Do you work well under pressure?

"I do work well under pressure and seem to do my best work in stressful situations. At my previous job, I had a patient who was undergoing a psychotic episode. I was called to the house by his family, who had also called the police because he had become violent and was threatening his brother with a knife. I was one hour away on a business trip, so I could not go to the house immediately. I was able to get my patient on the phone, and I calmed him down. He released the knife before the police arrived. He did not harm himself or others and was taken in for a mental health evaluation. During the evaluation, the staff discovered that he had flushed his meds down the toilet and was using heroin, which resulted in his psychotic episode."

Working well under pressure is a valuable and critical quality to have as a rehabilitation counselor. When a person works well under pressure, it shows that they perform well under challenging circumstances, which employers are looking for. When an employee works well under pressure, they can quickly make decisions, stay calm, and think logically and rationally. Describe a relevant situation in which you had to perform under pressure.

How do you handle stressful situations?

"I handle stressful situations by remaining calm and in control of the situation. I maintain my professionalism by listening to what is causing the stress and solving the problem. I recently encountered a stressful situation when a patient's family member called me and said their son had been fired from a job after I had placed him there a week before. Without their son's job, he would not financially support himself, and he lost his healthcare. I met with the employer and found there had been an argument between my patient and a customer. My patient was working on anger issues, and the employer determined he could not work with customers. I asked if there was another position that did not involve customers and if the employer was willing to place him in that position. He did have another administrative position that was a fit for my patient's skillset. The employer agreed to rehire my patient, and the situation was resolved."

As a rehabilitation counselor, you must be able to handle stressful situations, as you will be presented with them daily. Your patients and their family members will be going through stressful situations, and you must respond to their needs. The interviewer wants to know how you diffuse stressful situations. Describe how you calmly and efficiently maintain your professionalism when faced with stress, providing an example in your answer.

Tell me about your communication skills.

"I would describe my verbal and written communication skills as excellent. I understand that many of my patients have a disability that might make it hard to comprehend what is being said. When working with my patients, I like to take complex information and explain it in simpler terms. I then ask my patient to repeat what I have told them to make sure they understand what I am saying."

Rehabilitation counselors must have excellent communication skills since they work with patients who may have cognitive, physical, social, or emotional disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors must explain ideas and concepts in a straightforward manner so that a patient can easily understand them. The interviewer wants to see that you have the skills they are looking for.

Do you have any questions for me?

"Yes, I do have one question for you. When do you plan on filling this position?"

Often, interviewers will ask this as the last question. If asked, you always want to answer in the affirmative and ask a question. Be sure your question isn't one that could be answered by looking at the company website when doing research. Your question could be asking when they plan to fill the position, when you might hear back from them, or what they like most about working for the company.

Our office is open two weekends per month. Are you available to work weekends if needed?

"Yes, I am available to work weekends. I figured that might be a requirement since your office is open some weekends. I have no other weekend obligations and would be happy to work weekends when needed."

Most likely, if working weekends were required for the position, it would have been posted in the job description. If working occasional weekends is required, you should be aware of that by the time you go to your interview, and it should not be an issue for you. If it wasn't posted in the job requirements, the interviewer is letting you know that it might be a requirement. To be considered for the position, you should answer that you are available.

How did you hear about this position?

"I heard about this position from a colleague on LinkedIn. They saw the job announcement on Indeed and thought I would be a perfect fit. I had mentioned to my friends that I was looking for a position where there was room for advancement, which my current position does not offer."

Interviewers want to learn how you heard about the job opening to see if you know someone within the organization. They are also looking to see what advertising is working for them. A lot of money is spent advertising job openings, and they want to see what advertising platforms are working the best for them. Explain how you heard about the position.

If hired, when could you start?

"If hired, I would need to give my current employer two weeks' notice so I would not leave them in a bind. If they can fill my position before two weeks and they do not need me to train my replacement, I could start earlier."

If you are currently working, it is customary to give your employer two weeks' notice before leaving your position. It shows the interviewer that you are respectful and considerate of your employer. If you are not working, it scores higher points with the interviewer if you say you can start immediately. It shows your eagerness and enthusiasm to start working at once with the organization.

