30 Psychiatric Technicians Interview Questions

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Answer Examples

How would you deal with an escalating patient?

As a Psychiatric Technician, you know the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Let the interviewer know that you would call in for reinforcements just in case you needed assistance. Walk the interviewer through a scenario and how you would handle it. Tell the interviewer that you would use the patient's name, speak softer than normal, remain calm and request a calm provider to join you.

Rachelle's Answer

"Whenever dealing with a potentially disruptive patient I'm always sure to have one of my coworkers on standby as well as treat the patient with the door open. Situations can escalate quickly so I can respond quickly if needed."

What is the most difficult part of being a Psychiatric Technician?

As a Psychiatric Technician, you may face a few challenges along the road. Choose to share a difficulty that can be learned or changed. Be honest with your response.

Rachelle's Answer

" One of the most difficult parts of being a Psychiatric Technician is trying to help people that I don't like. Perpetrators of violence, angry clients who dislike people who don't think as they do, aggressive clients who wish others, including the therapist, harm. These are the people that I find it difficult to work with. They have been the hardest part of my job so far."

Name a time when your patience was tested.

As a Psychiatric Technician, there are many times that your patience is tested. You may have had a difficult patient or interaction with a co-worker. Tell the interviewer what the situation was, how you handled it and what you learned from it.

Rachelle's Answer

Psychiatric technicians must be very clear communicators. Tell me about your communication style.

Good communication skills are key to success as a Psychiatric Technician not only in work but in life and relationships. As a Psychiatric Technician, ineffective communication can cause misunderstanding, frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly delivered. Tell the interviewer which type of communication you use with your patients.

Rachelle's Answer

"My communication style with my patients is assertive. I'm an effective, active listener. I state limits, expectations, states observations and I don't label or judge others."

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

The importance of this question is to tell the interviewer that you are not sitting stagnant but are seeking out new opportunities to learn your job. Tell the interviewer about the CE credits you are working on, additional college courses you are taking and the opportunities at work to get some more on the job training.

Rachelle's Answer

"I spend my free time volunteering. Not only does it make me a better Psychiatric Technician but a better person."

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

Being too critical of yourself and attempting to please everyone are common weaknesses that fellow technicians may admit to. Whatever your weakness be sure that you've rehearsed it a few times so you don't stumble on the answer.

Rachelle's Answer

"I feel that my management skills could be stronger, and I am constantly working to improve them."

Being a psychiatric technician is a very emotionally demanding career. How do you handle stress and pressure?

The interviewer is asking this question to hear more about your stress relief. Do you run marathons? Work out? Do Yoga? Curl up with a good book? Tell the interviewer how you deal with stress both at work and outside of work. The interviewer needs to know that you are not a loose cannon and that you can handle the stress that comes along with being a Psychiatric Technician.

Rachelle's Answer

"While I'm at work I enjoy listening to soothing music on my lunch breaks. When I leave the office I do yoga with my husband."

What is your greatest strength?

As a Psychiatric Technician, it would be a great idea to tell the interviewer about some personal traits that are vital to be a successful technician. Telling the interviewer about your dedication, honesty, enthusiasm, and versatility is a great way to answer this question.

Rachelle's Answer

"My strength is my flexibility to handle change. As the lead Psychiatric Technician in my last job, I was able to turn around a negative working environment and develop a very supportive team."

What are your salary expectations?

This can be a tricky question to answer. You could talk your way out of a job if your expectation is too high or give the impression you don't have the qualifications if your expectation is too low. Always do your homework to see what the average salary is as a Psychiatric Technician in your area. Feel free to flip the tables and ask the interviewer what the salary range is.

Rachelle's Answer

"Money isn’t a key factor and you’re goal is to advance in your career."

10.

What are your long term career plans?

This question is being asked to determine if you are likely to stay with the company in the future. Best to tell the interviewer about goals you have within the industry. If you steer away from the mental health field you may worry the interviewer.

Rachelle's Answer

11.

How would your coworkers describe you?

Consider qualities that are relevant to this position. Talking about your love for people. You're the one who everyone calls for advice. You're the one who always plans trips and events. Think about the qualities that correspond. The kudos you have received from your teammates and the handwritten thank you notes you have received following baby showers for co-workers all give you hints about how to answer this question. Think about all of the positive things your co-workers have mentioned to you along the way. Pick 2-3 encouraging things these people have said about you that show off some of the strengths that are important to have as a hygienist. Maybe that baby shower thank you note mentions your caring attitude. Perhaps your teammate thanked you recently for always working so hard to achieve goals you are working on. Don't be afraid to brag a little, but keep it relevant.

Rachelle's Answer

"My co-workers would describe me as being attentive to patients, knowledgeable and empathetic."

12.

Provide an experience in which you were sensitive to somone's needs or feelings. How did your helpfulness affect your work environment?

As a Psychiatric Technician, your job is to be sensitive to your patient's needs. The interviewer wants to hear how you interact with your co-workers and how you communicate with them. Tell the interviewer about a time a coworker had a hard time and you took the time to listen, advise and follow up with them.

Rachelle's Answer

"My co-worker was quite emotional one day and not really talking to anyone. I invited her to lunch away from the office so she had a chance to open up to me if she wanted to. We had a great lunch and she was able to find comfort in me which made her more productive that day and our work relationship even better"

13.

Why do you want to work for our company?

The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about some aspect of the organization. What do you like most about this company? Have you heard great things about it? Do they offer great benefits? Does the job have a unique aspect that appeals to you? Simply share what you like most about the company, and share that this is a big part of why you want to work for this organization!

Rachelle's Answer

"I like that it is a family run practice. Your mission is focused on creating a balanced and healthy work environment that will allow me to have a flexible schedule and work in a fun, positive environment."

14.

How would your former employer describe you?

Being honest, having a positive attitude, taking initiative, caring about coworkers, doing more than expected, being reliable and responsible, learning new skills and being a team player are all great ways to answer this question. Tell the interviewer about a time you went above and beyond and how your employer recognized you for it.

Rachelle's Answer

"My last employer would describe me as the go-to for the office. I bring many years and a lot of experience to the job."

15.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Psychiatric Technician?

This question is your chance to really show the passion you have for your work. Stay positive and upbeat and even share a story if you'd like.

Rachelle's Answer

"Directly interacting with clients is the most rewarding part of being a Psychiatric Technician."

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