Psychologist Job Interview Questions

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

Our career guides are produced by staff writers in conjunction with our expert career coaches.

Q. Why did you choose to become a psychologist?

A. One of the main reasons I chose to become a psychologist is because I love being able to help people and make a difference in their lives. I am also fascinated by how people’s mind’s work and how they behave, and I strongly believe that there is always something new to learn and understand when it comes to psychology.

As we humans develop, so does psychology, and there is always a growing literature, more studies and more research concerning the human mind and how it works. In addition to this, I like listening to people, and I am a strong communicator, which I think is vital in treating clients and patients.

I strongly agree with the notion that psychology is essential to our survival, as it can lead to improved social lives, personal lives and relationships as people learn more about their own minds, how they work and evidently become better people for it.

Q. What is your greatest strength as a psychologist?

A. I think my greatest strength as a psychologist is being empathetic, compassionate and having excellent listening skills. This makes it easy for me to connect with people and offer advice or help them to articulate their thoughts and feelings. I am also the type of person that always wants to work on my knowledge, and psychology is one of those disciplines that is constantly changing and growing.

Q. What are your weaknesses?

A. Whilst one of the greatest parts of being a psychologist is the opportunity to help people, it can also be emotionally draining and exhausting at times. However, it’s a part of the job, and I find that practicing stress management techniques can be very helpful, and how important a good work/life balance is.

Q. What do you think are the fundamental skills of a psychologist?

A. One of the most essential skills of a psychologist is good research skills in order to find the right treatments for a range of challenges and issues. I’ve also got a great ability to relate to and empathise with people, and I am able to discuss sensitive issues with kindness and care. In addition to this, a good psychologist needs to have a great interest in how people think and behave, whilst also having critical thinking skills and analytical skills themselves to develop the right approach in dealing with clients and patients.

Q. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult client, or one that refused to express themselves around you. How did you deal with this situation?

A. Many of my clients have been through significant trauma in their lives, and they may find it difficult to express themselves and their feelings. I find that a little bit of patience, compassion and understanding goes a long way. However, I am also a great listener and communicator, so I can often aid clients in expressing themselves, offering them the words, tools and ways to say how they feel. At the heart of it, I’m a people person, which makes it easier for people to come out of their shells, and trust me to listen, assess them and offer the right course of action.

Q. What inspired you to pursue Counseling Psychology instead of other disciplines?

A. The main reason I pursued counseling psychology was because I really enjoy helping people improve their mental and emotional health. I strongly believe this improves people’s quality of life, and can assist people with not only mental health disorders, but struggles such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and other issues within their lives. It makes me feel proud to help others find the tools, resources and the treatment they need to be happy, healthy individuals.

Q. Why did you choose to work in Clinical Psychology instead of other disciplines?

A. I find clinical psychology one of the most complex and diverse specialty areas of psychology, but also one of the most rewarding. In clinical psychology, I am able to address a whole host of mental, emotional and behavioral problems, whilst integrating the science, education, and psychology for clients with assessments, diagnosis and treatments for a variety of human mental issues. I find that in clinical psychology, there are not always easy solutions, which makes working in this sector more challenging, but more fulfilling.

Q. What aspects of clinical work do you find most challenging, or least enjoyable?

A. one of the most challenging aspects of this role is finding a good work/life balance. I find that I can sometimes feel emotionally exhausted after dealing with long hours working with clients, and it can sometimes be professionally isolating not seeing many other people other than clients all day. A little bit of personal stress management can go a long way.

Q. What are your feelings around working with minorities?

A. I understand the value of working with minorities and honoring diverse cultures. I think that we can all learn from one another, and treat each other’s cultures with respect and thoughtfulness. I also think it’s important to work in a diverse environment as we will be exposed to different points of view, opinions and ideas.

Q. Can you describe a day in the life of a school psychologist?

A. As a school psychologist, I would be responsible for counseling both students, teachers and parents. I would also work closely with students to help them overcome their issues, problems or difficulties, and assess any educational, emotional or social problems. Not only this, but my day to day role would also involve diagnosing disabilities or finding solutions to help assist students with their learning process, whilst helping a wide range of diverse learners and students. Of course, I would always be there to lend a helping hand or an ear if required.

Q. Apart from students, who else can benefit from a school psychologist?

A. It’s not only the students that I am able to assist. I can also offer guidance, counseling and support to faculty members or parents too if and as needed.

Q. Why do you want to work with (healthcare, school, organization) as a psychologist?

A. I would like to work with (X) because I am passionate about helping people understand their behaviors, emotional disorders and mental difficulties. I am also great with people and have fantastic communication skills that make me able to support, empathize and observe individuals, to help them get the treatment they need.