For twelve months, you are unable to find a client a job, how do you stay focused and think of new ideas to get this person working?

"When I work with clients that are having a hard time finding employment I encourage them to volunteer. Volunteering gets them out into the workforce"‹, keeps them active and gives them a purpose that I encourage them to find."

Finding work for a client can be a stressful situation. You'll want to relay to the interviewer that you always stay positive, provide encouragement and continue to meet with the client. Tell the interviewer a time this has happened and how you ended up securing employment for the client.

"The job market can be difficult and sometimes waiting 12 months is a reality. I would encourage the client to work on their skills and education while we were working to find them a job. Free classes, skills tests and online courses would not only keep them busy and increase their skill set but make them more marketable."

"Different job search enginesSeek volunteer opportunities that fit into the employment goalImprove skills that apply to employment goals. Meet in different places: library locations, coffee shops, etc.Discuss options while walking trails or the mallEnd a meeting with a short shopping trip, if that would assist the client Visit a location that clicks with the client's interests; discuss employment options on the drive"

Tell me about your previous boss.

"My boss taught me the importance of precision. He was particular about every little detail, from preparing for client appointments to filling out reports. I learned how to fine tune my skills and identify the slightest details that could make all the difference in a life or death situation."

No matter how difficult, unfair or terrible your previous boss was, use this question as an opportunity to share what you learned from them and what you learned from your previous role.

"She is dedicated, & has way too much to do."

What would your co-workers say about you work performance?

"I did my best to work well with everyone and I always put in 100%. My co-workers would say that I was consistent, dependable and driven."

You can't really fudge the results on this one. If you made a huge mistake or were reprimanded, your future employer can still find out when they check your references. You also may have some great relationships with co-workers but you and your boss didn't really get along.

"I do my best at any task assigned to me. I take responsibility for & learn from mistakes."

What is the most useful constructive feedback you've received?

"Often times, I seek out feedback from my peers, leaders, and mentors as a way to continually improve. One of the most useful criticisms I have ever received has been honest and straightforward about how to adapt my talents to better support the team."

As a professional, you will receive criticism throughout your career. Hopefully, you were able to learn from the criticism. Tell the interviewer that you are open to constructive feedback, learn from it and apply it to your daily work.

How do you manage your time?

"Time management is an important part of meeting deadlines and being successful in my role as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. While there are general activities that are ongoing in my role, I manage my time based on pressing projects and the needs of the people I support in my role. When necessary, I adapt and ensure flexibility in my time management."

Time management skills are key to being a successful Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. You will juggle multiple clients and projects and will need some sort of system to keep track of it all. Tell the interviewer about the system you utilize to manage your time.

"I often do dislike tasks first. I often begin doing remote tasks as soon as I get out of bed b/c morning is very productive for me."

"I manage my time by blocking time for each task assigned to me. I also try to prioritize my task according to the needs of the clients I serve. I plan my daily, weekly, and monthly activities and put on my calendar. I am able to manage my time by organizing and planning ahead. This helps me a lot to thrive in a multitasking role of a vocational rehabilitation counselor and meet my goals."

Do you like to work in teams or are you an individual achiever?

Tell the interviewer that you excel at both because you know it's part of the job. Tell the interviewer that you are an independent learner and you enjoy working as part of a care team while working one-on-one with patients. Tell the interviewer that a team approach provides the most comprehensive care for the client in every aspect, as no single provider can address all of the complex needs of many clients. This is why specialties"‹ exist and why they can be so valuable to a team, so it is important to mention that you very much enjoy being a part of it.

"I can succeed & assist the client in achieving one on oneI think the best outcomes occur when I have a team member or 2 to discuss processes & methods with."

Are you experienced in creating resumes and cover letters?

"I've been assisting with resumes and cover letters over the last 6 years. I utilize my skills to help the client work up a legible and applicable cover letter and resume."

