being a very patient person, especially with my elderly patients. Sometimes just being patient and taking a few extra moments with them means a lot."

Your patient's feedback will say a lot about you as an Audiologist. Let the interviewer know that your patients would say that you are knowledgeable, kind and helpful. Go ahead and share a brief story about a time you helped a patient and they let you know how much it meant to them.

"My patients would say that I'm a caring and humble Dr."

"Patients would say I am knowledgeable, kind, and have a good rapport."

How would your peers describe you?

"My peers would describe me as a passionate, hardworking contributor to the workplace."

When answering this question you will want to consider qualities that are relevant to this position. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and technical mindset are all important characteristics for any Audiologist. Show off your strengths, like having a good attitude when faced with a difficult situation or being willing to go above and beyond expectations to help someone out. Don't be afraid to brag a little, but keep it relevant.

What are your salary requirements?

"I'm looking for a salary range between 80K and 120K a year."

To prepare for this interview question, do your homework and find out what the average salary is in the location you are looking to be an Audiologist. Remember this is just the first interview and you haven't been offered the job yet. The first interview is not the time to enter negotiations. Go ahead and give a broad salary range without selling yourself short.

"I'm hoping to be around my current salary of $75K. What does this position start at?"

What is your biggest weakness?

"One of my weaknesses is wanting to chat with the patients a bit during our appointment and it makes me a few minutes behind in my day. I'm lucky enough in my day to have about 20 minutes of cushion in my schedule to allow this. I love being able to have a personable conversation with my clients so they don't feel I'm quick to see them and get them out."

Don't be confused by this question and answer it with something not work related. The interviewer isn't interested in hearing about your weakness for chocolate cake or weakness for cuddling cute puppies. The interviewer wants to know about a weakness you have when it comes to being an Audiologist. Is your weakness public speaking? Allowing others to take on a lead role? Being too hard on yourself? Whatever your weakness is, own it and end your answer with how you are working on making it one of your strengths.

What is your greatest strength?

"My greatest strength is that I am a true team player. The saying 'It's not my job' does not exist for me. Sometimes this means that I help with administrative tasks and sometimes this means that I help order supplies. Whatever the team needs, I am committed to getting it done."

This answer needs to be memorized. Hiring managers will ask this question every time. Be confident in your strength and relay how it will be an added bonus to the team.

"My greatest strength is my patience. Working with difficult patients takes a great deal of patience which can be challenged each appointment but learned techniques and tricks to help me keep my cool."

In your current position are you responsible for managing inventory and ordering equipment such as hearing devices?

"In my current position, I do not have the additional duty of ordering supplies. I would be quite happy learning the process here and being a part of the process."

As an Audiologist, inventory management may not be a part of your daily job but you know the basics. Tell the interviewer how you work alongside your administrative staff and assist with maintaining inventory. Let the interviewer know that you are able to evaluate your patients and future appointments to be able to work with staff and assist with orders and requirements.

Are you experienced in hiring clinic staff? Is this a responsibility that you are comfortable with?

"I was responsible for being a part of the hiring panel for our last three staff members. I developed the interview questions as well as leading the discussions afterward"‹ to make a decision on a candidate."

The interviewer is looking for a 'YES' from you on this answer. If you have never been part of hiring clinic staff, let the interviewer know but that you would be comfortable doing so. If you have had the opportunity to hire clinic staff to tell the interviewer what your role was. Did you review resumes and determine who would come in for an interview? Did you direct the questions and answers? Where you the one that called candidates for follow-up interviews? Did you conduct phone screenings?

Do you feel that it is important for an audiologist to learn sign language?

"I do feel it is important for an Audiologist to learn sign language. Sign language is sometimes the only way a patient knows how to interact, and I need to know how to help them."

In addition to learning sign language, you must also learn about and respect deaf culture. Have you had the opportunity to work with patients in a hearing clinic or neuroscience lab? Did you take a course in school? Are you self-taught? Let the interviewer know that you have been able to effectively communicate with your deaf patients through sign language.

Have you recently volunteered your services as an audiologist? Is volunteer work important to you?

