Psychologist Interview Questions & Answers

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Patience
• Integrity
• Observational skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Psychologist 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:

Psychologists must examine the information they collect and draw logical conclusions.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Psychologists must have strong communication skills because they spend much of their time listening to and speaking with patients or describing their research.

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

Integrity

Why interviewers are interested in your integrity:

Psychologists must keep patients’ problems in confidence, and patients must be able to trust psychologists’ expertise in treating sensitive problems.

Interpersonal skills

Why interviewers are interested in your interpersonal skills:

Psychologists study and help individuals, so they must be able to work well with clients, patients, and other professionals.

Observational skills

Why interviewers are interested in your observational skills:

Psychologists study attitude and behavior. They must understand the possible meanings of facial expressions, body positions, actions, and interactions.

Patience

Why interviewers are interested in how patient you are:

Psychologists must demonstrate patience because conducting research or treating patients may take a long time.

Problem-solving skills

Why interviewers are interested in your problem-solving skills:

Psychologists need problem-solving skills to collect information, design research, evaluate programs, and find treatments or solutions to mental and behavioral problems.

Learn more about problem-solving interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Psychologist 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 Psychologist 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 Psychologist Behavioral Interview Questions

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

1. Give me an example of how you plan, organize and prioritize your workload.
2. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a psychologist? Why?
3. Give me an example of the steps you take to perform a mental health assessment. Where do you start?
4. Tell me more about some of the recent research projects you have been involved with. What was your role and contribution?
5. Which skills do you think are essential for a psychologist? Can you give me an example of how you use these skills in your work?
6. How would you rate your communication skills? Can you describe your communication style and give some examples to demonstrate how you use these skills?
7. Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict. What actions did you take?
8. Describe the most challenging project you have worked on in your career.
9. Give me an example of a time you did not get along with a coworker. How did you deal with the situation?
10. Tell me more about your problem-solving skills. Can you give me an example?

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