Part of your job as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is to help your clients write their resume and cover letters. You can answer this question with a story where you helped the client and they got the job. Talk about the database of sample resume's and cover letters you've built over the years and utilize. Consider creating a portfolio to bring along with you...just in case. Bring a few sample letters and resume's to show your work.

"I've been creating resume's, CV's, Cover letters and Federal Resumes for 5 years now. When working with a client I like to work along-side them to create their own resume. I feel it gives them a self of accomplishment."

"Resumes, yesCover letters, a little"

Have you ever assisted a client with interview preparation?

"As a Vocational Therapist, I provide thorough and nonaggressive"‹ mock interviews. I believe that practice makes perfect and I'm to practice until the client feels comfortable."

Practice, Practice, Practice! As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor you've had the opportunity to help your clients from initial meeting to closing the deal with an interview prep. Tell the interviewer that you prepare a list of questions based on the client's job opportunity. Tell the interviewer that you work with the client to come up with the best answers and provide constructive feedback.

"Absolutely! The client and I have built a relationship and they feel comfortable with me. I'm the best person to ask them the tough interview questions and coach them through the answers. With coaching and encouragement, "‹I know they will do great!"

"YES I have conducted & assisted in several mock interviews."

How do you assess a client's abilities and work-readiness?

"I think it is important to review the client's history. I evaluate their mental health, past work experience, what medical professionals they have and currently work with and what has brought them to my office. Evaluating the client's past history helps me determine their abilities and work readiness."

Walk the interviewer through your intake process. What questions do you ask your client? What history do you ask your client? How do you document and determine what your client is capable of and willing to work? Tell the interviewer that you also take family member and medical professionals suggestions into consideration as well.

"The Discovery processWork assessments through volunteer opportunitiesVACG assessmentWork examples they may haveDiscussion/interview w/the client & their COS"

While working with a client, have you ever had to involve their family, doctor and other health care professionals?

"I had been working with a client for the past 6 months and started to notice that they weren't their self. I contacted their Dr. and explained the symptoms I was noticing. Come to find out that the client needed a change in their medication and hadn't relayed that to their Dr. By reaching out to the clients Dr. I was able to help the client become healthier personally as well as improve our work interactions."

Your answer to this question will be important to relay to the interviewer that you have been a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Explain your communication style with these fellow professionals. How do you document your interactions with medical professionals? Use this question as your opportunity to tell about a situation where you had to involve one of these members in order to help your client succeed."‹

"I prefer to work on a multidisciplinary team if the situation calls for it. The more members of the team the more support it shows to the client. My goal is to show the client that they are not alone and sometimes my support isn't enough."

"YesThis is an area I need to improve on. Legal guardians who too severely limit the lives of ppl w/disabilities irritate me. I must get better at accepting their boundaries."

As a vocational rehabilitation counselor your range of clients will be from people coping with physical disabilities, injuries, mental illness and substance abuse problems. Are there any types of clients you have difficulty working with?

Don't get hung up on the wording of this question. Instead of fixating on the word difficult, answer this question with what type of client you find as challenging. Describing difficult clients may turn your answer ugly and negative. Instead, answer with a recent client that was challenging and explain how you overcame the difficult situation.

"The only type of person I have a hard time working with are those that don't want to be helped. Once the client realizes that they need the help and that I want to help them they will put up a wall. Patience is one of my strengths so I am happy to wait until they are ready to move forward."

"Men who proposition me & those I need to do hands-on toileting with."

As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, how do you empower and motivate your clients?

"I start each day and each appointment with my client with a smile. I've found that being positive and friendly helps clients be more motivated and helps our interactions be more successful and productive."

Positive attitude is #1. Your passion and attitude will shine when you answer this interview question. Talk about a situation you've had recently when you had to motivate your clients and how you accomplished it. Being able to talk about a current situation will let the interviewer know that you will be capable of empowering and motivating clients in the new position.

