Attending your first SLT interview is both a positive and nerve wracking experience. We have liaised with a large number of sources – NHS Managers, Independent practices, schools and charities to establish a comprehensive list of questions which can be covered in interviews:

Possible Interview questions to be prepared for:

  1. Tell us about your speech and language therapy experiences so far.
  2. What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are?
  3. What would you do if you were about to discharge a client after their 6 week treatment block and they complained to you and were not happy about it?
  4. Tell us about an episode of care that went well and one that didn’t.
  5. How do you prioritise/meet the needs of your caseload?
  6. Tell us about yourself and why this role (they always seem to start with something like this – try to relate as much experience as possible to this and always say you have a special interest in this area)
  7. Tell us about your SLT career so far?
  8. Tell us why we should offer you this post
  9. Name a piece of work / placement task that went well and and same for that did not go well ?
  10. Tell us about a client you have worked with recently – how you assessed their needs and manage their care?
  11. Describe an episode of management you have done that has resulted in a good outcome
  12. ·Imagine you order food in a restaurant but when it arrives, it’s not as it was stated in the menu. How would you manage this situation?
  13. How would you approach assessment differently for a 2 year old & a four year old?
  14. How would you make a differential diagnosis between SLI and dyspraxia?
  15. You were running a group with an LSA and 4 SLI children, one became upset and started acting out. How would you handle the situation?

Don’t forget the following aspects are also important:

  • Candidate’s aptitude
  • Responses to pre interview emails etc – spelling, coherence, professionalism,flexibility to meet interview dates, building a rapport pre interview to become memorable, a good CV, a timely response to pre interview and post interview emails.
  • Always remember to give three points to the question asked, this should ensure your score fully on each point
  • Try to be clear and succinct, avoid waffling
  • Try to ensure you make eye contact and address all interviewers on the panel
  • Always ensure you have a range of relevant questions to ask the panel – including genuine aspects you want to find out.

How will I know if a job is suited to me:

It is important to weigh up what is important to you in your first post – you might consider the following:

  1. What flexible working hours do you offer?
  2. Are these guaranteed hours?
  3. Is there a probation period?
  4. What range of specialist SLTS would be available to support me when working with more complex client groups?
  5. Is there scope for good MDT working?
  6. What formal and informal clinical supervision will be available to me?
  7. What range of assessments can I be expected to access?
  8. What range of therapy materials can I be expected to access?
  9. What therapy interventions does your service typically use?
  10. Will I gain opportunity to deliver much hands on therapy?
  11. Do I need to specialise in a clinical field to progress up the Spine Points?
  12. Will I be expected to travel much within a day of therapy?
  13. What risk assessments are in place to support me for example loan working within the community?
  14. Can I refuse referrals if I dont feel clinically comfortable to take them on my caseload?
  15. What size caseload can I expect in a day/week?
  16. Can I work across different client groups, Paeds/Adults/ALD?