Are you able to travel if needed?

"I can travel if needed. I enjoy traveling and look forward to the opportunity if hired."

Most likely, if travel were required for the position, it would have been posted in the job description. If travel is required, you should be aware of that by the time you go to your interview, and it should not be an issue for you. If it wasn't posted in the job requirements, the interviewer is letting you know that it might be a requirement. If you want a better chance of being hired, you should respond that you can travel if needed. If you need advance notice to arrange child or pet care, let the interviewer know how much notice is required.

What do you like to do in your free time?

"In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities. Since I am indoors most of the time, I spend most of the time outdoors on my days off. I love gardening, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. I also enjoy pottery and have set up a small studio at my house where my family and I can work with our hands and create fun projects."

The interviewer wants to learn more about you as a person and how you spend your downtime. Rehabilitation counselors need to destress on their days off, and the interviewer wants to see how you do that. Describe some healthy activities or hobbies that you enjoy doing in your free time.

How would your previous employer describe you?

"My previous employer has described me in performance reviews as a positive, energetic, and empathetic counselor who has incredible problem-solving and organizational skills. They described me as a counselor with a strong work ethic who treats all patients with kindness and compassion."

The interviewer may have contacted your previous employer for a reference, so you should be honest about how you think your previous employer would describe you. If you have a letter of recommendation from your previous employer, now is an excellent time to offer a copy to your interviewer. Use keywords that your employer used to describe you in the letter. If you do not have a letter, you can use keywords your employer used in performance reviews.

Why should we hire you?

"I am sure you have many qualified applicants for this position. However, you should hire me because I have seven years of experience in the field. I am also known for my compassion and patient-centered care. I believe the tools I provide should enable the patient to manage their health and quality of life and achieve their goals. I have a very high success rate with rehabilitation, and I genuinely care about my patient's well-being. I have an impeccable work history and reputation in the industry that will benefit your organization if hired."

This is the perfect time to sell yourself. Talk about the experience, qualities, and skills you will bring to the table if hired. Reread the job description before your interview and use keywords the organization used when describing its ideal candidate. Let the interviewer know how hiring you will benefit and improve the organization. Be concise yet thorough in your answer.

Are you a patient person?

"I am a patient person and would be in the wrong profession if I was not! Being patient is one of my greatest strengths and is a trait that all healthcare professionals must have. Our patients rely on us to treat them with kindness and compassion, which goes hand in hand with being patient and genuinely showing you care."

Patience is an essential trait to have as a rehabilitation counselor. You work with patients who have mental and health issues, cognitive disabilities, or other psychological or physiological difficulties. The interviewer wants to hear that you are a patient person and that you will be the right fit for their organization.

What is your definition of confidentiality?

"My definition of confidentiality as it relates to patient care is the act of keeping my patient's private information safe and secure from others. That is, I do not talk about my patient or release their names to others who are not directly involved in their care. I do not release information to the patient's family members or friends without the patient's written authorization to do so."

Patient confidentiality is one of a patient's rights in the medical profession. Keeping the patient's information safe and secure from others is an essential component in the counselor/patient relationship. The definition of confidentiality is 'the state of keeping or being kept secret or private.' The interviewer wants to ensure that if hired, you will follow patient confidentiality laws. Describe how you define confidentiality and the importance of it in your profession.

Do you think it is possible to rehabilitate?

"I do think it is possible to rehabilitate, and I have seen first hand how rehabilitation counselors can help. Most of my patients have been rehabilitated when following the treatment plan. For instance, I recently had a young man with Aspergers Syndrome who could not communicate effectively and had trouble finding a job. My team and I helped him develop his social skills and were able to find him a job that fit his abilities. He is thriving in his work and has made new friends along the way."

Rehabilitation is an essential part of a rehabilitation counselor's job. You would most likely not be in this profession if you did not think a patient could rehabilitate. While some patients find it difficult to rehabilitate if they are not following the treatment plan, rehabilitation should be offered to anyone who needs it. Explain why you believe it is possible to rehabilitate and give an example of a patient who has improved with your help.