"The type of motivation I provide my clients is based on their needs. I have a direct approach to my communication style with each client. Each of my clients reacts to a different style of motivation to stay focused during our sessions and during the job hunt."

"Empower by showing them their value as a person & an employee, then working w/them to speak up when they have been treated wrongly, or deserve better treatment, pay, position, etc.I motivate by discussing their hobbies & things that they would like to have w/them. I point out both how a job could be related to hobbies & preferred activities; & the items that they could purchase."

How do you check if a work placement was a success?

"I keep files on each of my clients tracking them from initial intake to months after successful placement."

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, your constant communication and interaction with both clients and employers will set you apart from the rest. Tell the interviewer how you follow up, how often and how you track your results.

"Not only do I check in with the employer but I like to check in with the client. Assuring that the client is happy and feels they are contributing to the company tells me that we found a good match."

"So far, I call or text the client to ask. I will also contact the supervisory/management team as acceptable by the client & COSAnd site visits, some surprise if the employer permits."

What area of VR work do you find challenging? How do you try and improve upon those challenges?

"One area I find challenging as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is working with clients that are not interested in finding work. In the past, "‹I've found that I just have to work with these clients a bit longer than others. Pushing these individuals before they are ready to get out into the working world only makes them regress more. I've learned to be more patient and empathetic working with these types of clients."

Challenges can also be viewed as weaknesses. When answering this question it will be important that you relay to the interviewer what you learned from these challenges. Have you found that particular types of clients in the past have been challenging for you? Maybe managing the large workload you had at your last position was challenging.

"Working with individuals with criminal backgrounds has been challenging for me in the past. After spending time with these clients I get to know them as a person. I can see past the history but it is hard for employers to see the promise in them that I see."

"Empower by showing them their value as a person & an employee, then working with them to speak up when they have been treated wrongly, or deserve better treatment, pay, position, etc."

If a client is unmotivated to find work, how do you react?

"Not off of my clients are on board with finding employment, and that's ok. When these clients are ready, they contact me so we can work together. In the meantime, "‹I center my efforts on the individuals that are ready to find work."

You've heard the phrase 'you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink.' This phrase rings true to you as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. If you've worked with a client like this go ahead and talk about it. Be sure to stay upbeat and explain how you helped the client find their motivation. You may have been upset and discouraged yourself at the time that your client didn't want to find work, if that was the case don't show your anger during the interview.

"I can't force anyone to get a job because then it would be my goal and not theirs. I would provide the tools and provide the support but would have to sit back and allow them to tell me when they are ready."

"Delve into their interests. Discuss related positions, & how earning money in those positions could make it easier &/or more fun to engage in. This sometimes starts w/self determination. I have worked w/a a few ppl who don't have an answer when asked, "what do you like?" If this is the case; there is no reason to work for it."

What is the most difficult situation you have had to face as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and how did you tackle it?

"A difficult situation I faced recently was working with an elderly client that had just suffered "‹a stroke. After working with her for many months it was still hard to get potential employers to see past her age and it took longer than expected to place her in meaningful employment. The client and I had effective and positive sessions and I provided assistance and encouragement the whole way."

Every day will pose some sort of problem, that's what keeps you on your toes and makes you want to come to work each day. Have a story handy for this interview question. Tell the interviewer about the situation, how you provided support and how it ended on a positive note.

"The job market is tough. It's hard to see my clients who are already in a challenging situation be challenged in the job market as well. I'm always up front with my clients to make them aware that securing a job can take a little while."

"Getting the interviews. The only thing that has worked thus far is putting in as many applications as the client is willing to. I also make follow-up communications if there is a way. I search job announcements for phone numbers & email addresses. I keep follow-ups to 1 or 2x/wk. I am always trying to create a way around the typical interview process once the application is complete. I have tried to follow up calls with employment managers, requesting a working interview, or for my client to be permitted to volunteer. This is generally flatly refused. I have attempted to attend meetings of the Diversity and Inclusion council of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, but schedule anomalies on my side and theirs have precluded this option.Involving all stakeholders, especially controlling interests such as guardians; from the very beginning has been key.General application follow-ups have worked best thus far."

