After knowing where you could work and what it looks like in a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, the next step is getting the job – but first, you have to pass the interview.

Interview questions will vary based on the position you are applying for. In some cases, interviewers may present you with a scenario involving a fictional client and ask you to describe the action you would take. In other cases, the interviewer will ask a probing question to get to know you as a person.

Preparation is the key to success – and it starts with having an outstanding resume.

Generally, we recommend preparing to answer the question, “Why should we hire you?”

But the following questions from there can vary.

General Speech-Language Pathology Interview Questions

More likely than not, your interviewer will have some questions that relate to speech pathology in general. These questions will be used to get an overall impression of your history, experience, motivation, and style.

1. What interests you about speech-language pathology?

For this question, you should talk about what you love about being a Speech-Language Pathologist as well as the skills and qualities needed. Such as:

• People skills
• Empathy
• Analytical mind
• Good listening skills

2. What communication disorders are you familiar with?

Make sure you’re aware of the variety of disorders, as well as how they can be treated.

3. Are you familiar with assistive technology?

Do you know of any apps and programs out there for speech therapy? Check out our favorites below.

4. What formal assessment tools have you used to evaluate patients?

There are a variety of tools used by speech pathologists to treat patients. You should be aware of such things as:

• Adaptive communication switches
• Sound measuring apparatus like an ECG or layngograph
• Stroboscopes

Other general speech-language pathology interview questions to consider include:

1. What area of speech-language pathology are you the most interested in?
2. What quantitative and qualitative steps do you take during the evaluation?
3. How do you assess success?
4. Describe a time when you collaborated with others.
5. Describe a challenging case.
6. Are you comfortable working in a group therapy setting?

SLP Interview Questions: School Settings

If working in a school is where you want to be, then you should also be prepared to answer these specific speech therapist interview questions.

1. What is your training and experience working with children with autism?
2. How would you respond to a parent who believes speech therapy is not helping her child?
3. What strategies would you use when working with a child who stutters?
4. How do you handle a group therapy setting consisting of children with diverse needs?
5. How would you assess non-native English speaking students?

SLP Interview Questions: Hospital/Private Clinic Settings

If a hospital or private clinic working with adults is what you prefer, prepare with these questions instead.

1. Are you comfortable working with professionals of other disciplines, such as occupational therapists and physical therapists?
2. What oral-motor programs do you have experience with?
3. Do you have experience with voice disorders?
4. What types of patients interest you, and why?

Questions for You to Ask the Interviewer

Don’t forget to ask your own speech pathologist interview questions, too!

A few of the best questions to ask include:

• What qualities do you look for in a candidate?
• What’s the typical workload like?
• How do you measure job performance?

Other Interview Tips

As a Speech-Language Pathologist with a high degree of skill, expect to demonstrate your knowledge in every interview.

The better prepared you are with research and practice, the better chance you’ll stand of being chosen as the top candidate.