- What kinds of clients do you find most difficult to work with and why? …
- Why did you go into social work? …
- What strategies do you use for crisis intervention? …
- What type of supervision do you prefer? …
- Tell me about a time when a client disagreed with your approach or treatment plan.
8 Social Work Interview Questions You Should Be Prepared to Answer
Example: “When I was working as a hospital social worker, I met with a patient who had just learned they were diagnosed with cancer. The patient’s family members were very upset by the news, but I tried my best to comfort them. I listened carefully to what everyone said and offered advice on how to cope with the diagnosis. By helping the patient and their loved ones feel better, I was able to make sure everyone felt comfortable and supported.”
Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a social worker in the first place. In my previous role as a hospital social worker, I helped patients find resources they needed to recover. One patient was struggling with depression after being diagnosed with cancer. I connected her with a therapist who specialized in working with cancer patients. She ended up doing much better because of our conversation.”
This question can help interviewers understand how much you value continuing education. They may want to know that you’re committed to staying up-to-date on the latest mental health research and treatments. You can answer this question by explaining what resources you use to learn about new developments in the field of mental health.
Example: “I am committed to maintaining my patients’ privacy at all times. I always keep their records locked in my desk when I’m not using them. When I need to discuss a patient with someone else, I will only do so if they have a legitimate reason for needing the information. For example, I may tell a doctor what medications a patient is taking if they ask me directly.”
Example: “I would love to work with patients who are going through cancer treatment. I find it so inspiring to see people overcome such difficult illnesses. In my previous role, I worked with patients who were dealing with mental health issues. I found that helping someone overcome depression or anxiety was very rewarding.”
Example: “I think it’s essential to build a strong therapeutic relationship with each patient I work with because this helps me understand their unique needs and preferences. It also allows me to be more empathetic toward them and better able to provide support when they need it most. In my previous role as a medical social worker, I always made sure to take time to get to know each patient on a personal level so I could learn about their interests and life experiences. This helped me form meaningful connections with many of my patients.”
Example: “I would start by researching local communities that may benefit from our outreach programs. I have previously used social media platforms to find potential partners for outreach initiatives, as well as online forums where people discuss their experiences with mental health issues. In my last role, I found several individuals who were interested in learning more about our mental health support groups. We then scheduled an informational meeting at our hospital so they could learn more about our resources.”
Example: “I am not currently certified as a medical social worker. I do plan on enrolling in an online program that will allow me to take the exam at my own pace. I understand it takes time to complete the coursework and study for the exam, but I hope to be certified within six months of starting the job.”
Example: “I begin every needs assessment by meeting with the patient or family member who has requested my services. I ask them questions about their current situation and how they feel it affects their overall health. I also inquire about any other factors that may be impacting their well-being, such as financial concerns, social support networks and available resources.
Example: “I try to attend at least one conference a year where I learn from other professionals in the field. In addition, I subscribe to three different journals that publish articles on medical social work. I also take online courses through my university’s continuing education program. These courses are offered every quarter and cover topics like mental health care and working with patients who have substance abuse issues.”
What experience do you have with respects to this particular HOSPITAL SOCIAL WORKER position?
Answer tips:
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you know you do not have much experience in the job you are applying for, plan for this question ahead of time and ensure you can provide some relatable examples based on what you have done.
Almost all interviewers will appreciate confidence and pride in the work experience you have earned and your passion in transfering these valuable skills to your future role or position.
Answer sample
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
FAQ
How do I prepare for a hospital social worker interview?
What questions will I be asked at a hospital interview?
- “Tell me about yourself.” …
- “Why did you choose to apply?” …
- “What is your biggest strength?” …
- “What is your biggest weakness?” …
- “How do you see the future of healthcare?” …
- “How do you stay informed on current events and advancements in healthcare?”
How do I pass a social work interview?
- Assessing new patients as they are admitted.
- Providing emotional support or counseling.
- Developing and implementing a patient’s plan of care.
- Working with agencies or insurance companies to cover costs of treatment and medication.
- Arranging outpatient treatments.
