Have you ever prevented a problem because you were able to anticipate one person's reaction to another person?

"I prevented a problem while working at a juvenile detention center. We had a new supervisor who was very abrupt with everyone I worked with. One day he snapped at one of my coworkers, who was known for his short temper. I could see my coworker was about to yell back at our supervisor and I stepped in and asked my coworker to help me with an urgent situation. I diverted his attention and he left the room with me. I explained to him that I could see he needed to cool down and if he yelled at the supervisor, he would be fired. We walked around for a few minutes until he calmed down, and we went back to work."

Working as a Psychiatric Aide, you need to have a good sense of how patients might react and interject to avoid a problem. You must be good at reading body language and facial expressions and be willing to step in when needed to deescalate a situation. You must have these critical thinking skills to protect yourself, your patients, and your coworkers. Describe a time when you anticipated a person's reaction and deescalated the situation.

Do you have anything else to add?

"Yes, I would like to add that I have worked for the past three years as a Psychiatric Aide, and I want to work at this facility, which is larger and more progressive than my last. I have skills, knowledge, compassion, and would be a great addition to your team. I want to thank each of you for your time today."

This is your last chance to sell yourself at the interview and to thank the interview panel for their time. Do not answer that you have nothing more to add. If a question wasn't asked during the interview about your skills, goals, or professional development, now is the opportunity to add a little something about that.

What would you do if you saw a coworker stealing a patient's belongings?

"If I saw a coworker stealing, I would immediately go into a private area and notify my supervisor. I would give details about what I saw, and I would not confront my coworker. I understand it is the supervisor's duty to handle employee issues."

Employers want honest, trustworthy employees. The best response if you saw a coworker stealing is to privately and immediately contact your supervisor. It is the supervisor's job to handle employee issues, not yours. They want to be notified so you are not the one who will be retaliated against.

How would you respond if a patient attacked you?

"If I were attacked by a patient, I would yell for help and try to get their hands behind their back and restrain them until help arrived. My priority is to protect myself, the patient, and anyone else who is around."

Every facility has protocols or procedures on what to do if a patient attacks you. If you can learn the procedures of the facility you are interviewing with before your interview, respond how they deem appropriate. If you do not know their procedures, respond by emphasizing how you would try to control the situation without you or the patient becoming injured. If a patient has attacked you, describe your experience.

How do you keep yourself mentally and physically fit?

"For me, mental and physical shape go hand in hand. When I exercise, it puts me in a good place mentally and physically. I love being outdoors and work out 5-6 days a week. I enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, and yoga."

You need to be in shape mentally and physically to work as a Psychiatric Aide. Working with psychiatric patients can be mentally exhausting at times, and in some situations, you may have to restrain a patient. Describe what you do to keep yourself in mental and physical shape.

How would your past coworkers describe you?

"I think my past coworkers would describe me as dependable, compassionate, and trustworthy. They know they can depend on me to show up on time and do my job without supervision. I am compassionate with my patients, their families, and my coworkers and supervisor. They can trust that I will do what I say I am going to do."

The interviewer wants to see how you work as a team and what traits your past coworkers would use to describe you. Name three or four important qualities for the job as a Psychiatric Aide, and give a brief description of how you embody those qualities. Avoid using terms such as funny, always joking around, or lazy. These are unbecoming qualities for a Psychiatric Aide to have while at work.

What have you done to further your own professional development in the past 5 years?

"In the past five years, I finished my associate's degree and bachelor's degree in psychology. I want to work as an administrator in a psychiatric hospital and have taken leadership and public speaking courses and received certificates of completion. I am also a member of Toastmasters, where I am improving my public speaking skills. I believe professional development is essential in this field, so one is always learning and improving their skills and knowledge."

The interviewer wants to see how motivated you are to further your professional development. Describe any courses you have taken in the past five years, certificates you have received, and any volunteer work related to the psychiatric field. Explain why professional development is important to you.

How do you handle stressful situations?

"I do yoga every morning before work which reduces my stress and helps me in stressful situations. I always remain calm and help diffuse the situation. I have found when I remain calm and in charge of the situation, others follow my lead."

Stressful situations will happen when working as a Psychiatric Aide. Remaining calm and collected is a trait that is needed in this profession. Describe how you handle stress and what you do to help diffuse a stressful situation. You can even explain what you do on your days off as a stress-reliever.

What kinds of additional responsibilities or challenges have you taken on?