What kind of work environment do you thrive in?

"My ideal work environment is one where the team members have an excellent work ethic and a strong sense of camaraderie. I like working with positive, intelligent, and upbeat people who know how to have fun but get work done in a professional manner, always putting the patient first."

Before your interview, it is recommended to research the company so you know what they're looking for in a candidate, what type of work environment they offer, and what their mission statement and core values are. By doing your research, you will be better equipped to answer questions like this. Use keywords you find in your research to describe the type of work environment you thrive in.

Tell me about yourself.

"I began my career as an emergency medical technician, which is when I became interested in pursuing a career as a rehabilitation counselor. I would help patients on a call, but I was always left wondering what happened to them after leaving them at the hospital. A physician friend suggested I look into becoming a rehabilitation counselor, and I never looked back. I have my master's degree in rehabilitation counseling and have worked as a counselor for the past three years. I am looking at a job change because I work in a small rehab practice and want to work with a larger company and expand my expertise. That is why I applied for this position, as you are the largest rehab facility in the area and are recognized as the top facility in the state."

When telling the interviewer about yourself, mention past and present experiences as they relate to the position. Focus on your strengths and abilities and highlight your skills. Be sure to give a concise summary of your background and include any traits or qualities that make you stand out from other candidates.

Why did you choose to become a rehabilitation counselor?

"I chose a career as a rehabilitation counselor because I grew up surrounded by counselors, therapists, and doctors. My little sister has autism, and we have seen many specialists over the years. I was only six years old when I decided I wanted to work in this field. My sister had a rehabilitation counselor who was so patient and kind to my sister and my family. The counselor was the first person to get my sister to talk, and after that, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up."

The interviewer is interested in your motivation behind becoming a rehabilitation counselor. It may be that you had an experience with a rehabilitation counselor, a family member or friend who works as a rehabilitation counselor, or a professor or guidance counselor who suggested the profession. Whatever it may be, give a short story of why you chose to work as a rehabilitation counselor.

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

"My greatest weakness is public speaking. I have no problem talking to my patients and their family members and am an excellent communicator. But when I have to do a lecture or presentation in front of a crowd, I freeze up. I know that is a problem I need to address, and I have joined an organization called Toastmasters. They are a nonprofit organization designed to improve public speaking and leadership skills. We meet once a week for an hour and practice giving speeches and taking on leadership roles. I already feel more confident in the two months that I have been a member."

Everyone has weaknesses. What you choose to do with that weakness is another story. The interviewer wants to hear that you have identified a work-related weakness and you are taking measures to turn that weakness into a strength. You do not need to spend a lot of time elaborating on the weakness. Just identify your weakness and the steps you are taking to improve.

What is your greatest strength?

"My greatest strength is my communication skills. I feel it is an essential quality to have as a Rehabilitation Counselor. I must take complex information and effectively communicate it to my patients so that they can understand. I effectively communicate verbally and in written form. My communication skills have been praised by professors, patients, families, and supervisors."

This is one of the most common interview questions. Identify a strength relevant to the position and describe why that particular strength will benefit the company if they hire you.

Why are you the best candidate for us?

"I am sure you have many qualified candidates, but I feel that I am the best candidate for you because of my ten years of experience in the field, along with my vast knowledge and responsibilities. I am an inspirational and enthusiastic rehabilitation counselor who enjoys training current and new employees during annually mandated training. I also have experience in clinical oversight and supervising vocational instructors through observation, meetings, and performance evaluations."

While there might be many qualified candidates applying for the position, you need to sell yourself and explain how you would benefit the company if you were hired. Read the job description before your interview and use keywords they used to describe their ideal candidate, as well as experience you have with specific duties and responsibilities they have outlined. If they are looking for an enthusiastic and inspirational rehabilitation counselor with training and oversight experience, you should mention that you are an enthusiastic and inspirational counselor with oversight experience. Be sure to include your years of experience and your specialty.

What is your greatest joy in this field?

"What brings me the greatest joy is when I can help a patient achieve independence. It is extremely satisfying to teach a patient the skills they need to live on their own and find employment."