How do you handle stressful situations?

"Pressure is very important to me. Good pressure, such as having interesting clients, or a client with what seems to have an impossible case, helps me to stay motivated and productive."

When answering this question, make sure you don't try to convince the interviewer that you've never had to deal with stressful situations. What the interviewer wants to hear is how you have handled a stressful situation in the past. As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, "‹you may have had to deal with co-worker confrontation, non-compliant clients or relapse. How did you handle these situations in the past, find a solution and move on from the situation?

"I handle stressful situations one at a time. I don't allow stressful situations to stack up and overwhelm me. If I need help I'm always willing to ask."

"Deep breathTake notes as possible, b/c visual representation can help me seek solutions.Determine what I can do & what is out of my control. Act to diffuse, reduce, or solve the reason for the stress. Stepping away &/or handing the situation off to another worker; at least for a few minutes; is sometimes the best way to handle or solve a solution."

What are your qualifications in regard to this job?

"I'm confident that the work experience and education listed on my resume shows that I'm qualified for the position. My empathy and patience with patients are a few other qualifications that I have that meek me an excellent choice for this position."

Before your interview, it will be helpful to review your resume so that specific qualifications, dates, education highlights are fresh in your mind. When answering this question you'll want to highlight your specific work experience that relates to the job as well as your educational background. Tell the interviewer about a skill you have that directly relates to this job. Tell the interviewer about a transferable"‹ skill that you have that is not listed on your resume.

"My qualifications for this position is my formal education, various agencies I volunteer with as well as my passion for helping others."

"AAS in Sign Language Interpreting showed me a lot about accommodations.M.S. in Deaf Education; a field related to VR.2yrs of DSP--community integration3yrs Employment Specialist & job coach"

Why should we hire you?

"When I read the job posting I noticed that you specifically mentioned you were looking for someone with experience working with Down Syndrome Patients. As you can see on my resume I have over 10 years of experience as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and 3 of those years was"‹ spent working specifically with Down Syndrome adults. What sets me apart from other candidates and will make me a valuable addition to your team is my ability to combine my work experience with my people skills. I value lasting relationships and actively seek to build those with clients, co-workers and senior managers. My passion for clients and the job I do drives me to deliver high-quality work every day."

This question is similar to 'tell me about yourself'. It's important to be familiar with all ways that this question is asked so you won't be stumped but be prepared for your 30 to 45-second elevator speech. This is your time to tell the interviewer a bit about your work history. Keep is short yet impactful. This is your chance to wow the interviewer and set yourself apart from the rest.

"As a new graduate I come with a new set of eyes and the strong desire to help and give back to our community."

"I have a passion for assisting ppl w/disabilities to experience life as close to that of ppl who are typical as they want & are capable of. I am eager to learn the parts of Employment assistance, particularly to CO & Denver. I have a thorough understanding of techniques such as job carving, & will apply them as much as employers allow. I intend to get to know vendors & their coaches as time allows so that I can match clients for more likely success. Though I can always learn more, I am good at organization, time management, & scheduling."

"As an individual who completed the vocational rehabilitation process, I feel I have an innate understanding of what it is like to be in need of guidance and assistance on my journey towards a new career path. I will bring an authentic and genuine connection to each individual I am supporting to reach their respective goals."

Are people naturally at ease with you?

"I have a way of bringing the best out of our clients. This shows me that people are at ease with me and value the support that I give them."

This question is a great way to answer "‹how well you work with others. Think about how your co-workers would describe you. How would your boss describe you? If you are the type of person that people come and ask advice of or vent to, then this is your question! As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor you strive to put clients at ease with your display of empathy. Be sure to answer this question calmly with direct eye contact. This will put the interviewer at ease as well and let them know that you are 100% engaged.

