20 The Emily Program Interview Questions and Answers

The Emily Program is a national leader in the field of eating disorders, offering a full continuum of care for adults and adolescents. They are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care that is accessible and affordable.

The interview process at The Emily Program is designed to help them get to know you and to assess your fit with their organization. They want to learn about your professional skills and experience, as well as your personal qualities. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered a list of sample interview questions.

The Emily Program Interview Process

The interview process at The Emily Program can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. The phone interview is usually conducted by a recruiter and is used to get a general idea of your qualifications and interest in the position. The in-person interview is usually conducted by the hiring manager and is used to assess your fit for the position and company. The interview process can take up to a month to complete.

1. What are your thoughts on eating disorders?

The Emily Program is a residential treatment program for eating disorders. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working with this population and how you feel about the topic. Your answer should show that you are empathetic toward people who suffer from eating disorders, but also that you understand the importance of treating them in a professional setting.

Example: “I think it’s important to treat eating disorders as soon as possible because they can be life-threatening conditions. I’ve worked with several patients who suffered from anorexia or bulimia, and I always make sure to listen carefully to what they have to say. I try to help them find their own solutions so that they can continue their recovery after leaving our facility.”

2. Tell us about a time you had to deal with an upset client, what did you do?

The Emily Program is a counseling service, so it’s likely you’ll have to deal with upset clients at some point. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle these situations and that you’re qualified for the job. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm under pressure and empathize with others.

Example: “I once had a client who was very upset about her child’s behavior. She wanted me to tell her what she should do to change her child’s behavior. I explained to her that there isn’t one specific way to solve every problem. Instead, we would work together to find solutions that worked best for her family. She seemed relieved by my response and said she appreciated my honesty.”

3. How would you handle a situation where a patient was not following the rules?

The Emily Program is a structured environment, and the interviewer wants to make sure you understand that. They want to know how you would handle a situation where a patient was not following the rules or being disruptive in class.

Example: “I would first try to find out why they were breaking the rules. I would talk with them privately and ask what they thought about the rule. If it’s something that can be changed, I would do so. If it’s something they have to follow for their own safety, I would explain this to them and let them know that if they break the rule again, there will be consequences.”

4. Why do you want to work at The Emily Program?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of The Emily Program that interest you or how your skills and experience align with what they’re looking for in an employee.

Example: “I want to work at The Emily Program because I’ve seen firsthand how effective its methods are. My sister was enrolled in the program when she was younger, and I remember her being so happy there. She’s grown up now, but I still think about how much happier she seemed while attending The Emily Program. I’m excited to join such a great team and use my skills as a teacher to make a difference in children’s lives.”

5. Do you have any experience working in mental health?

The Emily Program is a mental health program, so it’s important that the interviewer knows you have experience working in this field. If you don’t have any experience working in mental health, consider talking about your previous work with clients who may be experiencing mental health issues.

Example: “I worked as a counselor at my high school for two years and I also volunteered at an after-school program where I helped students with their homework and provided emotional support when they needed it. These experiences taught me how to help others through difficult situations and gave me valuable insight into what students are going through.”

6. Describe a time when you were asked to do something that was outside of your job description and how you handled it.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges. Use examples from previous jobs that show you can adapt to new situations, work well with others and solve problems effectively.

Example: “At my last job, I was asked to help out in the front office for a few days while our receptionist was on vacation. Although I had no experience working as a receptionist, I accepted the challenge because I knew it would be good practice for learning how to use the company’s new software program. I spent some time practicing using the software before our receptionist left so I could answer questions for her when she returned.”

7. What is your experience with nutrition counseling?

The Emily Program is a nutrition counseling program, so the interviewer may ask you this question to learn about your experience with this type of counseling. If you have experience working as a nutrition counselor, share details about what you did in that role and how it prepared you for this interview. If you don’t have direct experience, you can talk about any relevant work experience you have that relates to nutrition counseling.

Example: “I worked as a nutritionist at my local hospital for three years before moving here. In that role, I helped patients develop healthy eating habits through one-on-one counseling sessions and group classes. I also developed recipes and meal plans for patients who wanted more specific guidance on their diet.”

8. What skills can you bring to this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and how they can benefit the Emily Program. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that relate to this position. Consider including soft skills like communication and organization as well as hard skills like computer knowledge or medical experience.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me an excellent candidate for this role. I also have extensive customer service experience, so I know how to work with people who are in crisis. Finally, my background in psychology gives me valuable insight into mental health issues.”

9. Are you comfortable working with clients that may be aggressive or violent?

The Emily Program is a residential treatment program for girls ages 12 to 18. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your comfort level with working in an environment that can be challenging at times. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to work effectively with clients who were aggressive or violent.

Example: “I have worked with many clients who are aggressive and sometimes even violent, but I’ve found that it’s important to remain calm and collected when they’re acting out. In my experience, remaining calm helps the client realize that their behavior isn’t getting them what they want. When I’m faced with a situation like this, I try to redirect the client by asking questions about how they feel or what they need.”

10. Have you ever worked with someone who has an eating disorder?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with someone who has an eating disorder. This can help them determine whether or not you are comfortable in these situations and how you would handle them. In your answer, try to explain that you understand the importance of confidentiality when working with clients who have eating disorders.

