Therapist Job Interview Questions to Ask

Not everyone who calls themselves “trauma-informed” is qualified to slap this buzzword on their bio or resume, and it’s not only misleading, it’s potentially harmful. 🧐 How to Vet a Trauma-Informed Professional: Spoiler alert: If they are offended by you asking these questions, they already answered them for you! 1. Ask About Their Training Trauma-informed care isn’t a one-and-done workshop. We are always in a state of learning and growing our knowledge in all of these areas. Ask: • How many hours of trauma-specific training have you completed? • Do you pursue ongoing education in trauma or related topics (e.g., attachment, child development, implicit bias, neurobiology)? 2. Ask How They Apply It A real trauma-informed practitioner can explain how they apply the principles in everyday work. Try: • “How do you create emotional safety in your sessions or services?” • “How do you respond when someone gets dysregulated or shuts down?” 3. Look for Humility Trauma-informed practitioners don’t act like saviors. They collaborate. 🚩 Red flag: "I have a trusted framework that works for everyone with trauma." Green flag: “I support people to reconnect with their own strengths.” 4. Look for Self-Awareness and Reflection Ask: “How do you manage your own triggers or stress responses when working with trauma?” • If they get defensive, dismiss the question, or say “I don’t really get triggered," that’s a no. 5. Ask How They Address Culture, Power, and Equity A true trauma-informed approach is culturally responsive and power-aware. Try: “How do you ensure your work is equity-centered, anti-racist, and inclusive?” 6. Peer Support or Supervision Trauma-informed professionals don’t go it alone. Ask: • “Do you participate in regular supervision or peer consultation?” • “How do you stay accountable in your trauma-informed work?” 7. Read Their Materials Look at their website, blogs, videos, intake forms, and communication style. • Do they prioritize consent? • Use inclusive and empowering language? • Offer options and explain your rights? This is just a start, but I bring it up because more people are calling themselves trauma-informed. And, there is no standardized protocol for using the term trauma-informed. Click the little bell in my profile for more free tips and guidance! #traumainformedcare #mentalhealth

99% of candidates miss their chance to stand out. But you don't have to. After thousands of hours interviewing and hiring, I've noticed that many candidates don't ask the meaningful questions that could set them apart. If you want to stand out in your next interview, ask these 6 questions to get deeper insights and show you're thinking beyond the basics: ❌ "What does a typical day look like?" ✅ "What are the most important challenges you're facing right now? How can I help address them?" WHY: This shows you think like a problem-solver, eager to contribute from day one. It positions you as proactive and aligned with the company's immediate needs. ❌ "Can you tell me about the team?" ✅ "What are the strengths of the team? Where do you see growth opportunities?" WHY: This highlights that you're focused on what's working and where you can add value. It shows a collaborative mindset and a desire to help the team grow. ❌ "How will success be measured in this role?" ✅ "Can you give examples of how someone exceeded expectations in this role and what impact that had on the business?" WHY: This shows you're curious about high performance and its impact. It gives you a clearer picture of what it takes to excel in the role. ❌ "What's your management style?" ✅ "How do leaders here support their teams in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals?" WHY: This signals that you value strong leadership and want to know how you'll be supported. It also helps you gauge if the leadership style aligns with how you perform best. ❌ "What are opportunities for advancement?" ✅ "What do successful career paths look like for people who have excelled in this role?" WHY: This shows you're thinking long-term and are serious about growing with the company. It also gives insight into advancement opportunities based on merit and contribution. ❌ "What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?" ✅ "If I were to get the role, what would need to happen in the first 6 months for you to say hiring me was the best decision you made?" WHY: This shows you're focused on delivering value and already thinking about making an immediate impact. It also clarifies performance expectations and success metrics. These questions aren't just conversation starters—they give you key insights into the role, the team, and the company's culture. Plus, they show you're serious about finding the right fit. 💬 What questions do you wish you'd asked in an interview? 

I've interviewed 100s of people for 6-figure roles. (Here's what nobody tells you...) It's not the most qualified candidate who gets the job. It's the best prepared for the interview. How to prep like the top 1%: 1. Research the company like you already work there. ↳ Know their challenges, victories, and latest news. 2. Practice your answers out loud. ↳ What sounds good in your head may not when spoken. 3. Prepare 3 specific stories that showcase your skills. ↳ Focus on your adaptability and leadership. 4. Study the job description. Find the top 3 skills they want. ↳ Then craft examples proving you have them. 5. Do a mock interview with a trusted person. ↳ Someone who will give you honest feedback. 💡 And 7 questions to ask that make YOU stand out: 99% of candidates ask basic questions at the end. Don't waste this opportunity to impress! Ask these instead: ➟ What does success look like in the first 90 days? ➟ What are the biggest challenges facing the team that I could help solve? ➟ How would you describe the management style of the person I'd be reporting to? ➟ What distinguishes your top performers from everyone else? ➟ How does the company support professional development and growth? ➟ What made YOU decide to join this company, and what keeps you here? ➟ What do new employees find surprising after they start? The best candidates don't just answer questions. They create meaningful conversations. Remember: Interviews are a two-way street. You're evaluating them just as much as they are you. You spend 90,000 hours of your life at work. Choose a company and manager that support your growth. Your career will thank you. P.S. What's your best tip for nailing your interview? Share in the comments to help others prepare. ♻️ Valuable? Repost to share with your network. 🔖 Follow Justin Wright for more on career success. Want my 80 best cheat sheets? Get them here for free: BrillianceBrief.com