Rehabilitation counselors work with a variety of patients who have disabilities, health conditions, or social disadvantages that make it difficult to participate in everyday activities. Describe what aspect of your job brings you the greatest joy. The interviewer wants to learn more about your personality and compassion.

What are your professional goals in the next five years?

"I see that your organization is looking for a candidate who is interested in moving up to an administrative position, which is where I see myself in the next five years. I am enrolled in a program to receive my Ph.D. in Counselor Education to meet your requirements. Until then, I see myself working for your organization and gaining valuable experience."

The interviewer wants to know if you plan on staying in your position or if you will be a short-term hire. They want to know that you have a vested interest in their company. They also want to ensure your career goals align with their organization. When asked what your career goals are for the next five years, the interviewer is asking what your professional goals are within their organization.

Tell me about your education.

"I received my Master's of Science in Psychology from Purdue University five years ago. I completed the required rehabilitation counseling exams and received my Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. I recently renewed my certification by completing the required 100 hours of continuing education units."

The interviewer wants to hear about your education and qualifications for the position. If you made it to the interview, you must have the requirements they are looking for. Most rehabilitation counselors are required to have a master's or doctoral degree. Describe the education, clinical training, and certifications you possess.

Do you have previous counseling experience?

"I have three years of experience as a rehabilitation counselor, working primarily with autistic children and adults. Before becoming a rehabilitation counselor, I worked as a camp counselor with an organization that provides summer camp options for those with disabilities. That job is what encouraged me to become a rehabilitation counselor."

The job description should have said if counseling experience was required. If you made it to the interview, you must have met their requirements. Describe how many years of experience you have. If you do not have counseling experience, explain what you learned during your rehabilitation counseling program and discuss your eagerness to gain experience in the field.

Tell me about a patient that you thought you could have done more with.

"I had a patient who had been cutting herself. I tried getting her to open up, but she was reluctant to speak with me and seemed very uncomfortable with the opposite sex. I found out that she died by suicide after it was exposed that her father had sexually abused her. I had no idea that was going on. After she died, I wished I would have noticed the signs and referred her to a female counselor that she may have been more comfortable with."

In this field, there are a variety of patients with different emotional, physical, and mental disabilities. While many patients can be helped to achieve a better quality of life, there are some that rehabilitation counselors cannot help in the way they had envisioned. Describe a time when you felt like you could have done more, and explain what happened with the patient.

Tell me about your greatest success with a patient that you have helped.

"My most successful experience was with a patient with Downs syndrome. I worked with him for two years and helped him move into an apartment with a roommate and start a business he had dreamed of. He loved cooking and wanted to open a food truck. I helped him secure a loan, purchase the truck, and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. His business was a success, and he now owns four trucks around the city."

Rehabilitation counselors help patients achieve personal, psychological, social, and vocational goals. Describe to the interviewer a particular patient who achieved great success while working with you. Be sure to protect your patient's confidentiality by omitting their name.

What kind of information do you obtain from your patient during an intake interview?

"I always obtain the same information from my patients during the intake interview. I first ask them why they are meeting with me and ask them about their medical history, work, family, and social environment, what interests them, and their emotional state. I will then ask specific questions based on their answers. I focus on their cognitive or physical disabilities and what they hope to accomplish from rehab."

During an intake interview, you will gather vital medical and health information crucial to designing a treatment plan for the patient's rehabilitation. It is one of the most critical steps of the counseling process. Information to be collected includes the patient's past medical history, education, and work, family, and social life. You will also ask about the patient's interests, cognitive or physical disabilities, and emotional state. Explain to the interviewer what information you gather from your patient during your intake interview. Be thorough and concise.

How do you feel about physical restraints?

"I am a proponent of physical restraints as an absolute last resort. I only encourage restraints if the patient is at risk of harming themselves or someone else."

Physical restraints are used to protect a patient from harming themselves or others. Every medical professional has their opinion about using physical restraints, so your response is a personal choice. However, it is best to know the company's policy regarding physical restraints so you can respond in a way that aligns with their values and policies. If the company is a proponent of using restraints and you are not, this might not be the best fit for you.

