30 Substance Abuse Social Worker Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Substance Abuse Social Worker interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. How do you handle stress on the job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to determine if you can handle stress on the job. Substance Abuse Social Workers are exposed to stress daily and must be able to stay professional during stressful situations. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to handle pressure in the workplace and techniques you use to minimize job stressors.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Let the interviewer know you understand how to decompress away from work, so you are ready to mentally handle the pressures of your job. When social workers understand the stress factor of their job and have healthy ways to relieve stress, they are less likely to burn out or become sick or injured from stress.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Stress is part of any demanding job, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Behavioral
2. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer would like to know if you consider yourself a patient individual. Impatience can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in coworkers and clients, so you must be able to showcase your ability to remain patient and professional in workplace situations.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Interviewers want to hire Substance Abuse Social Workers who are patient and can remain calm in challenging situations. Focus on letting the interviewer know that you are patient and professional and can increase your patience level during difficult times.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I do consider myself a patient person. I would rate myself an eight out of ten for patience because I have room to grow, but I do have a very long fuse. If I need a boost of patience in a challenging situation, I will take a step away, count to 10, and then return to the situation. I recently read a book, 'The Power of Patience' by M.J. Ryan, which gave me some excellent new methods for coping with stress and keeping my patience levels in check."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Behavioral
3. Are you a people person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see if you are an extrovert and if you will be a good fit for their team. As a Substance Abuse Social Worker, you should work well with people since you interact with clients, family members, and coworkers daily. People considered a 'people person' are outgoing, extroverted, friendly, compassionate, and approachable. Many therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists are considered 'people persons,' and the interviewer wants to determine if you have these traits.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing how you consider yourself a people person. Explain why you enjoy interacting with people and that you would not have entered this profession unless you genuinely cared about people. The way you hold yourself and engage the interviewer also shows if you have 'people person' skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I consider myself a people person. I have always been a social person and enjoy meeting new people. I am approachable, compassionate, empathetic, and have excellent listening and communication skills. For those reasons, I decided to pursue a career in social work since I enjoy helping others and people feel comfortable and safe with me."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Communication
4. How would you describe your communication skills?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see that you have the solid oral and written communication skills required for Substance Abuse Social Worker positions. The interviewer wants to hear that you have the necessary communication skills for the role. Your job duties will include speaking with clients, family members, coworkers, and other agencies. You will also perform assessment tests, develop treatment plans, and must have excellent documentation skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on your written and oral communication skills. If you have a former supervisor who commented on your excellent communication skills in a letter of recommendation or performance review, use their description in your response. The interviewer wants to know that you can speak clearly with others while properly documenting reports and other forms of written communications.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have solid communication skills and feel this is one of my greatest strengths. I took two years of communications courses in college and have honed my verbal and written communication skills over the years. I have a performance review from my previous employer highlighting these skills and have a copy if you would like to see it."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Direct
5. What is our mission statement?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see that you have done your homework before the interview. Before any job interview, you want to review the company website, the job announcement, social media accounts, and online reviews to learn all you can about the organization. You should know who the CEO or Director is, the company mission statement, core values, the population they serve, and the vision statement.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on memorizing the company's mission statement so you can answer this question with ease. Also, it is best to remember other essential aspects of the company and the position so you can answer any question the interviewer will give.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Your mission statement is to connect healthcare and well-being by caring for your patients, caring for each other, and caring for the community."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Direct
6. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for me?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to make sure that all of your company or job role questions are answered during the interview. It is best to ask a question or two to show the interviewer your eagerness to learn all you can. Review the job announcement and research the company beforehand so you do not ask questions that could be answered during your research.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on asking questions specific to the role you are interviewing for or the company culture and work environment. Examples of good questions are asking the interviewer how you performed in the interview or if you need to clarify anything, asking what the interviewer likes most about working for the company, or if they have any hesitancy about hiring you.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have a question. Thank you for asking. After everything we have gone over in this interview, do you have any hesitancy in offering me the position?"
