Speech-Language Pathologist Interview Questions & Answers

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Analytical skills
• Listening skills
• Compassion
• Attention to detail

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Speech-Language Pathologist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Speech-language pathologists must select the most appropriate diagnostic tools and analyze results to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Speech-language pathologists need to communicate test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments in a way that individuals and their families can understand.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Compassion

Why interviewers are interested in how compassionate you are:

Speech-language pathologists work with people who are often frustrated by their difficulties. Speech-language pathologists must support emotionally demanding individuals and their families.

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

Speech-language pathologists must adjust their treatment plans as needed, finding alternative ways to help.

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Speech-language pathologists must take detailed notes on progress and treatment.

Listening skills

Why interviewers are interested in your listening skills:

Speech-language pathologists must listen to symptoms and concerns to decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

(source: bls.gov)

Speech-Language Pathologist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Speech-Language Pathologist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Speech-Language Pathologist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. How do you ensure that you select the most appropriate diagnostic tools and analyze results to arrive at an accurate diagnosis? Can you give me an example?
2. What has been the most difficult case you ever dealt with in your career? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from it?
3. How do you keep your patients motivated even when their progress is relatively slow? Can you give an example?
4. Walk me through the steps you take as you set up a treatment plan for a patient. Where do you start?
5. Tell me about the most common speech disorders you have encountered in your career. Which do you find the most difficult to treat?
6. What skills do you think are essential for a speech-language pathologist to succeed? Can you give an example of how you use these skills in your work?
7. What is your specialty as a speech-language pathologist? Can you give me an example?
8. How would you set up a treatment plan for a person who is not a native English speaker?
9. Give me an example of how you evaluate the progress of your patients. How do you assess success?
10. How would you rate your critical-thinking skills? Can you give me an example of how you adjust treatment plans when needed or how you find alternative ways to help?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.