Example: “I’ve worked with several clients who have had eating disorders before, but I always make sure to keep their information confidential. I find it’s best to be empathetic and non-judgmental when talking to them about their situation. For example, a client once told me she was bulimic because she wanted to feel better about herself. I listened to her without judgment and tried to reassure her that there were other ways to feel good about herself.”

11. How do you think healthcare will change over the next 10 years?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how you can adapt to new technology and changes in the industry. Use your answer to highlight your ability to learn new skills and technologies quickly.

Example: “I think healthcare will change a lot over the next 10 years, especially with the introduction of more advanced technologies. I’m excited about these changes because they mean we’ll be able to provide better care for patients. For example, I believe virtual reality could help us treat phobias or anxiety disorders by exposing patients to their fears in a safe environment. We might also use 3D printing to create custom prosthetics or other medical devices.”

12. What would you say is your biggest weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see how you handle yourself when discussing your weaknesses. Employers want to know that you are self-aware and can recognize your own flaws. When answering this question, be honest about what you feel is your biggest weakness but also discuss how you plan on improving upon it.

Example: “I would say my biggest weakness is being too trusting of others. I am always willing to help anyone who asks for assistance, which has led to me giving out personal information to people who have not earned it. In the future, I plan on only helping those who ask for my assistance if they have proven themselves worthy of my trust.”

13. If hired, what would be your approach to helping a client get healthy?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your counseling style and how you would interact with clients. Your answer should include a specific example of how you helped someone in the past, but it can also be an explanation of what you plan to do if hired for the position.

Example: “I believe that everyone has the ability to get healthy and stay that way. I would first listen to my client’s goals and concerns, then help them create a realistic action plan they could follow on their own. For instance, when working with a client at my previous job, I asked them what their biggest obstacle was to getting healthier. They said they didn’t have time to exercise, so we created a walking schedule they could do while watching TV or talking on the phone.”

14. What would you do if two patients got into a fight?

This question is a behavioral one, which means you need to describe an actual situation and how you handled it. This can be a great way for the interviewer to see if you have any experience with conflict resolution or deescalation techniques.

Example: “I would first make sure that both patients were safe and then I would separate them from each other. Then, I would talk to each patient separately to find out what happened. If they are still upset, I would offer them something to calm them down, like a glass of water or some time alone. Once they’re calmer, I would ask them to tell me their side of the story again. After hearing both sides, I would try to resolve the issue by talking about how we could avoid similar situations in the future.”

15. What makes you qualified for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want to know what skills you have that make you a good fit for their organization. Before your interview, review the job description and highlight any requirements or preferred skills. Use these as examples of how you meet those qualifications.

Example: “I am passionate about working with children who have special needs. I feel like my experience in education makes me well-suited for this position. I also understand the importance of consistency when it comes to behavior management. In my previous role, I developed an effective system for tracking student progress. This helped teachers better understand each child’s unique learning style.”

16. How would you help a family member understand their loved ones eating disorder?

This question is a great way to assess your communication skills and ability to help others. It also shows the interviewer that you have experience helping people with eating disorders, which can be helpful if you’re applying for a position as an Emily Program counselor. In your answer, try to explain how you would use your interpersonal skills to help someone understand their loved one’s disorder.

Example: “I’ve had personal experience with my family member having an eating disorder, so I know firsthand how difficult it can be to watch them struggle. When I was first learning about my family member’s disorder, I did some research on treatment options and found The Emily Program. I told my family member about this program and encouraged them to apply. They were accepted into the program and has been doing well ever since.”

17. Would you be able to assist clients in basic activities such as showering and getting dressed?

The Emily Program is a residential treatment program, so you may be required to assist clients in daily activities. Interviewers want to make sure that you are comfortable with this responsibility and have the necessary skills to do it effectively. In your answer, explain how you would approach these responsibilities and what training or experience you have doing similar tasks.

Example: “I am very familiar with assisting people with showering and dressing because I worked as an aide at my local hospital for two years. There, I assisted patients with getting dressed and showered, among other things. This was a great opportunity to practice my communication and problem-solving skills while also gaining valuable experience working with individuals who have special needs.”

18. How would you feel about working long hours?

The Emily Program is a 24-hour program, so you may need to work long hours. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re okay with working these types of hours and that you can handle the stress of it. In your answer, explain how you feel about working long hours and what strategies you have for staying motivated and productive during those times.

Example: “I’m actually used to working long hours because I worked in a similar position at my last job. I know that sometimes there are emergencies where we need to stay late or come in early. I am happy to do whatever is needed to help the children and families who use our services.”

19. What kind of environment do you prefer to work in?

The Emily Program is a unique program that requires its employees to work in an environment where they can be creative and innovative. The interviewer wants to know if you are comfortable working in this type of environment. Your answer should show the interviewer that you enjoy being creative and innovative, as well as working with children.

Example: “I love working in environments where I am constantly learning new things. In my last job, I worked in a school setting where we were always trying out new teaching methods and implementing new technology into our classrooms. This was a great experience for me because it allowed me to learn more about how to teach students effectively using different methods.”

20. What are your career goals?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are a good fit for this role. This is because it shows that you have goals and ambitions in your career, which is important to employers. When answering this question, make sure to mention what your short-term and long-term goals are.

Example: “My goal is to become an assistant principal within five years. I know that this position would be a great stepping stone toward achieving my goal. In the future, I want to open my own school where I can teach children with special needs.”