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Direct
7. Besides vacation and holiday time, how many days were you absent from work last year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The company wants to hire a responsible and dependable Substance Abuse Social Worker who shows up to work when scheduled. The interviewer asks this question to evaluate your work attendance in the past year. If you called off work many times in the past year, they might hesitate to offer you the position unless your reasons were excusable.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on the exact number of days you missed work and why. If the interviewer deems your absence from work an excused and unavoidable reason to miss work, it will likely not be an issue. If you have many unexcused absences, they may disqualify you as a viable candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was absent from work three days last year. I had minor outpatient surgery, and my doctor recommended taking a few days to recover. I arranged the time off with my supervisor before scheduling the surgery, and she allowed me to use sick leave. Other than that, I did not miss any other days last year."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Direct
8. Are you available to work weekends when needed?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a Substance Abuse Social Worker, you must be flexible and available to work weekends when needed. The interviewer asks this question to see that you are a team player and dedicated to your profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Assure the interviewer you understand the nature of the business and that working weekends is part of the job. Let them know that you are flexible with your schedule and willing to work whatever hours they need, including weekends. If you have a personal obligation, such as caring for a child or family member on the weekends, describe your situation to the interviewer and explain how you will look for help with your child or family member on the weekends you need to work. If you are honest in the interview, the interviewer will understand if there are some weekends you might not be able to work.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I am available to work weekends when needed. I understand the nature of this profession and have no problem working weekends if needed. I have a class I take every Saturday for the next six months, but my professor will let me make up the class if I have to work."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Direct
9. Why did you leave your last job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see if you were fired, gave notice, or were furloughed. If you were fired, they want to know if you admit why you were fired, if you take responsibility, and what you learned from the experience. If you gave notice, they want to understand what you did not like about your job to see if you would fit in with the company culture.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on being direct and honest when explaining why you left your last place of employment. If you gave notice, were furloughed, or were fired, describe the circumstances behind your departure. Be sure to end your response on a positive note and tell the interviewer how you are excited to have the opportunity to interview for the position with their company.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I left my last job because there was no room for professional growth or advancement. I want to work in a supervisory position, but that was not possible in my previous place of employment because of the company structure. I gave my two weeks' notice and left on good terms. I have an excellent letter of recommendation if you would like a copy for your records."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Direct
10. We require all candidates to submit to a pre-employment drug screen. Will you have an issue passing the drug screen?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer advises you of their pre-employment drug screen and asks if you'll pass, so they can decide if they want to continue with you in the hiring process. As a Substance Abuse Social Worker, you need to be drug-free and set a good role model for your clients. Agencies invest a lot of money hiring employees, and they want to avoid sending you for a drug test if you will not pass.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
As with any interview question, be completely honest in your response. As embarrassing as it may be, if you do not think you will pass the drug test, you need to let the interviewer know that now. If passing the drug test will not be an issue, ensure the interviewer that you will pass the test because you do not use drugs.
If passing a drug test will be an issue for you, it is best to wait until you are clean to apply for a Substance Abuse Social Worker job. Many agencies require a pre-employment background investigation and drug test, so you must pass both to work in this profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"No, there will not be an issue passing the drug screen. I do not use drugs or take prescription medications."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
11. Why do you want to work for our agency?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that you have researched their agency. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their company that stand out from others. You may want to work for their agency because of their stellar reputation, their opportunity for professional growth and advancement, or their innovative approach to treating substance abuse.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Instead of giving a generic answer to this question, focus on showing the interviewer that you have thoroughly researched their agency. For example, if you say that you want to work for their company because they treat substance abuse, that could apply to many other agencies. Instead, say that you want to work for their agency because they have a reputation for using an innovative approach to treating substance abuse with a higher success rate than other similarly sized organizations.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I want to work for your agency because you are a client-focused agency that believes in offering exceptional customer service as your top priority. I also believe in putting my clients and their family members first while helping them overcome substance abuse. With your stellar reputation and high rehabilitation rate, I cannot think of another agency I would rather work for."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
12. What major challenge did you face in your last position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer is curious to see what you consider challenging to understand how you work through workplace issues. Your response shows the interviewer your conflict resolution, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills and will help them determine if you have the traits they are looking for in a Substance Abuse Social Worker.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on briefly describing the challenges you faced in your last position and spend more time on how you worked through the challenge. The interviewer wants to see that you have the mental toughness to work through workplace issues and won't leave the agency when faced with a challenge.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"At my last position, the major challenge I faced was understaffing. The unit I worked in faced a 30% budget cut, and we lost a lot of staff. However, our client base increased, so my coworkers and I had to work longer hours and mandatory overtime every other weekend. After three months, my supervisor was permitted to increase the staff by 20%, which helped with the caseload. I worked through the challenge by keeping myself healthy and getting plenty of rest to keep my stress levels down."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