"Volunteering with less fortunate children is what helped me decide that I wanted to be an Audiologist. As a volunteer, I provided my friendship to these children and I knew I wanted to do more."

As an Audiologist, you know the importance of volunteer work. You may have volunteered for a school screening or for a humanitarian in Costa Rica. What have you learned through volunteering? How did you make a difference? Have you encouraged others to volunteer? Tell the interviewer that you intend to continue to volunteer alongside your full-time employment, even if it is just a few hours a month.

"I volunteered about 2 months ago by helping my daughters school Audiologist with annual screenings."

What type of workplace culture do you create for your team?

"I strive to create an open and honest welcoming work environment."

The interviewer knows you are a good candidate by reading your resume, now they want to know if you are easy to work with. What would others say about your management style? How does your workplace culture impact the attitudes of your employees? Answer this question with the style of management you have. Do you run a tight ship with a buttoned-down attitude or show flexibility to your employees.

What do you do to challenge yourself professionally?

"I decided that I wanted to learn a new language. I learned French over a years time and was able to participate in a humanitarian as an Audiologist."

As an Audiologist, you constantly challenge yourself to learn and improve your skills. Talk about a particular challenge you've faced and how you've overcome and learned from it. Do you empower your co-workers to challenge themselves and learn from their experiences? Do you look forward to a challenge to make the job even more exciting and rewarding?

Tell me about you post-secondary education. What was your favorite course and why?

"I attended the University of Montana and graduated top of my class. My favorite class was Methods of Research for Speech Pathology. This class inspired me to learn sign language."

Because of time restraints, briefly, walk the interviewer through your post-secondary experience. Highlight your favorite course work and mention any awards or special recognition that you received.

As an audiologist you must be able to think on your feet. Would you consider yourself more of a critical thinker or a creative problem solver?

"I have to put my creative problem-solving hat on when working with autistic children and apply critical thinking skills with my difficult cases."

As an Audiologist, you sometimes have to be both creative as well as a critical thinker. Explain to the interviewer how you have to be more creative in order to get a test accomplished with an autistic child. Tell the interviewer how you use your critical thinking skills when you are trying to determine a diagnosis with an elderly patient. Have examples of both ready to share if time permits.

How do you market yourself to attract new patients to your practice?

"I have a Patient Referral Bonus System. Each time a patient is referred by one of my patients I credit their account $25."

Sometimes advertisements in your local newspaper aren't enough to get new patients. Let the interviewer know that because of your reputation and customer service you've had great success securing patients through word of mouth from your current patients. Answer this question upbeat and positive. Show your excitement for the profession and how you could bring a new patient to the office.

I'd like to further understand your current role. Walk me through your process when examining a patient.

"I perform diagnostic testing to evaluate my patients hearing ability as well as treat hearing loss with hearing aids and other assisted-listening devices as needed. I also spend a great deal of time counseling patients and their families regarding their hearing and ways that they can maximize communication ability."

When answering this question it will be important to briefly explain your day and your interaction with other healthcare professionals as well as patients. Make sure to highlight a few positives like keeping on schedule, educating patients and working well with other co-workers.

"A typical day consists of diagnostic testing to evaluate my patients hearing abilities as well as treat hearing loss with hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. A lot of time is spend counseling patients and their families in the ways they can maximize communication abilities."

If you had to choose a career other than audiology, what path would you choose?

"I've always wanted work within the medical career field. I considered becoming an RN but changed gears once I was in my clinicals working alongside an Audiologists office. I went back to school and here I am!"

There is no right or wrong way to answer this question. This question is a great way to break the ice especially if the interviewer can relate to your other career path. If you always wanted to be a juggler in the circus then own it!! Go ahead and let the interviewer know if your back up career path turned into a volunteer gig. It will show the interviewer that you still stay interested hobbies and passions, even if they have nothing to do with being an Audiologist.

Do you feel that you personally benefit from this career choice? How so?

"I have a personal satisfaction knowing I'm helping patients achieve a fuller life with my help."

