20 Wellness Coach Interview Questions and Answers

Congratulations—you got the interview for a wellness coach position! Now it’s time to prepare so you can show off your skills and expertise.

When it comes to interviews, there are always questions that come up again and again. But when you’re interviewing for a job in the wellness field, you’ll likely also face some more specific inquiries about how you’d handle certain scenarios or what kind of approaches you take with clients.

To help you get ready, here’s a list of common questions you might be asked during a wellness coach interview—along with advice on how to answer them.

1. What is your approach to helping clients achieve their wellness goals?

Wellness coaches are hired to help people create and maintain healthy habits, and this question allows the interviewer to get a better understanding of your approach. They want to know how you assess a client’s needs, create a plan of action, and help them stay motivated and on track. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of creating individualized plans and have the knowledge and skills to help clients reach their goals.

How to Answer:

Start by explaining how you develop an individualized plan for each client. This includes assessing their current lifestyle and habits, understanding the goals they want to achieve, and creating a plan that is tailored to them and their needs. Then explain your approach to helping clients stay motivated and on track. You can talk about how you provide guidance and support throughout the process, check in regularly to assess progress, and make adjustments as needed. Finally, emphasize any additional skills or approaches you use such as goal setting, nutrition counseling, stress management, or mindfulness practices.

Example: “I approach each client with an individualized plan that is tailored to their lifestyle and goals. I start by assessing their current habits, understanding what they want to achieve, and creating a plan that will help them reach those goals. Throughout the process, I provide guidance and support to keep them motivated and on track. In addition, I use goal setting, nutrition counseling, stress management, and mindfulness practices to help my clients create sustainable habits for long-term wellness.”

2. How do you motivate and encourage clients who are struggling with motivation or commitment?

Motivating and encouraging clients is a huge part of a wellness coach’s job, so it’s important that you can demonstrate your ability to do this. Your answer should show that you understand how to motivate and encourage clients, while also understanding how to recognize their individual needs and create a plan that is tailored to their goals.

How to Answer:

Start by talking about how you like to get to know your clients and understand their individual goals. Explain that you use this knowledge to create a plan tailored to them, and then discuss the strategies you use to keep them motivated and on track. You can talk about how you provide positive reinforcement, check in regularly, and adjust the plan as needed based on their progress. Finally, emphasize your commitment to helping them reach their goals and show that you’re dedicated to providing them with the support they need.

Example: “When I work with clients who are struggling with motivation or commitment, my goal is to first understand the underlying issue that’s causing them difficulty. Once I have a better understanding of what’s going on, I can then develop a plan tailored to their individual needs. For example, if a client finds it difficult to stay focused during our sessions, I might suggest breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks and celebrating each milestone as they make progress. I also like to remind my clients of how far they’ve come and why it’s important for them to keep striving towards their goals. This helps to reinforce their commitment and encourages them to stay motivated.”

3. Describe a time when you had to help a client overcome an obstacle in order to reach their goal.

Wellness coaches are expected to help motivate clients and provide support when setbacks occur. This question is designed to get a sense of how you handle adversity and how you can help clients stay on track even when they hit a roadblock. It also allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to think outside the box when needed.

How to Answer:

Start by providing a brief overview of the situation and explain what steps you took to help your client. Focus on how you identified the obstacle and then worked with them to overcome it. Be sure to emphasize any creative solutions or strategies that you used in order to help the client reach their goal. Finally, be sure to talk about the results and how successful the outcome was for both you and the client.

Example: “I recently had a client who was struggling to stay motivated and reach her goal of losing 15 pounds. After talking with her, I identified that she wasn’t setting achievable goals for herself and felt overwhelmed by the idea of trying to lose so much weight in such a short period of time. To help her, I broke down her goal into smaller, more attainable milestones and provided her with resources and support to help her stay on track. As a result, she ended up reaching her goal two months ahead of schedule and was feeling much more confident about her progress.”

4. Explain the concept of holistic health and how it applies to your work as a wellness coach.

Holistic health is an approach to wellness that goes beyond physical health and well-being, looking at the whole person including their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s an important concept in the wellness coaching field and one that you need to have an understanding of in order to be successful. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your understanding of holistic health and how it applies to your work.

How to Answer:

Start by explaining what holistic health is and why it’s important. Then, talk about how you use this concept when working with clients as a wellness coach. For example, you might discuss how you help them develop healthy habits in all aspects of their life—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically—and how this helps them achieve greater overall well-being. Finally, provide an example of how you have used the concept of holistic health to help one of your clients.

Example: “Holistic health is an approach to wellness that looks at the whole person—their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being in addition to their physical health. As a wellness coach, I believe it’s important to take this holistic approach when working with clients. This means helping them develop healthy habits in all areas of life, such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and positive thinking. It also involves encouraging them to explore their spirituality and find ways to nurture their emotional wellbeing. For instance, I recently worked with a client who was struggling with anxiety and depression. We used a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices to help her gain greater control over her emotions and ultimately achieve better overall health.”