"In my last job, I was working as a counselor in a group home for troubled teens. My supervisor seemed upset one day, and I asked if I could do anything to help. She said the group home just lost a big part of their budget, and she was putting together a training program for the parents to attend. She lost most of the budget that was meant to pay a printing company for the pamphlets she was going to send to the parents, which described the program. That money was also going to pay for the training curriculum for the course. I offered to print the pamphlets at the group home on my break and came up with another solution to give the pamphlets to parents when they came to pick up their children, which saved on postage. We decided to print the training curriculum after the group home closed in the evening and put the training packets together ourselves. We volunteered our time, but the training program came together, and it was a success."

Show you are a team player with a strong work ethic. Describe additional responsibilities you have taken on to help your supervisor, classmates, professors, or coworkers. These additional responsibilities could be as a Psychiatric Aide, in school, or working in another type of industry. Or, explain something that was challenging for you and describe how you worked through it.

What are your career goals?

"My career goals are to advance in this field. In the next five years, I want to work as a school psychologist. I am taking courses towards my bachelor's degree in psychology and will complete my courses next year. Then I plan on working towards my master's degree in school psychology."

The interviewer is looking to see how motivated you are and if you plan on continuing your education to advance in the field. Share what goals you have for the next 3-5 years and how those goals apply to the psychiatry field. Explain how you will achieve those goals.

What experience do you have in this field?

"The only experience I have in this field is from talking with a person I have befriended who has schizophrenia. He is a homeless man who I pass every day on my way to work. I started bringing him small gifts like food, water, candy, and toiletry items I thought he might need. At first, he would only give a quick thank you, but he started talking more over time. One day I asked if I could buy him a cup of coffee so we could talk more, and he said sure. When we were having coffee, he told me about his schizophrenia. The more I talked to him, the more intrigued I became. He is the reason I decided to become a Psychiatric Aide. I hope to have the opportunity to work for this agency so I can gain clinical experience in the field."

Describe any relevant experience you have in the mental health field. Talk about any schooling, certifications, or volunteer work you have done. If you have a friend or family member with a mental illness, talk about your experience with them. If you do not have any experience in the field, be honest and tell the interviewer that you do not have experience. Explain to them that you are excited to have the opportunity to work for the agency interviewing you, which will give you experience in the field.

What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a Psychiatric Aide?

"In the past year, I have been taking psychology courses at the community college to gain a better understanding of the human mind while working towards my associate's degree. For the past six months, I have been riding along once a week with the police department's mental health assessment team. They go out when they receive a possible mental health call and assess the individual. If they are deemed a threat to themselves or others, they are taken to the hospital on a 5150 hold. I have gained invaluable experience from both my classes and the ride alongs."

The interviewer wants to see the steps you are taking to improve your skills or knowledge as a Psychiatric Aide. Talk about any classes you took, certifications you received, or any community or volunteer work. You can even talk a bit about career goals if you plan on advancing your career in psychiatry.

Give an example of a time when you dealt calmly and effectively in a volatile situation.

"Two months ago, I was broadsided in my passenger side while traveling through a green light. A delivery van struck me as they were running a red light. No one was injured, but both the van and my truck were very damaged. We both got out of our vehicles, and the other driver started yelling at me, saying I caused the accident. He was screaming at me and in my face, and I thought he would punch me. I did not argue with him. I just stepped back and asked if he was injured. He looked surprised that I didn't yell back, and said he was fine, and asked if I was hurt. I told him I was fine and that the important thing was we were both okay. I told him that we would get this straightened out; we just needed to stay calm. He was immediately apologetic and said he knew he ran the red light, but he was afraid he would lose his job, so he yelled at me. We shook hands and waited for the police to arrive."

Psychiatric Aides need to be calm, have critical thinking and decision-making skills, and diffuse volatile situations effectively. Mentally ill patients can suddenly change their moods, and you need to know how to work with them. Speaking calmly while helping during their crisis is an essential skill to have. Give an example of when you were calm in a volatile situation, whether it was with a mentally ill patient or another situation.

Do you have any specialties?

"I am interested in working with dementia and Alzheimer's patients after watching my grandmother suffer from the disease. I am currently taking online courses in dementia and Alzheimer's recognition and treatment and will receive certification as a dementia support aide."

There are many specialties that a psychiatric aide might have. Some examples include experience in home health care, working with dementia or Alzheimer's patients, or substance abuse counseling. Describe any specialties you have, along with any certifications. If you do not have any specialties, explain to the interviewer which areas interest you as a psychiatric aide.