Steer clear of the obvious salary, time off and flexible schedule answer. The interviewer wants to know how you this career field has made you more empathetic, more organized or even a better person. Think back to the time before you became an Audiologist and how you are better now because of it. Share a story or a characteristic with the interviewer.

"This career has made me more empathetic. I have always known I wanted to help people. This career path gives me personal satisfaction, knowing I am helping patients and their families achieve a fuller life."

When did you decide you wanted to be an audiologist?

"When I was in my 2nd year and I was performing practical testing. I fell in love with the technology and how it can assist people with audiology disorders."

This question is a great way to tell the interviewer a bit more about yourself. Because this can be a personal question be sure to keep it brief. Did you decide to be an Audiologist because someone in your family visited one? Do you have a neighbor with special needs and it their visits to the Audiologist inspired you?

Do you enjoy visiting clinics, hospitals and schools while working?

"I haven't had the opportunity yet to work within the school system. Does this position support the local school system?"

As an Audiologist you enjoy visiting clinics, hospitals, and schools- they keep you busy and employed! Have a short example/story available for each location and why you enjoy working there. Do you enjoy working with kids in the schools? Enjoy the busy days at hospitals? Tell the interviewer why you like working at all locations.

What type of work environment do you thrive in?

"I thrive in a work environment that is positive and uplifting."

Busy, quiet, one on one, within a team or independently, you can do it all. This question can be your ticket to find out what type of work the particular position is for. Turn the tables and ask the interviewer to explain what type of environment the job is in, what experience you have working in that environment and add how you can add to it.

"The work environment that I thrive in most is on a team. Being a recent graduate, there is comfort in knowing I have coworkers to bounce ideas off of."

If a walk-in arrived at your office for an initial visit but had no appointment and you were really busy, how would you make time for the potential patient?

"My administrative staff has 4- 15 minute time blocks built into my schedule for situations just like that. If these time blocks aren't used for walk-ins I'm able to utilize them for administrative time."

Because you have an awesome administrative team you'll look to them to help you find room in your schedule to see this patient. Let the interviewer know that you'll take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the patient, explain that there are no openings but that you will do your best to see them as soon as possible. Relay to the interviewer that you will want to give the patient as much information about the wait to avoid any grumpy patients. You can also let the interviewer know that you can see if other staff members can step in and assist to help free up some time in your schedule.

"I never want to turn away anybody who needs help. That being said, it also is not fair to take away time from patients who are on my schedule. The first thing I would do is introduce myself to the patient and explain that there is no opening, but I will do my best to see them as soon as possible. I would also look to my coworkers to see if anyone else had free time to help out."

What learning experiences, or events, would you like to attend that might improve your own education?

"I'd love to be a part of a humanitarian visit to a third world country."

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a humanitarian to a less fortunate country? Is there an annual conference you have never been to and would like to? What ever the event is, tell the interviewer why it instructs you and how it would advance your career. What would you learn? What could you bring back to your office and teach the team?

"When I was a student, I had the opportunity to attend AAA as well as AAS. During these types of conferences, you get to be exposed to clinicians and researchers in the same field and get to pick their brains. It is during these times that you have the opportunity to learn new advancements that are happening and stay current with audiology. I think these are important to attend to bring the information back to the clinic and implement them in everyday work."

How well did you work with the front office staff at your previous job?

"The front office staff is the reason my clinic runs so efficiently and smoothly. They handle all the administrative duties as well as my calendar. I'm very greatfull to have a wonderful team."

As an Audiologist you know that you can't possibly take care of everything on your own, you need a strong administrative staff. Tell the interviewer how you've built strong working relationships with your staff and you attribute your success to them today. You can highlight a few of the administrative tasks that they perform that you are grateful for. By showing your appreciation towards your staff you'll show the interviewer that you are a team player.

What form of aural rehabilitation do you use in your current position?

"Each week we hold a sign language class at our clinic that I teach. I developed this group based on the number of patients relying on and family members that wanted to be more efficient"‹ at it."

As an Audiologist, you are responsible for the fitting, dispensing and management of a hearing device. You counsel the patient about their hearing loss, the application of certain processes to enhance communication, and the skills training regarding environmental modifications which will facilitate the development of receptive and expressive communication. Tell the interviewer about the hearing aid and assistive listening devices you work with most. Be sure to highlight what type of patients you work with most.