"Probably not.I am continually working on how to build rapport. b/c meeting new ppl rattles me. I endeavor to come across as non-threatening & ready to help (which is honest, but I stay alert to make sure my demeanor matches my nature)."

Tell me about a successful case you were involved in.

"My most recent successful case I worked on was an individual that had just recently been charged with a misdemeanor. What made this successful was that the client was receptive to my counseling and we worked well as a team."

Now is your time to tell the interviewer about one of your biggest accomplishment. Give a brief, detailed explanation of a case and how it was a success. By explaining the process and the outcome you'll give the interviewer an idea of how you work and communicate with your clients. Showing passion for this interview question will show the interviewer that you not only love your job but that they would be crazy not to ask you to bring your enthusiasm and knowledge to their team.

What is your experience with our local demographic?

"My experience with Autistic individuals spans over the last 3 years. I've had the opportunity to work with and successfully place individuals in meaningful employment."

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor you've had the opportunity to work with many different types of people. Be sure to do your homework to determine who your potential clients will be. Use work experience from your resume to answer this question.

"I don't have much experience working with the elderly but am looking forward to the challenge."

"I have been working for ILC for 3yrs, 2 in employment. The demographic here is very diverse. The abilities of people with disabilities are always incredibly diverse. I have 4 co-workers who emigrated from Africa. We have one client from Morocco, and one from Russia, along with ALL of the common cultural diaspora of the U.S."

Tell me about yourself.

"My name is Heather Smith. I am a Vocational Rehabilitation professional with a degree in psychology and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. My qualifications include fifteen years of experience working for the state department. My experience also includes knowledge of various organizations that support human rights and civil rights for people with disabilities such as American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and National Black Deaf Advocates."

When answering this question make sure that you are brief. Keep this answer to 30-45 seconds or you will lose the interviewers attention very quickly. Remember, "˜tell me about yourself' doesn't mean they want your life story. Summarize your skills and experience in a way that make you stand out and show why you are the best person for the job.

"My name is Heather Smith. I am a Vocational Rehabilitation professional with a degree in organizational psychology and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. My qualifications include 5 years of experience working for Easter Seals. My experience also includes knowledge of various organizations that support human rights and civil rights for people with disabilities such as American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and National Black Deaf Advocates."

"I was raised in Kansas City, KS. I have been interested in teaching and helping people understand since I can remember. My interest in Sign Language began at around 8 years old. I played in the band from 6th grade to one year of University. I have held jobs as a cashier, warehouse, fast food, banking, and assistant H.S. Band Director. I earned an AAS for Sign Language Interpreting in 1991, and a Masters in Education of the Deaf in 2000, the year my daughter was born. She has severe ADHD and sensory integration issues; so I have personal experience with that. Then we were an Army Family for 20yrs. In 2018, we retired to Denver. I started with ILC as a DSP, and have been in job coaching/employment specialist for 2yrs."

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

" I think one area I could work on is my delegation skills. I am always so concerned about everything being done right and on time that I can get stuck in that mentality that if you want it done right you need to do it yourself. I learned this recently when given the opportunity to manage a large project at work. It definitely taught me how to delegate and my manager noticed the difference in my management style by the end of the year."

Skip the fake answers like 'I care too much about my job' or 'I'm a perfectionist' the interviewer has heard those before. Briefly, describe a real weakness that wouldn't be a major handicap on the job.

"A weakness of mine is my public speaking skills. I enjoy and do very well with one on one counseling sessions but speaking in front of a large crowd of people makes me pretty nervous. I've had the opportunity to speak to groups of 5 and 6 people at work on various topics so I'm getting more comfortable and proficient with my public speaking skills."

"Contacting new people when I am making a request; i.e. employers is stressful. If feasible, I make first contact via email or text. Otherwise, first contact is most commonly a phone call. I write a script for the opening comments. I often read it before dialing, rather than during the call; it organizes my mind."