13. After reading the job description, what do you like most about this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to see that you have read the job description in its entirety and to determine what aspect of the role you like the most. Most Substance Abuse Social Worker job postings have many job duties you will be asked to perform. The interviewer wants to know what you like the most to see where your strengths and interests lie.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on what you like most about the position and provide your reason. For example, you might like that you would be responsible for developing and implementing a referral and aftercare system with available community resources. Tell the interviewer why this particular job duty excites you.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"What I like most about the position is that I would be working on developing and implementing a referral and aftercare system with available community resources. This part of the job interests me because I had a successful experience at my previous job doing the same. I understand the community resources that are available and look forward to the opportunity to implement the same system within your organization."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
14. What excites you the most about a career as a Substance Abuse Social Worker?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear what motivates and inspires your career. They want to see the excitement on your face and hear the passion in your voice as you describe what excites you the most about working as a Substance Abuse Social Worker.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
While there are likely many aspects of the job that excite you, focus on the one thing you find the most rewarding. The interviewer wants to learn about your personality and what inspires you to go to work every day.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"What excites me the most about my job is seeing people kick their addiction and recover. I know it is a struggle and a long journey, but when a client understands what it feels like to be on the other side of addiction and the positive things that happen to them, it is gratifying to me."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
15. Why are you the best Substance Abuse Social Worker for us?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the agency and how you will benefit them if hired. This is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing them you have all the qualifications they require.
Many qualified candidates are interviewing for the same position. Avoid speaking negatively of the other candidates or sounding arrogant when responding to this question. You want to sell yourself in the interview, but not while making the interviewer think you will be a challenging person to work with.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the agency seeks in a Substance Abuse Social Worker. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response. When describing how you meet all of their job requirements, the interviewer will see that you are a highly qualified candidate and place you high on the candidate list.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am the best candidate for the position because I meet and exceed your job qualifications. I have over twelve years of experience working as a Substance Abuse Social Worker with diverse populations and cultures. I am empathetic, compassionate, level-headed, and work well under pressure. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and I look forward to bringing my skills and experience to your wonderful company."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
16. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Substance Abuse Social Worker?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear your reasons for choosing this profession to understand what motivates you in your career. They want to hear if you were mentored by another Substance Abuse Social Worker, have family or friends who work in social work, decided to change careers, or heard about Substance Abuse Social Work from a guidance counselor or professor.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on giving your reason for choosing this career, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewer wants to gain insight into what motivates and inspires you as a Substance Abuse Social Worker to determine if you will be a good fit for their organization.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I chose to pursue this career after being exposed to social work as a young child. My mother raised my brother and me as a single mother. Unfortunately, she was addicted to heroin, and we were taken away from her for two years. After working with a Substance Abuse Social Worker, my mother became clean, and we were reunited with her. After that experience, I knew I wanted to work in this field and help people like my mother."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
17. What do you believe is your best asset as a Substance Abuse Social Worker?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is one way to ask about your greatest strength. The interviewer wants to determine if you have the qualities they are looking for. Review the job description before your interview and look for keywords the agency used to describe its ideal candidate. Then, choose one of those keywords to describe your greatest asset, showing the interviewer that you have the characteristics they are looking for.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Suppose the job description says the agency seeks an experienced Substance Abuse Social Worker with strong communication and interpersonal skills to work in a leadership position. In that case, your greatest strength should be your experience or your communication, interpersonal, or leadership skills. Focus on using a keyword in the job description so the interviewer can see that you have one of the qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"My best asset as a Substance Abuse Social Worker is my empathy towards others. I genuinely understand how my clients feel and know the pain they are going through. I had addiction issues during my teenage years and overcame my addiction. I believe my past made me a more compassionate and empathetic person, and I know my clients see that, too."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Discovery
