10 Interview Question to Ask Any Candidate

Bringing a new behavioral health professional onto your team is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. You want to choose someone with the hard skills needed to excel in the position, but you also need to make sure they’re a fit for your company culture. 

In most cases, you’ll only have a few rounds of interviews to get to know candidates and make your selection, so you have to ask the right questions. Those that require a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response don’t even scratch the surface, so focus on behavioral interview questions that show their true colors. Here’s 10 to get you started. 

1. Why did you choose a career in behavioral health?

You want to hire someone who is truly passionate about helping patients. This question will help you understand what inspired the candidate to get into the field and continues to motivate them to this day. 

2. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient.

Some patients are a joy to treat, but others can be a challenge. However, you need a team member who can handle both types with grace. Their response will clue you in on what to expect. 

3. What do you consider your greatest career accomplishment so far?

This will help you learn more about the candidate’s definition of success. Look for a response that shows both a sense of confidence in their work as an individual and pride in their contributions to the success of the team 

4. Describe a time when you had a difference of opinion with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?

Even the most compatible co-workers have disagreements sometimes. The best candidates will highlight the respect they have for their peers no matter what, and an ability to find common ground amid their differences. 

5. Share a professional decision you’ve made that you wouldn’t repeat?

Another way to inquire about mistakes made on the job, this question highlights the person’s level of self-awareness and the ability to learn from mishaps. 

6. Why do you want this job?

You want to hire someone who is passionate about helping others. This question gets straight to the point, so you can understand what inspired the candidate to apply for the position. 

7. How do you handle stress and pressure that comes with having a healthcare job?

Working in healthcare is extremely rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of pressure. Successful candidates should have no trouble sharing at least one healthy outlet they use to manage stress. 

8. Why are you looking to leave your current job?

Make sure the candidate wants to join your team for the right reasons  i.e., not because they can’t get along with their boss or want a larger paycheck. Their response should focus on professional growth and include an explanation of why your company is the right place for them. 

9. What motivates you?

You want to make sure the candidate is inspired by this particular position at your exact company. The best replies will include motivations relevant to both the job and your organization. 

10. How do you like to be managed?

Some bosses just don’t mesh with their employees, because their management style isn’t a fit. Finding out how the candidate likes to be managed now can help you avoid serious bumps in the road later on. 

Choosing the right person for the job can be a challenge. To learn more about how we can help you find top behavioral health talent, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected]. 

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