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Social Worker Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Social Worker interview questions and answers.

  1. Why did you become a social worker? See answer
  2. What do you think makes you the best fit for this social worker role? See answer
  3. What crisis intervention strategies do you use? See answer
  4. What are the common signs of abuse? See answer
  5. What kind of clients do you find easy to work with? See answer
  6. In your experience, what kind of clients are the most challenging to work with? See answer
  7. How do you handle aggressive clients? See answer
  8. How do you achieve work-life balance? See answer
  9. What is your greatest strength as a social worker? See answer
  10. Imagine a client responded negatively to your recommendations. How would you handle the situation? See answer
  11. What strategies do you use to engage clients? See answer
  12. Are you comfortable visiting clients in their homes? See answer
  13. What supervision type do you prefer? See answer
  14. Describe a time you went above and beyond as a social worker. See answer
  15. Why do you want to work here as a social worker? See answer
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Hire your next Social Worker today.

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Hire your next Social Worker today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Social Worker Interview Questions and Answers

Why did you become a social worker?

This question helps you determine whether a candidate cares about social work. It enables a social worker to talk about themselves, their motivation, and their interest in the field. What to look for in an answer:

  • Motivation for being a social worker
  • Desire to make a difference and help others
  • Compassion, selflessness, and commitment to the role

Example:

"I've always loved helping others, right from my childhood. I'm grateful that I can now provide counselling and therapy to couples, individuals, and groups. Realizing that each day is an opportunity to make an impact in other people's lives inspires me. My compassionate nature and experience made me pursue a career as a social worker."

What do you think makes you the best fit for this social worker role?

This question helps you evaluate a candidate's qualifications and determine whether they meet your expectations for a social worker. It also gives them an opportunity to highlight their strengths. What to look for in an answer:

  • Meets academic requirements of the role
  • Relevant skills and characteristics that suit the position
  • Passion for helping others

Example:

"I think I'm the best candidate for this role because of my understanding, non-judgemental, and caring nature. I earned a bachelor's degree in social work and learned the theoretical concepts of helping others through social issues. After my studies, I joined the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I also worked at two hospitals and a child welfare organization shortly after graduating. I'm eager to apply my skills and experience as a social worker at this school."

What crisis intervention strategies do you use?

Social workers often have to work with clients struggling with a crisis. This question helps you evaluate the candidate's understanding of crisis intervention strategies to support clients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Effective strategies that align with your organization's best practices
  • Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence
  • Academic and practical knowledge of crisis intervention strategies

Example:

"At my last job, I helped a recovering substance abuser deal with the loss of his wife. My strategy was first to understand the patient's emotions. Then I made sure he was safe by taking away all harmful objects and drugs from his environment. I supported him by listening actively when he talked, and we discussed things that made him happy. I also used comforting restatements to lift his spirit."

What are the common signs of abuse?

This question tests a candidate's theoretical knowledge and practical experience. A social worker must know how to identify the signs of abuse and look out for the signs constantly. What to look for in an answer:

  • Attention to details and ability to read body language
  • Knowledge of various cues that signal abuse
  • Emotional intelligence

Example:

"I look out for unusual behavioural changes, sudden loss of self-confidence, and agitation in an individual. Unexplained scars, bruises, and injuries may also be signs of physical abuse. If another party, such as a care worker or family member, doesn't allow the patient to be alone, that could be a sign that there's an issue. I always take direct reports from vulnerable individuals seriously. To investigate further, I..."

What kind of clients do you find easy to work with?

The goal of this question is to assess a candidate's ability to work with a diverse range of people. It also enables a social worker to reiterate what interests and motivates them about the role, or identify a preferred client demographic. What to look for in an answer:

  • Flexibility and adaptability to work with various demographics
  • Ability to connect with a target group
  • Enthusiasm for working with the clients your organization generally serves

Example:

"I'm committed to helping teenagers develop the social skills they need. I understand teenage years can be confusing for many, and I'm inspired to help them through this stage of their lives. I know how to connect with teenagers, which is why I'm so enthusiastic about working for this high school."

In your experience, what kind of clients are the most challenging to work with?

Asking this question helps you to understand how a candidate deals with demanding clients and stress. You can tell whether a candidate could work in fast-paced environments from their answer.What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Positivity in their response and explanation
  • Experience working with a variety of clients
  • Compassion and dedication to helping every client

Example:

"In my experience, I've found substance abusers the most challenging to support. Staying sober is extremely challenging, and it's hard to watch clients relapse. However, it's so rewarding when someone feels proud of their first month, year, or ten years of sobriety. I'm always happy to help them overcome obstacles."

How do you handle aggressive clients?

