6 Important Questions to Find the Perfect Supervisor—because asking the right questions during a supervisor interview is crucial to ensure a productive and harmonious relationship. The goal of the supervision interview is for the potential supervisee to be the interviewer—not the other way around. As an associate-hopeful, choosing a supervisor is one of the first major decisions regarding your clinical license, and it’s one worth taking your time with.
Why Asking Questions in a Supervisor Interview Matters
Choosing a clinical supervisor is more than checking a box or getting a grade for shcool—it’s about finding someone who aligns with your values, learning style, and professional goals. This is your first assignment outside of school, and guess what, the only person who is “grading” this interview, is you.. Asking the right questions helps you understand their supervision approach and whether it supports your growth. Remember, you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re evaluating you.
Here are some suggestions for questions that can help you gain a deeper understanding of your potential supervisor and his/her supervisory style during the interview process.
- “How do you handle conflicts or disagreements between a supervisor and supervisee?” This question gives you insight into how the supervisor approaches challenging situations and maintains a healthy working relationship.
- “Can you share a specific example of a supervisee you’ve mentored who experienced significant growth? How did you contribute to their development?” This question helps you understand their success stories and how they actively support the growth of their supervisees.
- “How do you ensure a balance between support and challenging your supervisees?” This question helps you understand their approach to providing both encouragement and constructive feedback, which is crucial for your growth.
- “How do you tailor your supervision to different learning styles and levels of experience?” This question helps you understand if they can adapt their approach to your unique needs.
- “What are your expectations for both of us?” Clarify their expectations and ensure you’re aligned in terms of responsibilities and commitments.
- “Can you share a bit about your own professional journey and how it informs your approach to supervision?” Learning about their background can help you understand their perspective and guiding principles.
Important Questions During the Supervision Interview Works Both Ways
Remember, it’s a two-way street. Just like you’re looking for a good match, the supervisor is also figuring out if their mentoring style suits you. As you explore these questions, get ready to chat about your goals, what you expect, and how dedicated you are to the profession and your development.
Finding your perfect supervision fit might take time and a few chats, but trust me, it’s a journey that’s totally worth it. A great match can really boost your growth, make learning exciting, and put you on a path to feeling confident and competent in the mental healthy industry.
So, when you step into those interviews, be confident! These 6 Important Questions to Find the Perfect Supervisor can help you understand personalities, match your learning style, and connect with your career goals. Here is a list of a few more questions if you’d like to take a peek! Let your supervisor journey be fun- don’t stress yourself on that. Remember ultimately it is just a conversation. If you’re looking for a supervisor and would like to set me up with an interview I’m taking on new associates, email me today!