18. What do you feel is the most important skill a Substance Abuse Social Worker should possess?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to hear that you have the qualities they are looking for in a Substance Abuse Social Worker. The interviewer asks this question to see what you believe is the most important skill needed to be excellent at your job. The interviewer will assume you have that skill you use in your response since you believe they are essential to your profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Review the job announcement before your interview and use one of the skills listed in the job description. When you describe a skill that is mentioned in the job description, the interviewer will see that you have the qualities they are looking for. Be sure to say why this skill is essential to your profession.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel the most important skill a Substance Abuse Social Worker should possess is interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills cover many skills, such as active listening, compassion, empathy, communication, and working well with others. These skills are essential when working with clients and team members."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Education
19. Tell me about your education.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to determine if you have the education needed to perform your job as a Substance Abuse Social Worker. They want to hear what degrees, licensing, or specialized training you have that qualifies you to work in this field.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing your education as it relates to the position. Tell the interviewer if you have your bachelor's or master's degree in social work and when you obtained your degree(s). If you are licensed, tell the interviewer what state you are authorized to work in.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Simmons University two years ago and am currently enrolled in a master's program with the same university. I have one year left in the program, and then I will receive my Master's of Social Work. Once I receive my degree, I will complete the state licensing requirements."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Experience
20. What is your experience working as a Substance Abuse Social Worker?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The job announcement should say how many years of experience the company requires. The interviewer wants to hear about your experience to ensure you are qualified for the position. Give examples of how many years of experience you have and who you have worked with previously.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on the number of years of experience you have and what areas. Many employers require previous experience as a social worker in a generalized or specialized field and will mention their requirements in the job description.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I have worked as a Substance Abuse Social Work for six years with the U.S. Veterans Health Administration. My job duties included conducting weekly individual and group counseling sessions, educating Veterans and family members on mental health issues, and consulting with emergency departments and medical floors regarding patients with substance abuse disorders. I feel confident in my skills as a Substance Abuse Social Worker and look forward to bringing my experience to your agency."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
General
21. What are your career goals?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question for two reasons. They want to see if you have professional goals and a plan to achieve them. When you set goals to improve and grow professionally, it shows that you are motivated and dedicated to your profession. The interviewer also wants to see if your goals include working for the company. Companies invest a lot of money and time to hire and train employees, and the interviewer wants to know that you will be a long-term employee if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on the professional goals you have planned for the next two to five years and how you will achieve them. If you are new to the industry, you might want to concentrate on gaining experience and take continuing education courses. If you have been working as a Substance Abuse Social Worker for some time, you may plan on pursuing higher education or an administrative role. Be sure to highlight that you see yourself with the company in two to five years. If your career goals fall beyond five years, you can explain where you see your career taking you in five to ten years.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I am interested in receiving my Doctoral Degree in Social Work and am researching online programs to see what best suits my needs while working full-time. In the next five years, I will be close to obtaining my degree and see myself advancing to a Senior Social Worker position within your company."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
General
22. What do you like to do in your free time?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to understand what interests you and if you have healthy ways to decompress. They want to hear what hobbies and activities you enjoy and see that you spend time away from work destressing from the pressures of the job.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on three or four activities you enjoy. The interviewer wants to see what you are interested in and determine how well you will get along with other Substance Abuse Social Workers based on your interests.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"On my days off, I like going for long mountain bike rides with my husband and kids, gardening, and doing yoga. These activities take my mind off work and rejuvenate me for my next shift."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
General
23. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that needs improvement. When you admit you have a deficiency in a particular aspect of your profession and take steps to improve, it shows the interviewer that you are motivated and inspired to grow professionally.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on a weakness related to your profession but not an essential job duty. For example, suppose you say your weakness is your interpersonal skills. In that case, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate since that skill is an essential part of being an excellent Substance Abuse Social Worker.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest weakness is finding a work/life balance. I love my job and often take on overtime, which cuts into my family life. To find more balance, I started scheduling my family time as I would my work schedule. If I am asked to work overtime when I have scheduled family time, I politely decline. Making more time for my family has helped me relieve stress and keeps me more focused and energetic at work."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
General
24. If you could, would you choose a different career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to see how passionate you are about your job. If you adamantly say that you cannot picture doing anything different, they will see you genuinely enjoy your career. If you are not passionate about your career choice, the interviewer may choose another candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
If you genuinely love your job, you would answer that you cannot see yourself in another career. If you have thought of changing careers, it will look better to the interviewer if you respond with a career in a related field. Some examples of a related field are Substance Abuse Therapists, Mental Health Technicians, Registered Nurses, and Psychologists.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I love the career path I have chosen and cannot see doing anything else. Early in my career, I considered going back to school and becoming a Registered Nurse, but now that I have been in this profession for ten years, I feel I am exactly where I need to be and have dismissed the thought of becoming a nurse."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
