Interviewing for Social Workers

1. Interviewing for Social Workers Peggy Grace, M. Ed. Assistant Director Career Education Services January 7, 2014

2. Objectives Understand how to effectively manage the interview process Learn how to prepare for traditional and behavioral interview questions Become confident in your competence

3. The Interview - A Conversation All interviews are exchanges of information. • The organization needs to find out if you match their needs. • You need to find out if the position and organization is a good fit for you. • Both parties are involved in decision making.

4. Two Types of Interviews Screening Interview Decision Interview • HR or Agency Representative • Experienced Interviewer • Look for “Match” to Pass You On to Decision Maker • Panel/Sequential/Hiring Manager • Sometimes Less Experienced Interviewers • Confirm “Match” and “Fit”

5. Steps to a Successful Interview • Step 1: Research • Step 2: Prepare answers to typical interview questions • Step 3: Prepare questions to • ask the interviewer • Step 4: Practice aloud!

6. Step 1: Before the Interview Step 1: Research Step 2: Prepare answers to typical interview questions Step 3: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Step 4: Practice aloud! Step 1: Research • Research the job & organization • Organization’s web site • Your contacts • Recent news articles • Know • Client population • Programs • Staffing, culture and budget • Phone ahead find out who you will be interviewing with and check LinkedIn, or Google.

7. Step 2: Prepare Answers to Typical Interview Questions Step 1: Research Step 2: Prepare answers to typical interview questions Step 3: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Step 4: Practice aloud! • “General” – generic questions that may be asked in any type of interview • “Can Do” – Self assessment questions about your skills, abilities, experience, accomplishments, motivation and values. • “How fit” – Questions that determine if you are a good match to this specific organization.

8. Be Prepared for These Questions! • Tell me about yourself. • What do you consider to be your major strengths? A weakness or area for improvement? • Why did you choose social work? • What qualifications do you have that make you think you will be successful in this role? • Why are you interested in this organization? In this position?

9. How Do You Know What Questions the Employer Will Ask You? Their Needs: Your Qualifications: • Stated job requirements: • MSW • Knowledge of serious and persistent mental illness • Implied requirements from job description • Perform initial screening of newly referred clients • Draft critical needs plans Be prepared to answer questions based on your match to the position. Position requirement:____________ My match: • Experience in _________ • Additional work as ________

10. Behavioral Interview Questions Behavioralquestions • Ask for examples of past or current performance • Begin with words like “Tell me about…,” “Describe a time…,” and “Give me an example of…” • Example: “Tell me about a case you worked where you felt you were particularly effective.”

11. Answer to Behavioral Questions – Tell Your Story C = Describe the challenge, problem or opportunityyou faced (Presenting problem) A = Explain the actionyou took (Interventions) R = Tell them the results you achieved (which are always positive.) (Outcome)

12. Answer to Behavioral Question Challenge: A timid client was overwhelmed with her caretaking responsibilities for her elderly husband, and it was affecting her health. Action: I researched available services, and then familiarized the client with local community services and coached her on how to approach agencies. Result: She followed through with initiating contacts and secured home health care and respite care services for her husband.

13. Step 3: Before the Interview Step 1: Research Step 2: Prepare answers to typical interview questions Step 3: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Step 4: Practice aloud! Step 3: Prepare Questions to Ask • Ask for information that you genuinely need to know. • Jot down some typical questions to ask.

14. During the Interview First Impressions • On time • Professional Dress & Grooming • Handshake • Courtesy • Enthusiasm • Interviewing on CEC website

15. During the Interview • Answer with confidence in your competence • Be aware of your body language

16. Interview Closure • Ask for their business card(s) • Inquire about next steps in the interview process. • Reaffirm your strong interest in the position and tell them you’ve enjoyed the meeting. • Send a thank-you note.

17. Step 4 – Practice Aloud! Step 1: Research Step 2: Prepare answers to typical interview questions Step 3: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer Step 4: Practice aloud! • Make an appointment for a practice interview with a Career Counselor