Psychologist Mock Interview
30 Questions Created By Heather Douglass
To help you prepare for your Psychologist interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.
1. What is your availability in an emergency? If you are not available, what are my alternatives?
How to Answer
As a Psychologist, there will be times that you'll be on call as the emergency provider. If you've held this role before, tell the interviewer how you quickly you responded to the calls, if you were able to triage over the phone and if you met your patients at the emergency room if needed.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"In the past, I have rotated as an on-call provider. I keep a work cell phone specifically for that reason."
Written by Heather Douglass
2. What other hospitals have you applied to?
How to Answer
This question could be a way for you to practice your negotiation skills. If you are applying to other hospitals be sure to say so. Word travels fast when hiring managers are calling around to find out more about you. Be sure to tell the interviewer why you chose to apply for their position and why you would like this job over the others that you have applied to. Don't discuss who pays more but who can offer more opportunity and would be the best fit for you.
Here's a sample answer: "I have applied to two other hospitals in the area. The reason I applied to this position was that the position is a Child Psychologist. I have 10 years experience working with children and have enjoyed every minute of it."
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"I have applied to two other hospitals in the area. The reason I applied to this position was that the position is a Child Psychologist. I have 10 years experience working with children and have enjoyed every minute of it."
Written by Heather Douglass
3. Do you consider yourself an introvert, and extrovert, or both? Explain your answer.
How to Answer
If you enjoy recharging your batteries by spending time alone then you are an introvert. If you thrive by being around people and all the action then you are viewed as an extrovert. If you answer the question as being an introvert make sure you don't make it too awkward and end up not being able to work with a team. If you have been described as an extrovert than being the center of attention is what you need just be sure to sensor your answer.
Written by Heather Douglass
4. What is the most valuable lesson you've learned on the job?
How to Answer
Was your most valuable lesson you learned a skill or trait? Did you learn something about yourself while on the job? Tell the interviewer a story about a valuable lesson you learned on the job.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"I've learned to understand another person's situation from their perspective instead of seeing it from the the top down."
Written by Heather Douglass
5. What did you like least about your previous position?
How to Answer
Do you loathe working the night shift? Irritated that your hospital doesn't have enough resources to work with? Was your last supervisor hard to work for? When you answer this question, don't be negative or talk about anyone in a negative way.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"At my last position we were understaffed. I'm fine working night shift but there were only three of us to rotate the shift so we all worked it quite often."
Written by Heather Douglass
6. What did you like most about your previous position?
How to Answer
As a Psychologist, what made you want to come to work each day? Was it the team that you were a part of or the excitement of a new case every day? Relay to the interviewer what you liked best and that you are excited about the opportunity to find it in the new position.
Here is an example: "At my last job I worked with a great team of professionals. I look forward to meeting the team here and build professional working relationships."
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"At my last job I worked with a great team of professionals. I look forward to meeting the team here and build professional working relationships."
Written by Heather Douglass
7. Share an experience in which you assisted a patient in planning.
How to Answer
As a Psychologist, you encourage your patients to actively participate in their care. As a Psychologist sometimes all you need to do is provide the tools and the patient can put together their own plan. Talk the interviewer through a scenario where you've assisted a patient in planning.
Written by Heather Douglass
8. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
How to Answer
Like a lot of working professionals, you may have worked with a horrible boss. Your interview is not the time to bring up your work horrors. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you might as well walk out of the interview right then. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"There have been times that my supervisor and I didn't see eye to eye but that's alright. We both respect one another and listen to what each other"‹ has to say."
Written by Heather Douglass
9. What kind of salary do you need?
How to Answer
Don't fall into this trap. You could possibly ruin your chances of landing this position if you answer first. Try to be as general as you can when answering this question. Tell the interviewer that it can depend on the details of the job.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?"
Written by Heather Douglass
10. Why did you leave your last job?
How to Answer
When answering this question it's important to stay positive regardless of what the circumstances were. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"I left my last job because of downsizing within my clinic. I valued the time that I had there but know that everything happens for a reason."
Written by Heather Douglass
11. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
This is one of the most often asked question in interviews. Have your short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless prompted otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present. Highlight your skills, accomplishments, and goals.
Written by Heather Douglass
12. What is the key to success when communicating with the public?
How to Answer
Good communication skills are key to success as a Psychologist not only in work but in life and relationships. As a Psychologist, ineffective communication can cause misunderstanding, frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly delivered. Tell the interviewer that you plan out what you want to say and why that you actively listen and encourage the patient to participate.
Written by Heather Douglass
13. Do you know anyone who works for us?
How to Answer
This question could play in your favor if one of your friends, their fellow employees, has good work ethic and will say a few nice things on your behalf. Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends, not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of. Asking that friend if you can name drop would be best so they aren't caught off guard by the interviewer.
Written by Heather Douglass
14. Will you work with a child's school and teachers?
How to Answer
As a Psychologist, you know that you'll need to get insight on your patients from other people. When treating a patient you recognize that working with the child's school and teacher will provide valuable information as they spend the majority of their day with your patient. Tell the interviewer what types of testing you request and how it has helped in the past.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"When seeing children in my clinic I often rely on IQ/Achievement tests from both the child and the teacher. The results help confirm my diagnosis."
Written by Heather Douglass
15. Describe some of the research projects you've been involved with.
How to Answer
This question is your chance to tell the interviewer what exciting projects you've been a part of. If you are a new graduate this is a great chance to tell the interviewer about research projects you took part of while in school. Tell the interviewer what the project was, what your role was, what information you gathered and what the outcome was.
Written by Heather Douglass
Answer Example
"I'm currently working alongside student at the University of Las Vegas to determine if music positively effects patients suffering from TBI."
Written by Heather Douglass
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