- What do you know about the DHS?
- What brings you here today?
- Why are you interested in working for the DHS?
- If we did not hire you, what other career would you be interested in?
- Why should I recommend that we hire you?
- What was your course of study in school?
As Alexander Graham Bell so eloquently states in this quote, preparation is critical and this definitely holds true with respect to the interviewing process.
There are 20 interview questions that every social worker should be prepared to answer, as well as an additional 9 questions that may or may not be applicable to you depending on what type of position you are seeking.
Please note that the updated version of this post is 40 Interview Questions Every Social Worker Needs to Know but before you leave, make sure to check out the Q & A exchange in the comments below.
For those of you going after a position in a school setting, make sure to check out Got School Social Work Interview? 21 Questions to Answer for some specific questions tailored for the educational arena.
Based upon my readings, I’ve learned that it’s a good idea to put together 2-3 stories in which you solved a problem at work and 2-3 stories in which you have learned some lessons on the job.
Having prepared these stories, in turn, will help you answer behavioral interviewing type questions that may get thrown your way.
When drafting your responses to situational questions, it is recommended to use a Problem, Action, Result approach; i.e., describe the action you took and then the result.
Finally, once you’ve completed your stories, write out in the margin the personality characteristics that you feel your stories illustrate. This way, you are likely to have some stories prepared for when you are asked to describe a situation with a particular strength.
For those of you who have gone on interviews already, do these questions look like ones you’ve been asked? What else would you add? Comments have been closed; please feel free to ask any questions you may have on the updated post 40 Interview Questions Every Social Worker Needs to Know
GOVERNMENT Interview Questions & Answers! (PASS your Government Job Interview at the 1st ATTEMPT!)
Interviews for Top Jobs at US Department of Homeland Security
Auditor Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at US Department of Homeland Security
Interview
applied via USAJOBS. Received phone interview request. Interviewed twice for the position in a virtual forum “MS Teams. The second interview was held with the division director and once second interview was over, received a tentative job offer a week after second interview.
- how do you manage your projects?
Management Trainee Interview
I interviewed at US Department of Homeland Security
Interview
Straightforward and conversational!I did a phone interview as well as a video interview they were very informative and calm. I loved that they made sure I was comfortable so that way I was able to relax and interview.
- Why should we pick you for the position
TSO (Transportation Security Officer) Interview
I applied online. The process took 5 months. I interviewed at US Department of Homeland Security (Newark, NJ)
Interview
Federal employment process, takes time but worth it. Background check and assessment for job duties. Must pass given exams to continue. Once passed it takes about 4-5 months to advance in the application process. Once your background check is clear you can advance to the interview. Extensive interview but it is a must as the task at hand is a very serious one.
- Previous job duties and how can that assist in the job applied.
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
Answer tips:
Here’s where the ability to perform under fire comes into play. And, if possible, give an example that is relatable to the type of position that you are applying for.
The ideal way to respond to this question is to provide examples and situations of how you have handled stress in your previous jobs. In this way, the interviewer can establish a clear picture of how well you are likely to react when the going gets tough.
Pro tip: make sure you are not referencing a time when your lack of organization or communication put you in a “self induced” stressful scenario. This is to say, don’t share a story about how your procrastiation created a situation where you had to finish a project quickly.
Answer samples
As Alexander Graham Bell so eloquently states in this quote, preparation is critical and this definitely holds true with respect to the interviewing process.
There are 20 interview questions that every social worker should be prepared to answer, as well as an additional 9 questions that may or may not be applicable to you depending on what type of position you are seeking.
Please note that the updated version of this post is 40 Interview Questions Every Social Worker Needs to Know but before you leave, make sure to check out the Q & A exchange in the comments below.
Having prepared these stories, in turn, will help you answer behavioral interviewing type questions that may get thrown your way.
When drafting your responses to situational questions, it is recommended to use a Problem, Action, Result approach; i.e., describe the action you took and then the result.
Working in a team environment is an important part of working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, so interviewers may ask you this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how they can apply them to their department. To answer this question, think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem or complete a task.
The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you interact with others. To answer, think of a time when you had to communicate with someone who was not as familiar with the topic or situation as you were. Explain what steps you took to ensure that the other person understood what you were saying.
Example: “I believe I am a natural leader, as I have been leading teams for over five years now. In my last position, I was responsible for managing a team of 15 employees who were all tasked with monitoring security cameras at various locations. I had to delegate tasks among my staff members and ensure they completed their work on time. This helped me learn how to manage a larger group of people.”
Example: “I think one thing that could help me be more effective at my job is learning how to better manage my time. I have been working on developing my time management skills, and I find it helpful to use a calendar app to keep track of all of my appointments and tasks. This has helped me feel less stressed about managing multiple projects at once.”
Example: “The most important part of being a TSO is customer service. As a TSO, I am responsible for ensuring that all passengers feel safe and comfortable while they wait in line. To do this, I make sure to greet everyone who comes through my lane with a smile and friendly conversation. This helps put people at ease and makes them feel welcome.”
FAQ
What are the 10 most common behavioral interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure. …
- How do you handle a challenge? …
- Have you ever made a mistake? …
- Give an example of how you set goals. …
- Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.
What questions do they ask in a social worker interview?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this agency?
- How does the work in this organization fit your professional mission or experience?
- Why do you want this job? …
- What are your experiences with the target population?
- Why do you want to work with this target population?
How do you answer a social worker interview question?
What questions do they ask in an interview for a care assistant?
- What has attracted you to the care profession? …
- What relevant experience do you have with respect to this position? …
- Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. …
- How would you handle someone who is confused or upset? …
- How would your friends and family describe you as a person?