What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?

"My greatest strength is my commitment to my work. I give 110% to each task as well as to the communication between my co-workers and clients."

To answer this question, consider your personal characteristics, job skills and what motivates you. Your skills are strengths, which allow you to perform well. Determination, dedication, a passion for your work are great skills to share with the interviewer.

"My greatest strength is my communication skills. I have the ability to communicate with other professionals as well as clients. My communication skills help me every day."

"As soon as a problem or obstacle is identified, my mind seeks a way around it. But then I slow down to be sure I understand as many aspects of the issue as possible, so the solution will fit as well as it can. I frequently remind myself that people and their situations don't fit in neat little boxes. Some common solutions will help, and some solutions may be complex."

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The reason the interviewer is asking you this question is to see if your goals match up with the companies goals. Be enthusiast and realistic.

"In five years I'd like to be running a support group through the office. I enjoy helping clients one on one but also enjoy group settings. I think group settings is a great way to get our clients to support each other and know that they aren't alone."

"In five years, I want to advance to a specialist position from the acquired experience and knowledge built over the years."

What do you know about our organization?

"I know that you all have earned numerous awards since you have been open over the last 4 years. I know I'd like to be apart of the team."

A solid answer to this common interview question will set you apart from the other candidates. It is important to research the company website. Familiarize yourself with its history, Board of Directors, products, mission, and current projects. Mention professional awards and honors received the by the company as well as future projects that illustrate your interest in where the company is headed. Discussing the future of the organization is a win-win because it also establishes your interest in professional longevity.

"You are a federally funded provider of services for individuals with physical and mental disabilities to increase their independence. The human service mission to provide employment services to the disabled population aligns with my desire to help customers reach their goal of autonomy."

"There is a DVR in each state that delegates to local offices to better serve clients.DVR works with clients to determine their career goals.Then it is determined if training is appropriate for the particular job seeker.There are multiple funding streams that pay for job development & coaching, training, accommodations, & needed technological devices."

What do you feel is the most important skill a vocational rehabilitation counselor should possess?

"I feel that excellent communication skills are needed to be a successful Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Rehabilitation counselors need to be able to effectively communicate with clients. You must be able to express ideas and information in a way that is easy to understand."

As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, you help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent life by assisting them in securing gainful employment. What is the most important skill you have that makes your job easy when helping these clients? Tell the interviewer about your patience, active listening skills and your ability to effectively communicate with your clients. Feel free to share a story that showcased your skills.

"An important skill to have as a vocational counselor is active listening skills. I've found that it is important to repeat things back to clients and ask them to repeat them back to you to assure they understand the plan you have helped them make."

"I have built rapport by stating & showing in my actions that each stakeholders' perspective is important to me. I have shown flexibility when my supervisor commonly changed my schedule w/less than 12hrs notice,& I performed requested duties b/c clients needed us. Each client &/or job opportunity is a clean slate. While experience guides me, I continually expect success & look for ways to increase independence. I must mold my method to the needs of each client & the demands of the COS. I must see every shred of possibility and expand it--in the client's abilities & preferences, and the available opportunities."

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

"In the past 5 years, "‹I've been an active volunteer within my community. I've been able to learn from clients and bring that to my current position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor."

This question is to see if you've been stagnant as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Because you are always looking for new ways to help your clients you are constantly working to improve yourself and your techniques. Tell the interviewer about any workshops you've attended, classes you've taken or a mentor you admire that has been assisting you with your professional development.

"I've been fortunate to learn from my colleagues over the past 5 years. I've been given the opportunity to work a bit outside my position to build upon my skills."

"CPR & QMAP are current. The only professional development offered is a class called ACRE. I did well; and enjoyed reviewing and learning any new techniques. I intend to take the CRC. I am working on the credential & experience review, currently. The CRCC website has many online classes listed now. I hope the review will tell me which ones to fill in knowledge gaps."

Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.