"The hearing aids I have used most commonly are Phonak and Oticon. I also have experience with both Cochlear BAHA, and Oticon Ponto osseointegrated devices. I have worked with all three cochlear implant manufacturers but am most familiar with Cochlear."

How do you currently follow up with your patients to monitor the status of their hearing aid?

"I give each of my patients a courtesy call once a month."

As an Audiologist, following up with your patients is very important. You may follow up with patients differently based on their diagnosis and your concern. Give a few examples. Discuss how you check in with the parents of a child that was just fitted with a cochlear implant every day and how you follow up with an elderly patient monthly that just needed a battery replaced in their hearing aid. You provide excellent customer service, relay that to the interviewer.

"Throughout all of my clinical placements, follow-up was stressed. During the trial period, we would see our patients three times to make sure they were satisfied with their hearing aids. During these appointments, we would answer any questions they would have. Additionally, we also recommend patients return every 4-6 months for a clean and check, or more frequently if they are having any problems."

Other than your audiogram, how do you assess a patients needs?

"I work closely with our SLP's to develop a plan for the patient after performing an audiogram."

Caloric test, Auditory reflex testing, Tympanometry OH MY! There are a number of tests you can perform on your patients depending on their symptoms. If you are applying for a position within a clinic that specializes in cochlear implants then discuss your experience with Electrocochleography and Video Head Impulse Tests. Know the speciality and speak to the testing that would be performed there.

"There are several different ways to assess a patients' needs other than the audiogram. I believe that one of the most important ways is to ask the patient where they are struggling or in what situations they would like to hear better. Through case history, I can determine what my patient's symptoms are, and I have a whole plethora of assessments other than the audiogram in my toolbox. An additional way to assess patients' needs is to talk to other providers that they may be working with the patient. By working on a multi-disciplinary team, I can determine how to treat best and help my patients."

What procedures do you recommend using when giving a patient their initial exam?

"The initial exam consists of the history intake and overview of why they are there to see me. "

As an Audiologist, you'll do everything from examining patients who have hearing, balance, or related ear problems, keep records on the progress of patients or fit cochlear implants. Tell the interviewer the particular tests and steps you would take with a new patient.

"During the initial exam, I would take an extensive case history to determine why the patient was being seen. Following, I would complete otoscopy, tympanometry, air, and bone conduction testing, speech reception, and word recognition testing and would end with counseling and recommendations."

Have you ever fitted a patient with a hearing aid, and it went wrong? Maybe the device did not work properlly?

"I encountered an issue with a patient last week that was actually a simple fix. My technician had fitted the device with the wrong battery. We swapped out the battery and it worked fine."

If you don't have a story to share on this topic just tell the interviewer how you would handle the situation. Because technology can fail sometimes you will keep an open relationship with the patient and let them know that they can come back if a problem arises. You'll address the situation calmly as to not upset the patient if they are already upset or irritated.

"This happened to me during my externship. I was ready to fit my patient with new Marvel hearing aids, which I had already preprogrammed. When it came to the actual fitting, the hearing aids would not turn on. Because the patient was in the appointment already, I calmly excused myself and made a call to Phonak. It was explained to me that I put them back into "shipping mode," and they helped me reset them."

Have you ever had a patient want to return a hearing aid? How did you handle that?

"I have had a patient want to return a hearing aid because it was uncomfortable for them. Come to find out, the patient didn't place it correctly after they left my office. After a bit of education, "‹we were able to get a good fit for the patient."

This question is intentionally asked to see how you interact with patients. Of course, you can't take a used hearing aid, but what you can do is find out why the patient wants to return it. Is it not comfortable? Are they not using it correctly so they feel it doesn't work? Is it a cost issue? Because of your ability to interact with patients, you'll be able to let the interviewer know that you'll take the time to meet with the patient, hear their concerns and figure out a plan together.