Tell me about a time you had to make a significant adjustment while treating a patient during rehab.

"I made a significant adjustment to a treatment plan when I realized a patient was not ready to live on their own. I had a patient who showed signs of mental improvement, and I thought they were ready to live unsupervised. I received a call from the family who told me their son's neighbors had called the police on him several times the night before for erratic behavior, and he was in police custody. My patient was not taking his medications and was having manic episodes. After talking with the family, we decided he was better off in a group home where staff could administer and monitor his medications."

During rehab, adjustments may need to be made to the patient's treatment plan. The patient might be progressing slower or quicker than expected, or specific treatments may not be effective. Describe when you had to make a significant adjustment to a treatment plan and why that adjustment needed to be made. Explain the outcome of that adjustment.

How would you handle conflict between yourself and a coworker?

"If I have a conflict with a coworker, I ask them if we can speak in private. I then ask them how we can deal with the conflict between us. I do not like conflict and aim to quickly come to a resolution with which we are both happy."

The interviewer wants to hear what type of conflict-resolution skills you have and how you handle disputes. The best answer is to stay calm and address the conflict with your coworker in a private setting. You do not want to ignore the situation. Instead, try to resolve the dispute with both parties without involving upper management.

What do you do when a patient does not follow your treatment plan and is not improving?

"When I have a patient who is not following their treatment plan, I first try to determine why. I set a meeting to talk with the patient and gently ask why they refused to follow the plan. How I follow up depends on their answer. I recently had a patient who was not following her treatment plan, and when I asked her why, she said it was because she wasn't interested in improving because her family never took her out anymore. Her goal was to improve so she could go out with her family more often and enjoy life, but when they stopped visiting, she gave up hope. After hearing that, I met with the family and explained their mother's goals and how she felt when her family didn't visit. They had become so busy with a new house and baby, and they did not realize how that impacted their mother's progress. They agreed to schedule at least one day a week to take their mother out, and my patient agreed to start following the treatment plan."

As a rehabilitation counselor, there will be times when patients do not follow your treatment plan and will not improve. The patient may feel frustrated that they are not improving as quickly as they would like and may give up, they may be complacent and not want to improve, they may have cognitive disabilities and not understand what they need to do, or they may have injuries that make it too painful to do the work that is needed. Describe what measures you take when a patient does not follow your treatment plan.

If a patient is improving at a slower speed than you expect, what would your next steps be?

"When I have a patient improving at a slower speed than I expected, I re-evaluate their treatment plan and speak with the patient regarding my concerns. I had a situation where I found out a patient's primary care physician had increased a certain medication, making my patient exhausted and unable to perform well in therapy. Once I spoke with their doctor and expressed my concerns, the physician changed the patient's medication, and they started improving much more quickly."

Rehabilitation counselors have various strategies for working with patients, depending on the illness, injury, or disability. The interviewer wants to hear what steps you would take if a patient is improving at a slower speed than you expected. How you answer shows the interviewer that you are proactive in your patient's care and recovery.

Do you work well on a team?

"I work very well on a team. I believe that every member of a team brings valuable skills and knowledge that others may not have. For example, I worked with a team of physicians, occupational and vocational therapists, and psychologists with my last patient. The patient had been injured on the job and was partially paralyzed from a building collapse. He suffered mental and physical injuries and was unable to walk or talk for three years. My team was able to help the patient with his injuries and get him to a point where he was walking and talking again. He was even placed in a new job. I could not have rehabilitated the patient without the help of the entire team."

Teamwork is an essential part of working as a rehabilitation counselor. The interviewer wants to ensure that the candidate they hire works well with others when collaborating on a patient's treatment plan. If someone prefers to work alone and does not work well with others, that will be a red flag to the interviewer. Describe how you work well on a team and give an example of when being part of a team produced excellent results.

Tell me about a difficult treatment plan you created while collaborating with doctors and other rehabilitation counselors.