"I completed my Master's degree while working full time and taking care of my kids."

Now is your time to brag a bit. Tell the interviewer what the accomplishment was, what the impact was, who was affected and what the outcome was. Did you meet a personal goal? Exceed expectations of your boss? Did you create a successful group supporting your clients? Don't be too hard on yourself if the accomplishment didn't win awards or set the bar for future Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors. This is YOUR accomplishment so you want to tell the interviewer why YOU are proud of it.

"I'm most proud of placing a client that had been working with us for over three months. This client faced many challenges and had actually been working with two other counselors before me. I never gave up on her and she was very thankful."

"One client was completely uninterested in working with me. I gave him space; showing up at the same time each week. He eventually came with me willingly. Then I got good information from him about what types of businesses that he would like to work in by walking through the mall. He sat through a couple of applications; which can be quite lengthy. He seemed most relaxed and as he would fit at the AF Base, but a different company handled all placements there."

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Interview Questions

Go Back

1. For twelve months, you are unable to find a client a job, how do you stay focused and think of new ideas to get this person working?
2. Tell me about your previous boss.
3. What would your co-workers say about you work performance?
4. What is the most useful constructive feedback you've received?
5. How do you manage your time?
6. Do you like to work in teams or are you an individual achiever?
7. Are you experienced in creating resumes and cover letters?
8. Have you ever assisted a client with interview preparation?
9. How do you assess a client's abilities and work-readiness?
10. While working with a client, have you ever had to involve their family, doctor and other health care professionals?
11. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor your range of clients will be from people coping with physical disabilities, injuries, mental illness and substance abuse problems. Are there any types of clients you have difficulty working with?
12. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, how do you empower and motivate your clients?
13. How do you check if a work placement was a success?
14. What area of VR work do you find challenging? How do you try and improve upon those challenges?
15. If a client is unmotivated to find work, how do you react?
16. What is the most difficult situation you have had to face as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and how did you tackle it?
17. How do you handle stressful situations?
18. What are your qualifications in regard to this job?
19. Why should we hire you?
20. Are people naturally at ease with you?
21. Tell me about a successful case you were involved in.
22. What is your experience with our local demographic?
23. Tell me about yourself.
24. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
25. What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?
26. Where do you see yourself in five years?
27. What do you know about our organization?
28. What do you feel is the most important skill a vocational rehabilitation counselor should possess?
29. What have you done to further your own professional development in the past 5 years?
30. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Interview Questions

1. For twelve months, you are unable to find a client a job, how do you stay focused and think of new ideas to get this person working?

2. Tell me about your previous boss.

3. What would your co-workers say about you work performance?

4. What is the most useful constructive feedback you've received?

5. How do you manage your time?

6. Do you like to work in teams or are you an individual achiever?

7. Are you experienced in creating resumes and cover letters?

8. Have you ever assisted a client with interview preparation?

9. How do you assess a client's abilities and work-readiness?

10. While working with a client, have you ever had to involve their family, doctor and other health care professionals?

11. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor your range of clients will be from people coping with physical disabilities, injuries, mental illness and substance abuse problems. Are there any types of clients you have difficulty working with?

12. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, how do you empower and motivate your clients?

13. How do you check if a work placement was a success?

14. What area of VR work do you find challenging? How do you try and improve upon those challenges?

15. If a client is unmotivated to find work, how do you react?

16. What is the most difficult situation you have had to face as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, and how did you tackle it?

17. How do you handle stressful situations?

18. What are your qualifications in regard to this job?

19. Why should we hire you?

20. Are people naturally at ease with you?

21. Tell me about a successful case you were involved in.

22. What is your experience with our local demographic?

23. Tell me about yourself.

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

25. What is your greatest strength? How does it help you as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor?

26. Where do you see yourself in five years?

27. What do you know about our organization?

28. What do you feel is the most important skill a vocational rehabilitation counselor should possess?

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

30. Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.