General
25. What was the last book you read for fun?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to learn about your personality, interests, and hobbies. They also want to see what type of books you like to understand your character.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on briefly describing the book and its author. Then, mention why you chose that book and why the topic appeals to you. Tell the interviewer what you learned from the book if the book relates to your job as a Substance Abuse Social Worker.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"The last book I read for fun was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. I read the book aloud to my two teenagers, and it was a fun bonding activity for us. I do not get a lot of time with my kids with my work schedule, so this was an enjoyable experience."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Leadership
26. Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Perhaps you have led a team at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or served on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. You should be prepared to show the interviewer that you have a natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must display to the interviewer that you can handle the responsibility that comes with being a leader and mentor.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Talk about your desire to be a leader. Focus on sharing with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be the face of the organization when challenges arise.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I do see myself as a leader. I have led teams starting in high school and was often chosen to be the team captain on various sports teams because of my natural leadership qualities. I currently show my leadership skills by being a mentor to new social workers, showing them how to work with diverse populations and gain the results they are looking for."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Operational
27. What is your philosophy towards work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer will ask this question to understand your approach to work and determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Suppose you say that your philosophy is to work independently, keep your nose to the grindstone, and not form personal relationships with your coworkers. In that case, the interviewer will determine you are not a good fit for the company if they have a more laid-back, team approach and everyone treats each other like family.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Be honest in your response, but focus on showing the interviewer you would be an asset to their team. If you research the company and learn about its mission statement and company culture, you will be more prepared to formulate your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"My work philosophy is to work hard, help others, and gain knowledge from the experiences of my mentors. I enjoy learning new skills and gaining confidence while improving those skills. I enjoy helping my clients and coworkers alike and love working in a team environment where I learn from my mentors."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Situational
28. Have you ever been overloaded with work?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to understand how you prioritize your work, delegate when needed, and handle the pressure. The interviewer wants to hear that you can handle large caseloads and do not easily get overwhelmed.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Describe your organizational skills and how you prioritize the most urgent tasks. Focus on a time you were overloaded with work and describe how you handled the heavy caseload. If you have an example from a former position or when you were going to school, use that in your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"Yes, I was consistently overloaded with work at my previous job. We were short-staffed, so I had a heavy caseload every day. I use time management software to prioritize the most urgent work that needs to be accomplished. If there is any work I can delegate to someone else, I delegate those tasks, but, I did not have that luxury in my last position due to staffing. I find staying organized decreases my stress and keeps me on track."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Situational
29. Describe a situation where other people who you were working with did not agree with your ideas. What did you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to understand how you communicate, work on a team, and handle criticism. They want to hear that you can actively listen to others' ideas and accept constructive feedback.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on letting the interviewer know that you can accept criticism and not get mad when your team members disagree with your ideas. The interviewer also wants to hear that you stand your ground and try to understand what your coworkers did not agree with to come up with new ideas. If you truly believe in your idea, they want to hear how you communicate and persuade others to try your ideas.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working in a substance abuse outpatient clinic and suggested using animal therapy in one of our group therapy sessions. My supervisor and a few coworkers did not agree animal therapy would be helpful for this particular group. They decided not to follow my advice and go with art therapy instead. I did not take it personally but did research that evening on the positive effects of animal therapy in substance abuse therapy sessions. I took my research to work the next day and again introduced my idea. After reviewing my research, my supervisor decided to try animal therapy. It was the most positive activity we had done at the clinic, and the clients asked for more. My supervisor thanked me for being persistent and coming up with a valuable tool we could use in our therapy sessions."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Technical
30. What are the three main sections of a psychosocial assessment report?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
A psychosocial assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a client's mental, emotional, and physical health. The report also includes the client's perception of themself and their ability to function in the community. The interviewer asks this question to determine if you understand the three main sections of a psychosocial assessment report or if you will need to be trained on using this assessment tool if hired.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on describing the three main sections of the psychosocial assessment. The sections are:
- Basic client information
- Background and current functioning
- Summary, assessment, and recommendations
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"The first section of a psychosocial assessment is the client's basic information, such as their name, address, referral, and presenting problem. The second section is the client's background and current functioning, and the third section is my summary, assessment, and recommendations."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022