Social workers do some of the most challenging work out there. That’s why the answers to social work interview questions are so important. If you have an interview time, preparing for the questions you might get asked is vital.
To get ready, read through the questions below, and write out your answers by hand. This exercise will help you remember them so you can put your best foot forward during your interview.
Don’t forget, walking into an interview with confidence and quality answers makes a big impression.
Social Work Interview Questions
So, what are the typical social work interview questions you might get asked? Let’s take a look.
Why did you go into social work?
It’s easy to sit back and give a generic answer about wanting to change the world. Instead, focus on the specifics. If you have a great story about what inspires you about social work or something you experienced first-hand, use them as inspiration.
The bottom line is that you can’t be afraid to get personal. Social work is about dealing with people on a human level. This is the time to put your humanity out there.
How would you describe your ideal supervisor?
We’ve all had that manager that was hard to work with. A supervisor that just didn’t jive with your work style. When a hiring manager knows how to manage you, it can make all the difference.
So, don’t be afraid to be honest. Tell the hiring manager what you love about your past managers.
From there, they’ll be able to tell whether their management style and your work style go hand-in-hand.
Describe signs of abuse
Here’s where your knowledge comes into play. Take what you know and your experience in the field and layout your answers. Make sure you’re concise and give concrete examples of times you’ve experienced abuse in the workforce.
Social work is one of those fields where you come across situations that break your heart. Being able to identify them early and put a plan into action quickly is what your hiring manager is looking for.
Do not be afraid to pull from both your education and experience.
What do you hope to accomplish in this role?
We all have dreams. Especially when it comes to stepping into a new role, they might seem over the top to you, but to a hiring manager, they can make all the difference.
With this question, lay it all out on the line. Talk about what you hope to accomplish and how you aim to get there.
Any hiring manager worth their time will love that you have goals and dreams about your future.
How do you define success?
Social work is a whole different world. That’s why having your idea of success can make such a huge difference. Come prepared with the goals you want to accomplish and the performance indicators that prove you’ve met them.
Nothing impresses a hiring manager like a candidate that comes armed with goals and a plan.
Interviewing is never easy. Getting a position that requires empathy and a desire to help others is more challenging than almost any other role. Get prepared to answer the tough questions, and you’ll have the position in the bag.