First Impressions
This is the first thing you should do when greeting your interviewer.
What is offer a firm handshake, smile, and make eye contact?
When asked, “Tell me about yourself,” you should focus on this.
What is a brief summary of your professional background, skills, and career goals (not personal details)?
If a client begins escalating verbally, the first step is this.
What is remain calm, maintain non-threatening body language, and use de-escalation techniques?
A patient suddenly becomes very upset after you give them a simple directive and says, “You don’t care about me! You’re just like everyone else!" How would you respond in the moment?
"I hear that you're really upset right now, and I want to understand what's going on for you. Let’s talk about what you’re feeling and see how I can help."
Cultural competence begins with this personal process.
What is self-awareness of one’s own biases and assumptions?
You should wear this type of clothing to an interview.
What is professional/business attire appropriate to the workplace?
This is the best way to prepare for common questions like “What are your strengths?”
What is practicing responses that highlight relevant skills and examples?
A client is breathing rapidly, trembling, and reports feeling like they are “losing control.” This is most likely this type of crisis.
What is a panic attack/anxiety crisis?
A patient is sweating, shaking, and visibly agitated, asking for a drink of alcohol or a cigarette, saying, "I need it, or I’m going to lose it!" How would you respond in the moment?
"I can see that you're feeling really uncomfortable right now. Let’s focus on getting you some help so we can address your needs and make sure you’re safe."
A client declines eye contact because of cultural background. The appropriate response is this.
What is respect the difference and avoid forcing eye contact?
Arriving at this time is best for an interview.
What is 10–15 minutes early?
If asked about a weakness, the best response includes these two elements.
What is being honest but showing growth and strategies to improve?
In crisis work, the “least restrictive intervention” means this.
What is using the minimum intervention needed to ensure safety (e.g., verbal de-escalation before physical restraint)?
A patient starts to hyperventilate and says, “I can’t breathe. I think something is wrong with my heart!” How would you respond in the moment?
"I understand that you’re feeling scared right now. Let’s focus on some deep breathing to help calm down, and we’ll get someone to check on your physical health as well."
When a language barrier exists, the best practice is this.
What is use a professional interpreter rather than a family member?
If you don’t know the answer to a question, the best approach is this.
What is staying calm, acknowledging it, and expressing willingness to learn?
To show you researched the company, you should mention this.
What is knowledge of their mission, values, or recent projects?
A patient tells you, “The voices in my head said the staff are poisoning the food.” How would you respond in the moment?
“Thank you for sharing that—it sounds really upsetting. You’re safe here, and we’re here to help. Would you like to come with me to a quiet space?”
A patient repeatedly washes their hands, looking anxious, and says, “I can’t stop. I have to keep doing this or something bad will happen.” How would you respond in the moment?
"I can see that you're feeling very anxious right now. I’m here to help, and we can work together to find ways to manage your anxiety and get you the support you need."
A client does not want to be touched (e.g., handshakes) due to cultural or religious beliefs. Your professional response is this.
What is respect the boundary and use a verbal or alternative greeting?
This nonverbal behavior can signal confidence during an interview.
What is good posture, steady eye contact, and nodding attentively?
At the end of an interview, you should always ask at least one of these.
What is a thoughtful question about the role, company culture, or next steps?
A patient expresses, "I don't see the point in getting up today. Everything feels so heavy, like it's not worth it." How would you respond in the moment?
"I'm really sorry you're feeling this way—it sounds really tough. I'm here with you. Would you like some time to talk, or maybe we could focus on doing one small thing together?"
A patient repeatedly asks, "Where is my daughter? I want to go home." They seem confused and anxious. How would you respond in the moment?
"I know that you’re looking for your daughter, and that can be confusing. Let’s sit together for a moment, and I can help you feel more at ease. We’ll find a way to help you connect with her soon."
A respectful way to begin with a client from an unfamiliar culture is this.
What is asking open-ended questions about preferences and needs?