In preparing for an interview with your perspective field instructor here are a few items you may want to

consider.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

• You may want to do some research about the agency prior to the interview. Most agencies have a web page where you can learn about the agency’s mission and program(s).
• Talk with other students and community professionals to learn about their perception of the agency.
• Prepare a resume to take with you to the interview. Have a friend and/or instructor look it over for you.
• Spend some time clarifying your career goals. This will enable you to answer the interviewer’s question: what would you like to be doing five years from now?
• Talk with another student who has completed or is in the process of completing their internship. Find
• out from the student’s perspective the strengths and challenges of their field experience. What did they like about field what they didn’t like.
• Attend the school’s career fair. Shop the different agency exhibits.
• Meet with the field coordinator to discuss your educational and career goals. Do not set up interviews until after you have met with the field coordinator.
• Remember to “dress for success”.
• During the interview remember that one of your tasks is to learn whether or not “if this the right place for you”.

WHAT TO ASK THE FIELD INSTRUCTOR

• Find out about the philosophy of the agency:
• Field instructor’s years of experience as a field instructor; Professional qualification of field instructor.
• The role of social work in the agency.
• The role of students in the agency. Ask: “What do you consider to be ideal experiences for students in this setting?”
• “How do you orient new students?”
• “How do you supervise students?” (What is field instructor’s style of supervision?)
• “Tell me about projects other student have done at this agency. How do you evaluate students? What kinds of results do you look for a student to produce?” College

SOME NUTS AND BOLTS TYPE OF QUESTIONS

• What resources are available to students: number of professional staff; what other professional disciplines are there in the agency; availability of support staff; workload of professional social workers; workload of field instructor etc.
• Are there any training resources at the agency: staff trainings; audio/video equip ment, library facilities; one-way mirror etc.
• Student office space; telephone/computer; parking.
• Are students reimbursed for mileage to cover community-based services provided by student? Any other anticipated expenses?
• Will a student have to under go any special pre-internship screening? For example background check, physical screening, fingerprint screening, etc.
• Hours of service. Is the field instructor familiar with the university’s academic calendar? Does the winter break pose a challenge for the agency? How will the student’s workload be covered during the winter break, which is typically four weeks long?
• Do you need flexible field hours? Can the field instructor accommodate your needs and still provide appropriate supervision?
• What are the safety issues associated with the placement? Does the agency provide crisis intervention training?

WHAT QUESTIONS TO EXPECT FROM THE FIELD INSTRUCTOR

• May I see your resume/student profile?
• Why are you interested in this internship?
• What do you believe qualifies you for this internship?
• What do you believe you will contribute to this agency?
• Tell me about any social work-related volunteer or employment experience you may have.
• Describe your educational goals.
• What would you like to be doing five years from now?
• What do you feel are your greatest strengths and challenges?
• What type of people appeal most/least to you as potential clients?
• Do you have any special needs, what type of accommodation? (ADA)