"The first step to approaching this problem was determining why the patient wanted to return their hearing aids. Once I was able to determine the cause, I was better able to sit down and make a plan with the patient. For example, one time, the patient did not feel as though the hearing aids were providing him with enough benefit. Upon inspection, I was able to notice that his hearing aids were not inserted correctly. After sitting down with him and reinforcing how to insert his hearing aids, he perceived more benefits and, in the long run, decided to keep the hearing aids."

Audiologist Interview Questions

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1. Do you prefer working with children or senior citizens?
2. How would your patients describe you?
3. How would your peers describe you?
4. What are your salary requirements?
5. What is your biggest weakness?
6. What is your greatest strength?
7. In your current position are you responsible for managing inventory and ordering equipment such as hearing devices?
8. Are you experienced in hiring clinic staff? Is this a responsibility that you are comfortable with?
9. Do you feel that it is important for an audiologist to learn sign language?
10. Have you recently volunteered your services as an audiologist? Is volunteer work important to you?
11. What type of workplace culture do you create for your team?
12. What do you do to challenge yourself professionally?
13. Tell me about you post-secondary education. What was your favorite course and why?
14. As an audiologist you must be able to think on your feet. Would you consider yourself more of a critical thinker or a creative problem solver?
15. How do you market yourself to attract new patients to your practice?
16. I'd like to further understand your current role. Walk me through your process when examining a patient.
17. If you had to choose a career other than audiology, what path would you choose?
18. Do you feel that you personally benefit from this career choice? How so?
19. When did you decide you wanted to be an audiologist?
20. Do you enjoy visiting clinics, hospitals and schools while working?
21. What type of work environment do you thrive in?
22. If a walk-in arrived at your office for an initial visit but had no appointment and you were really busy, how would you make time for the potential patient?
23. What learning experiences, or events, would you like to attend that might improve your own education?
24. How well did you work with the front office staff at your previous job?
25. What form of aural rehabilitation do you use in your current position?
26. How do you currently follow up with your patients to monitor the status of their hearing aid?
27. Other than your audiogram, how do you assess a patients needs?
28. What procedures do you recommend using when giving a patient their initial exam?
29. Have you ever fitted a patient with a hearing aid, and it went wrong? Maybe the device did not work properlly?
30. Have you ever had a patient want to return a hearing aid? How did you handle that?

Audiologist Interview Questions

1. Do you prefer working with children or senior citizens?

2. How would your patients describe you?

3. How would your peers describe you?

4. What are your salary requirements?

5. What is your biggest weakness?

6. What is your greatest strength?

7. In your current position are you responsible for managing inventory and ordering equipment such as hearing devices?

8. Are you experienced in hiring clinic staff? Is this a responsibility that you are comfortable with?

9. Do you feel that it is important for an audiologist to learn sign language?

10. Have you recently volunteered your services as an audiologist? Is volunteer work important to you?

11. What type of workplace culture do you create for your team?

12. What do you do to challenge yourself professionally?

13. Tell me about you post-secondary education. What was your favorite course and why?

14. As an audiologist you must be able to think on your feet. Would you consider yourself more of a critical thinker or a creative problem solver?

15. How do you market yourself to attract new patients to your practice?

16. I'd like to further understand your current role. Walk me through your process when examining a patient.

17. If you had to choose a career other than audiology, what path would you choose?

18. Do you feel that you personally benefit from this career choice? How so?

19. When did you decide you wanted to be an audiologist?

20. Do you enjoy visiting clinics, hospitals and schools while working?

21. What type of work environment do you thrive in?

22. If a walk-in arrived at your office for an initial visit but had no appointment and you were really busy, how would you make time for the potential patient?

23. What learning experiences, or events, would you like to attend that might improve your own education?

24. How well did you work with the front office staff at your previous job?

25. What form of aural rehabilitation do you use in your current position?

26. How do you currently follow up with your patients to monitor the status of their hearing aid?

27. Other than your audiogram, how do you assess a patients needs?

28. What procedures do you recommend using when giving a patient their initial exam?

29. Have you ever fitted a patient with a hearing aid, and it went wrong? Maybe the device did not work properlly?

30. Have you ever had a patient want to return a hearing aid? How did you handle that?