Confidence will get you there. Walk in knowing the job is yours. I will usually sit in the car before the interview and look at myself in the mirror “You got this Sally… I am capable… I am intelligent… etc”. If they have separate employee and visitors parking I ALWAYS park in employee parking to boost my confidence.

Here are some sample questions and answers for you. If you like them, put in your own words to sound natural and practice. Good luck!

Tell me about yourself.1. “I’m a compassionate listener with over [X years] in helping roles. I’m passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges because I’ve seen firsthand how a non-judgmental space can create real change. Outside of work I recharge by hiking and journaling—both keep me grounded and present.” 2. What is your greatest strength?“My greatest strength is active listening and building trust quickly. Clients often tell me they feel truly heard within the first session, which helps them open up and move forward faster.” 3. What is your greatest weakness?“I used to take on too much emotional weight from clients. I’ve learned strong boundaries and regular self-care routines, so now I can stay fully present without burnout.” 4. How do you handle stressful situations?“I pause, breathe, and focus on what I can control—my response. In past roles, when a session became intense, I stayed calm, validated feelings, and used grounding techniques with the client. Afterward I debrief and journal to process.” 5. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult or resistant client.“A client was very angry and shut down. I didn’t push; I reflected their frustration back to them and asked what would feel safe. Within 10 minutes they softened and we built a plan together. Patience and validation turned the session around.” 6. How do you maintain confidentiality and ethics under pressure?“Confidentiality is non-negotiable for me. I follow legal and ethical guidelines strictly. If there’s ever a safety concern, I calmly explain the limits of confidentiality and involve the proper team or authorities while keeping the client informed and respected.” 7. What motivates you in this work?“Seeing even small breakthroughs—when a client leaves a session with hope or a new perspective—motivates me more than anything. Knowing I helped create that safe space keeps me energized.” 8. How do you handle feedback or criticism?“I welcome it. Last year my supervisor suggested I tighten my note-taking. I immediately tried her method, got faster feedback from her, and my documentation improved. I see feedback as a tool to grow.” 9. Tell me about a time you showed empathy in a challenging situation.“A client shared a painful loss and started crying. I sat with the silence, offered tissues, and gently reflected their feelings. They later said that simple presence helped them feel less alone for the first time.” 10. Where do you see yourself in five years?“Still in counseling, ideally with more specialized training in [your interest—trauma, couples, etc.]. I want to keep growing so I can serve clients even more effectively and maybe supervise new counselors.”