Prepare for a Social Work Interview
Professionals in the social work field need to be really good at relating to people. Therefore, interviewing for a position in social work is possibly more important than in other fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities in social work to grow, especially for social workers who specialize in aging populations and work in rural areas. Prepare for a social work interview by reviewing your resume and the job description, and practicing answers to questions the recruiter might ask.
Steps
- Practice your small talk. The interviewer will likely try to put you at ease before he or she begins asking questions. Make sure you are able to comfortably chat about the weather or the traffic.
- Review the job description. Most social work positions involve working with people, on behalf of government or community agencies.
- Review your own qualifications. An interviewer will ask you specific questions about your educational background in social work and your work experience.
- Prepare to discuss your degree level. Most entry-level positions in social work will only require a bachelor's degree, but if you are applying for a position at a higher level, you will need to have a master's degree or be in the process of pursuing one.
- Research the agency or organization. Be sure you understand what the organization does, who it serves and what its leadership structure is like.
- Be able to explain why you are applying for the job. You will be asked why you are a good fit, so prepare to explain how your strengths match the position.
- Prepare for behavioral interviewing. Most social work interviews will require you to use past experiences to explain how you would handle present situations.
- Make a list of specific cases, clients and supervisors that you can quickly and easily call to mind to demonstrate your experience and abilities.
- Provide details. Explain how one case helped you handle frustrations better, or why working out your differences with a certain co-worker made you a better team player.
- Anticipate questions about your career goals. You might be asked where you see yourself in 5 years, or whether you plan to further your education.
- Stay informed about current events in the social work field. You will need to be able to speak authoritatively and intelligently on developments that might be occurring in the areas of social work.
- Prepare to share insight and opinions. For example, if you are interviewing at an agency that serves homeless people, be ready to discuss what churches are doing for outreach. If you are interviewing with a cancer center, be ready to discuss health care for those in poverty.
- Make a list of questions you will ask. There is always time for you to ask questions during an interview. Never say you do not have any.
- Ask what the interviewer likes about working for the agency. You might also want to ask about his or her management style, if that person will be your direct supervisor. Ask any other questions you can think of that are relevant to your employment there and demonstrate your interest in and knowledge about the organization.
Tips
- Remember to be professional. Dress in a suit, even if it is a casual workplace, and arrive a few minutes early. Shake hands, make eye contact and send a thank you note after the interview is concluded.
- Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend. Repeating sample questions and answers out loud, and hearing yourself speak, will help prepare you for the interview.
