1. INTERVIEWING FOR SOCIAL WORKERS INTERVIEWING FOR SOCIAL WORKERS Peggy Grace, M. Ed. Assistant Director Career Education Services January 7, 2014

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

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

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

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. 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?  Stated job requirements: 1. MSW 2. Knowledge of serious and persistent mental illness  Implied requirements from job description 1. Perform initial screening of newly referred clients 2. 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 ________ Their Needs: Your Qualifications:

10. Behavioral Interview Questions Behavioral questions Behavioral questions – 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.” “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 opportunity you faced (Presenting problem) A = Explain the action you 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 Step 3: Prepare Questions to Ask Ask for information that you genuinely need to know. Ask for information that you genuinely need to know. Jot down some typical questions to ask. 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 Interviewing on CEC website Interviewing on CEC website

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

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