Tell us how your connections with coworkers help you to be successful in your work.

"I believe strong connections need to be made with coworkers so we can all succeed. It was my first time working with mentally ill patients at my last job, and I was unsure of myself. There was little to no training, so I had to watch and learn. There was one coworker who had worked at the clinic for three years. I liked how she worked with patients and how they respected her. I asked if she would be willing to train me, which she did for two weeks. I was grateful to her for taking the time to mentor me, which helped me feel comfortable in my new position. Six months later, I was the one training new employees."

Organizations want to hire people who get along with others and who will be pleasant to work with. They also want team players who work well with others. Describe connections you have made with coworkers and how they have made you successful in the workplace.

Tell us about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem which challenged fairness or ethical issues.

"I had a situation where I was working as a manager of a grocery store and had hired a family friend who was a single mom to work as a cashier. At the time, there were no surveillance videos to make sure the cashiers weren't stealing; the owner was a very trusting man. One day, I saw the friend I had hired put money from the register in her pocket. I pulled her aside and asked what she was doing, and she responded that the owner wouldn't miss the money and she was giving herself a raise. And she laughed when she said it. I told her to put the money back in the register and that she could leave and find another job. She begged me to stay and promised she wouldn't do it again. It was hard to fire a family friend who needed work, but I could not trust her after that."

The interviewer is asking this question to see what moral and ethical standards you have. They want to see that you have good values and that you are honest. This also shows them your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

"My greatest weakness is I find it hard to delegate tasks to others. I take on a job and want to do everything myself. When I started volunteering at a children's hospital, I learned that you need to delegate tasks to other team members to provide the best treatment for the patient. I have started applying that knowledge in my everyday life, and I am getting better at delegating and asking for help."

Many interviewers will ask this question. Choose a weakness that pertains to the job and briefly describe what that weakness is and what steps you are taking to improve it. Showing you identify weaknesses and can find ways to improve them shows humility and growth.

What is your greatest strength?

"I believe my greatest strength is my ability to remain calm in stressful situations and when working under pressure. I worked in the restaurant industry before coming into this field, and we were always busy with a long wait for customers. Some customers would be upset with the wait and take it out on me when serving them. I always remained pleasant and provided excellent customer service. At the end of their meal, most of my customers were happy and laughing. I was always the server who made the most tips because I did not let the customers get to me."

Most people have many strengths. Choose your greatest strength as it applies to the position as a Psychiatric Aide. It could be your ability to work with different types of people, your compassion, or excellent customer service skills. The interviewer wants to see how your greatest strength will benefit their organization.

Would you consider yourself a person with a lot of patience?

"I do consider myself a person who has a lot of patience. Growing up, I watched over my three younger siblings after school while my parents worked. I helped them with their homework, made dinner, and got them ready for bed. That taught me a lot of patience since they always tried to break the rules when my parents were gone. That experience has carried over into my professional life, as well."

Patience is required when working in the field of psychiatry. Explain a situation where you had to be patient and how you managed that. If you are not a patient person, describe the steps you are taking to overcome that. Ideally, you should avoid telling the interviewer that you do not have patience.

Why are you the best candidate for us?

"I am the best candidate for you because I have a strong work ethic and am compassionate and empathetic towards others. I show up to work well before my shift, I am meticulous in my duties, and I have the ability to listen and understand what each patient needs. I desire to continue my education and promote within your organization."

The interviewer is looking to see if you would be a good fit for their organization. Describe the traits and qualities that you have that will enhance and benefit their company. Use examples that describe your personality, professionalism, and work ethic.

What do you know about our organization?

"I know that your organization offers treatment programs for all types of mental illness from seven days all the way up to one year. You offer private rooms and bathrooms to all patients and allow families to visit on the weekends if the patient wishes. Your approach is much like staying at a spa or resort, and you promote peace and tranquility. All rooms face the gardens and fountains, and you encourage the patients to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Many of your counseling sessions are outside, which is an approach I really like."

Before any interview, it is important to do your research on the company or organization you are applying to. Let the interviewer know you have done your research. Explain the highlights of the organization that stands out to you.

Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Aide?

"I chose a career as a Psychiatric Aide because I have been interested in the field since I was a little kid. My mom is a school psychologist and works with troubled youth. I want to follow the same career path as her, and working as a Psychiatric Aide will give me experience while I complete my schooling."

