How to Answer: How long do your counseling sessions last?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Health Educator job interview.
11. How long do your counseling sessions last?
How to Answer
Your counseling sessions could last from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Let the interviewer know that you are flexible to work with the client's needs. You may prefer 60-minute sessions because it gives you enough time to review the last meeting and still have time to listen and advise your client. Explain your preference, and then ask about expectations. Share how you manage your time to set up your clients for success. Your prior work experience and client base may differ from the job you are interviewing for, and that is okay as long as you reiterate why the length of time was necessary with the clients you were working with prior.
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 13th, 2021
Entry Level
"During my internship with a private business, my experience is mostly classroom-type trainings that normally lasted about an hour to two hours at the most. However, I am open and able to be very flexible for the needs of this job moving forward and look forward to the challenge of doing 1:1 counseling sessions for the first time in a real work environment."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Answer Example
"During my time working with the university, my sessions really varied depending on the topic and whether I was 1:1 with students or in a large or small group setting. In 1:1 settings, my sessions were normally around 30 minutes long due to college students' busy schedules. If follow-ups were needed, I could assess that right away with the student and get them on the schedule for both of us. In group training sessions, I've done 30 minutes presentation to half-day trainings with ease."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 13th, 2021
Experienced
"In my current role that I've held for 12 years, the hospital setting requires me to be very flexible with
each patient and class that I encounter. The patient's needs come first, and I am willing to do what it takes with each individual or group. Part of my role is brief 20-minute discharge meetings with patients to discuss healthy living choices, and part of it is putting on three-hour classes for weight management. Each session that I operate has a distinct message, and the time is based on my messaging."
Written by Ryan Brunner