"One of the most difficult treatment plans I created with the help of other medical professionals was for a young soldier who lost both of his legs while fighting overseas. In addition to losing his legs, he was also blinded and partially paralyzed. I worked with occupational therapists to help him use his prosthetics and relearn everyday skills, developmental optometrists to assess his vision, and psychologists to help with his mental issues. Once he acquired everyday skills, I worked with vocational therapists to assist him in finding a job."

Rehabilitation counselors will often collaborate with doctors, vocational specialists, psychologists, employers, and other rehabilitation counselors to develop a treatment plan for their patients. The interviewer wants to hear of a challenging treatment plan you created to assess your skills and techniques when collaborating with others.

How would you define teamwork?

"I define teamwork as having the ability to work effectively with others in a combined effort to achieve a goal. As a rehabilitation counselor, I must work well with a team to provide the best care to my patients. I do not work alone and could not do my job efficiently and effectively without the help of my team."

The definition of teamwork is 'the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.' Teamwork is essential in most professions and especially in healthcare. Rehabilitation counselors work with other medical professionals, employers, and family members to provide the best possible care for their patients. Describe what you think when you hear the term 'teamwork.'

Rehabilitation Counselors Interview Questions

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1. Do you work well under pressure?
2. How do you handle stressful situations?
3. Tell me about your communication skills.
4. Do you have any questions for me?
5. Our office is open two weekends per month. Are you available to work weekends if needed?
6. How did you hear about this position?
7. If hired, when could you start?
8. Are you able to travel if needed?
9. What do you like to do in your free time?
10. How would your previous employer describe you?
11. Why should we hire you?
12. Are you a patient person?
13. What is your definition of confidentiality?
14. Do you think it is possible to rehabilitate?
15. What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
16. Tell me about yourself.
17. Why did you choose to become a rehabilitation counselor?
18. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
19. What is your greatest strength?
20. Why are you the best candidate for us?
21. What is your greatest joy in this field?
22. What are your professional goals in the next five years?
23. Tell me about your education.
24. Do you have previous counseling experience?
25. Tell me about a patient that you thought you could have done more with.
26. Tell me about your greatest success with a patient that you have helped.
27. What kind of information do you obtain from your patient during an intake interview?
28. How do you feel about physical restraints?
29. Tell me about a time you had to make a significant adjustment while treating a patient during rehab.
30. How would you handle conflict between yourself and a coworker?
31. What do you do when a patient does not follow your treatment plan and is not improving?
32. If a patient is improving at a slower speed than you expect, what would your next steps be?
33. Do you work well on a team?
34. Tell me about a difficult treatment plan you created while collaborating with doctors and other rehabilitation counselors.
35. How would you define teamwork?

Rehabilitation Counselors Interview Questions

1. Do you work well under pressure?

2. How do you handle stressful situations?

3. Tell me about your communication skills.

4. Do you have any questions for me?

5. Our office is open two weekends per month. Are you available to work weekends if needed?

6. How did you hear about this position?

7. If hired, when could you start?

8. Are you able to travel if needed?

9. What do you like to do in your free time?

10. How would your previous employer describe you?

11. Why should we hire you?

12. Are you a patient person?

13. What is your definition of confidentiality?

14. Do you think it is possible to rehabilitate?

15. What kind of work environment do you thrive in?

16. Tell me about yourself.

17. Why did you choose to become a rehabilitation counselor?

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

19. What is your greatest strength?

20. Why are you the best candidate for us?

21. What is your greatest joy in this field?

22. What are your professional goals in the next five years?

23. Tell me about your education.

24. Do you have previous counseling experience?

25. Tell me about a patient that you thought you could have done more with.

26. Tell me about your greatest success with a patient that you have helped.

27. What kind of information do you obtain from your patient during an intake interview?

28. How do you feel about physical restraints?

29. Tell me about a time you had to make a significant adjustment while treating a patient during rehab.

30. How would you handle conflict between yourself and a coworker?

31. What do you do when a patient does not follow your treatment plan and is not improving?

32. If a patient is improving at a slower speed than you expect, what would your next steps be?

33. Do you work well on a team?

34. Tell me about a difficult treatment plan you created while collaborating with doctors and other rehabilitation counselors.

35. How would you define teamwork?