Social work can be a highly rewarding, but challenging profession. During a social work job interview, you’ll be competing against other highly qualified candidates. Therefore, it is crucial you make a strong impression.
Above all else, preparation is key. Reviewing common interview questions will help boost your confidence.
So, what are some common social work interview questions, and how should you answer them?
Why do you want to work as a social worker? or Why did you choose a career in social work?
Interviewers want to see that you are passionate about the industry and meeting the needs of your clients. In your answer, explain what motivated you to enter the social work industry.
What is your experience as a social worker?
Interviewers ask this question to assess whether you have the skills and experience required for the role. To answer this question, take a look at the job description and try to align the skills and experience listed with your own.
How would you handle a client that refuses to co-operate?
In social work, you will encounter difficult situations. Interviewers ask this question to assess how you handle uncomfortable situations.
How do you cope with stress?
As a social worker you will be faced with stressful situations. Interviewers want to see that you can meet the demands of the role and how you handle yourself under pressure.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
Social work can be a highly stressful position. Therefore, you need to be able to balance your work and personal life. This question is designed to test your time-management skills and how you handle pressure. When answering this question, highlight your organisational skills and commitment to your position.
What groups would you be willing to work with?
As a social worker, you will work with diverse groups of people. Interviewers ask this question to see if you are dedicated to your role as a social worker. In your answer, explain that you would be willing to work with a variety of people. Explain how you could help different groups of people.
How do you handle conflict resolution? or How would you handle an agitated client?
In social work, you will regularly be faced with conflict. Therefore, conflict resolution skills are essential. In your answer, provide an example of how you have successfully dealt with conflict in the past.
What are your greatest strengths as a social worker?
Being a social worker is not easy. Interviewers ask this question to see if you have the traits required for the role. Answering this question requires preparation. Take a look at the job description. See if you can align the skills and experience listed with your own.
What are your weaknesses as a social worker?
Interviewers ask this question to see if you can acknowledge your limitations and work on them. When answering this question, choose a weakness that will not impact your ability to perform the role. You should choose a weakness that you are taking steps to address.
What crisis intervention techniques do you employ?
As a social worker, you will encounter people at some of the most difficult points of their lives. Therefore, interviewers must know that you can respond to a crisis calmly and effectively. In your answer, provide an example of how you responded to a crisis in the past.
Social work interviews can be challenging, but with preparation and self-reflection, you can maximise your chances of success.
Are you looking for a career in social work? Public Service Resumes can help. We offer various services including interview coaching for social work professionals.
Article References
Indeed (5 March 2025) ‘Social Worker Interview Questions’, Indeed, accessed 17 March 2025.