Social workers meet a wide range of personalities in challenging circumstances and must know how to respond to aggression. This question assesses a candidate's conflict-resolution skills and ability to make good decisions when dealing with upset clients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to remain calm and manage aggressive clients
  • Experience and training in how to de-escalate dangerous situations
  • Critical-thinking skills

Example:

"I first try to understand why the client is aggressive. I proceed with caution, listen to their concerns, and acknowledge their feelings. When the client is calm, I look for common ground or a solution and use a low, relaxed tone when speaking. In my experience, de-escalation and preventative measures are the most effective strategies when dealing with aggressive clients."

How do you achieve work-life balance?

Sometimes, social work can feel all-consuming because of the dedication needed for the job. By asking this question, you can determine how a candidate manages their time and prevents burnout. What to look for in an answer:

  • Organizational skills
  • Practical strategies to stay refreshed and avoid burnout
  • Understanding of the importance of work-life balance

Example:

"I have excellent organizational skills, which I use to manage my personal and professional life. I also have effective strategies to prevent burnout, especially during particularly busy periods. These skills and strategies help me stay committed to my job as a social worker and enjoy my time outside work."

What is your greatest strength as a social worker?

This question helps you learn more about a candidate's qualities. It also reveals whether their attributes align with the requirements of your ideal social worker. What to look for in an answer:

  • Confidence in their strengths and abilities
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Strategies for how to use strengths to support clients

Example:

"My greatest strength is my excellent communication and interpersonal skills that I use to build healthy relationships with clients. As a social worker, I know the right questions to ask and how to keep conversations going. This strength also helps me connect with new clients easily and break the ice."

Imagine a client responded negatively to your recommendations. How would you handle the situation?

Social workers need to know how to react to different situations. An excellent candidate should give a positive and professional answer when a client responds negatively to their recommendations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical decision-making skills
  • Professionalism
  • Effective strategies for handling various clients

Example:

"If a client reacted negatively to my suggestion, I'd politely ask them to elaborate on why. I'd actively listen to their explanation and rephrase what they said. Then, I'd explain my reasoning, and we'd work together to reach a solution that they could agree with. I always prevent negative comments from escalating into aggressive or hostile situations."

What strategies do you use to engage clients?

Communicating, building relationships, and keeping clients engaged can be challenging. By asking this question, you can determine whether a social worker is competent at engaging clients. What to look for in an answer:

  • Practical strategies to connect with a variety of people
  • Effective communication skills
  • Interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Example:

"I think client engagement is a crucial aspect of my job as a social worker. In my experience, it's the best way to connect with clients. I make my clients feel comfortable and treat every session is like a conversation. I give clear responses to client questions and always seek to understand their point of view. I also..."

Are you comfortable visiting clients in their homes?

Depending on your organization, a social worker may need follow-up with clients and conduct home visits. The goal of this question is to find out whether a candidate understands the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Research about the organization and preparation for the interview
  • Experience visiting a client's home
  • Understanding of the role's requirements

Example:

"I'm comfortable conducting home visits. I understand these situations can be challenging, but I'm confident in my experience and abilities. Visiting clients is an important aspect of my job, and I believe it's a good way to understand their unique situation and support them."

What supervision type do you prefer?

This question helps you determine whether a candidate's working style aligns with your culture. Look for candidates who take instructions well if you have guidelines a social worker must follow. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to adapt to your organization's culture
  • Knowledge of different styles of supervision
  • Explanation of their preference

Example:

"I thrive in environments with free-reign supervision. As a social worker with nine years of work experience, I think my supervisors can trust my judgement. I feel it's important they're confident in my methods and can support me when needed. I always seek their feedback when I'm not sure about a procedure or action to take, but I prefer to work independently and solve problems myself."

Describe a time you went above and beyond as a social worker.

This question gives you insights into whether a candidate has the drive to meet and exceed performance expectations. It also indicates their level of experience and dedication to the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for helping others
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
  • A strong work ethic

Example:

"At my last job, I worked with a teenager who had troubles relating to others. She often felt nervous and shy around her peers and was diagnosed with severe anxiety. After analyzing her condition, I recommended cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), but the fees were too high for her family to cover. It inspired me to found a small charity that assists students with therapy fees."

Why do you want to work here as a social worker?

This question helps you find out what appeals to a candidate about working for your organization. A promising candidate focuses on contributing to your organization and outlines how their goals align with yours. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in professional development
  • Passion for helping the demographics or groups your organization works with
  • Long-term career goals

Example:

"I want to work here because I love supporting children. I'm passionate about helping them develop skills, and I think your organization offers an exciting challenge for me. I believe my well-developed interpersonal skills would be valuable at your school, and I look forward to working here. I also want this social worker position because it'd offer me the opportunity to learn from more experienced social workers."

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