The interviewer might ask why you want to enter the field of psychiatry, but this question is more specific to the position as a Psychiatric Aide. Explain why you chose to work as a Psychiatric Aide over other professions in the field. It may be that this is a stepping stone, and your goal is to be a psychologist, nurse, or administrator. If so, let the interviewer know your career goals.

How will you be able to tolerate being in a mental health facility for your career?

"I know working in a mental health facility will be challenging at times. I prepare myself mentally by reminding myself why I chose this career and the contribution I can make to help my patients. Every day before work, I do 30 minutes of yoga which helps me have a clear mind throughout the day. I also believe that doing things on my days off to reduce stress is essential."

For some people, it can be difficult working in a mental health facility for an entire career. It can be physically and mentally taxing and can depend on the severity of your patient's illness. Describe how you would handle the stress of the job and how you prepare yourself for this type of work.

What experiences do you have dealing with mentally ill patients?

"I am new to this field, so I do not have experience working with mentally ill patients. I have volunteered for the past year at a soup kitchen at my church and have encountered many people with what appears to be mental illness. After I am done serving their meals, I like to sit with them and get to know them as a person. Some people have confided that they are schizophrenic or bipolar, and it has given me insight into their diseases."

Describe any experience you have with people who are mentally ill. It could be experience as a psychiatric aide, or if you are new to the field, explain any interactions you have had with people with mental illness. It could be a friend or relative, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or working in another profession where you encountered people with mental illness. If you do not have experience, describe what steps you are taking to gain experience.

Why do you want to enter this field?

"I want to enter this field because I have an older brother who has suffered from depression his entire life. My parents finally realized what was wrong and got him the help he needed to be happy. His sadness had a big impact on me growing up, and I was so relieved when he found a good therapist and was put on medication. We have a great relationship now, and I want to help others achieve that happiness."

The interviewer wants to know what motivated you to enter the psychiatric field. You might have a friend or family member who has a mental illness, or you may have seen a counselor for treatment which inspired you to work in the field. Avoid answering because you want to help people. Professionals in the psychiatric field want to help people, but you should expand on why you want to help them.

Psychiatric Aides Interview Questions

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1. Have you ever prevented a problem because you were able to anticipate one person's reaction to another person?
2. Do you have anything else to add?
3. What would you do if you saw a coworker stealing a patient's belongings?
4. How would you respond if a patient attacked you?
5. How do you keep yourself mentally and physically fit?
6. How would your past coworkers describe you?
7. What have you done to further your own professional development in the past 5 years?
8. How do you handle stressful situations?
9. What kinds of additional responsibilities or challenges have you taken on?
10. What are your career goals?
11. What experience do you have in this field?
12. What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a Psychiatric Aide?
13. Give an example of a time when you dealt calmly and effectively in a volatile situation.
14. Do you have any specialties?
15. Tell us how your connections with coworkers help you to be successful in your work.
16. Tell us about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem which challenged fairness or ethical issues.
17. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
18. What is your greatest strength?
19. Would you consider yourself a person with a lot of patience?
20. Why are you the best candidate for us?
21. What do you know about our organization?
22. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Aide?
23. How will you be able to tolerate being in a mental health facility for your career?
24. What experiences do you have dealing with mentally ill patients?
25. Why do you want to enter this field?

Psychiatric Aides Interview Questions

1. Have you ever prevented a problem because you were able to anticipate one person's reaction to another person?

2. Do you have anything else to add?

3. What would you do if you saw a coworker stealing a patient's belongings?

4. How would you respond if a patient attacked you?

5. How do you keep yourself mentally and physically fit?

6. How would your past coworkers describe you?

7. What have you done to further your own professional development in the past 5 years?

8. How do you handle stressful situations?

9. What kinds of additional responsibilities or challenges have you taken on?

10. What are your career goals?

11. What experience do you have in this field?

12. What have you done in the past year to better yourself as a Psychiatric Aide?

13. Give an example of a time when you dealt calmly and effectively in a volatile situation.

14. Do you have any specialties?

15. Tell us how your connections with coworkers help you to be successful in your work.

16. Tell us about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem which challenged fairness or ethical issues.

17. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

18. What is your greatest strength?

19. Would you consider yourself a person with a lot of patience?

20. Why are you the best candidate for us?

21. What do you know about our organization?

22. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Aide?

23. How will you be able to tolerate being in a mental health facility for your career?

24. What experiences do you have dealing with mentally ill patients?

25. Why do you want to enter this field?