5. What strategies do you use to ensure that clients stay on track with their wellness plans?

In order to be successful, wellness coaching requires clients to be committed to their health and wellness goals. It’s important that a potential hire understands how to motivate and encourage clients to stay on track with their plans and make progress toward their goals. Knowing what strategies a candidate uses to keep clients engaged and motivated is essential for success in this role.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you’ll want to provide specific examples of strategies that you have used in the past. You can talk about how you use check-ins with clients to ensure they are staying on track, or how you work with them to set short and long term goals that will help keep them motivated. Additionally, you could discuss how you create a supportive environment for your clients by providing resources such as educational materials or other tools. Finally, explain how you use positive reinforcement to encourage progress and celebrate successes.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important elements of successful coaching is creating a supportive environment for my clients. I like to start off by getting to know them, their goals and motivations, so I can tailor the program to meet their individual needs. I then use check-ins throughout the process to ensure they are staying on track and making progress. Additionally, I provide educational materials and other resources to help them understand why certain strategies work better than others. Finally, I make sure to provide positive reinforcement when they do reach milestones, as this helps keep them motivated and encourages further success.”

6. Do you have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If so, what challenges did you face and how did you address them?

Wellness coaching is about understanding and empathizing with clients from all walks of life. This question gives you a chance to show that you’ve been in difficult situations before and can handle different types of people with respect and understanding. It demonstrates that you’re open-minded and willing to learn from different perspectives.

How to Answer:

If you have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds, talk about the specific challenges you faced and how you addressed them. For example, if language was a barrier, explain how you used interpreters or other resources to help bridge the gap. If cultural differences were an issue, discuss how you learned more about different cultures in order to better understand your clients’ needs. If you don’t have any direct experience, focus on your willingness to learn and adapt to new situations. Talk about how you’re open-minded when it comes to different perspectives and how you strive to be understanding of all types of people.

Example: “I have worked with clients from all different backgrounds, including those of various ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. I’ve found that the key to successful client relationships is being open-minded and understanding of everyone’s unique needs. I make sure to take the time to get to know each individual’s background so that I can better address their health and wellness goals in a way that resonates with them. One challenge I faced was language barriers—I quickly learned how important it is to have access to interpreters or other resources when working with clients who don’t speak English as their first language. I strive to be respectful and accommodating of all my clients, no matter where they come from.”

7. How do you handle clients who are resistant to change or unwilling to take responsibility for their own health?

Being a wellness coach means you have to be able to motivate and inspire individuals to make positive changes in their lives, but it also means being able to handle those who may be resistant to such change. This is a question to determine your ability to handle difficult situations with tact and patience, as well as your ability to navigate conversations with clients without becoming frustrated.

How to Answer:

Your answer should demonstrate your ability to be understanding and patient with clients, while also holding them accountable for their actions. You can talk about how you would use motivational interviewing techniques to help the client understand why making a change is important and how it will benefit them in the long run. You can also discuss strategies you’ve used in the past to help motivate clients such as setting small goals or providing rewards when they reach certain milestones. Finally, emphasize that your ultimate goal is to create an environment of trust and support so that the client feels comfortable enough to make changes.

Example: “When I encounter a client who is resistant to change or unwilling to take responsibility for their health, I always try to create an environment of trust and understanding. I use motivational interviewing techniques to help the client understand why making a change is important and how it will benefit them in the long run. I also like to set small goals that are achievable and provide rewards when they reach certain milestones. Finally, I emphasize that my ultimate goal is to empower the client to make healthy lifestyle changes so they can live a healthier life.”

8. What methods do you use to assess a client’s current level of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing?

An effective wellness coach must be able to assess a client’s current level of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in order to effectively coach them. This question allows the interviewer to see if you have the necessary skills and experience to assess a client’s needs accurately and create an effective plan for them.

How to Answer:

You should be prepared to answer this question by discussing the various methods you use to assess a client’s wellbeing. These may include conducting physical assessments, such as measuring weight and body fat percentage; asking questions about lifestyle habits, diet, sleep patterns, and stress levels; or administering tests like a fitness assessment or psychological evaluation. Additionally, it is important to explain how your assessments are tailored to each individual client in order to best meet their needs.

Example: “I use a variety of methods to assess a client’s current level of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This includes conducting physical assessments, such as measuring weight and body fat percentage, as well as asking questions about lifestyle habits, diet, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Additionally, I often administer tests like a fitness assessment or psychological evaluation. I also strive to tailor my assessments to each individual client in order to best meet their specific needs. My assessments are designed to help me create an effective plan for each individual that takes into account their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.”

9. How do you create individualized wellness plans that meet each client’s unique needs?

Every person is different and has their own individual needs when it comes to health and wellness. As a wellness coach, you must be able to craft a plan that meets each client’s needs and goals. An interviewer might ask this question to find out how you create plans and if you have a process for tailoring each one to the individual.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should explain your process for creating individualized wellness plans. You can talk about the steps you take to get to know each client’s needs and goals, such as asking questions about their lifestyle, dietary habits, exercise routine, medical history, etc. You can also discuss how you assess a client’s current health condition and develop a plan that is tailored specifically to them. Finally, you can mention any techniques or approaches you use to motivate clients and help them stay on track with their wellness goals.

Example: “When I create individualized wellness plans, I always start by getting to know my clients and assessing their current health and wellness levels. I ask questions about their lifestyle, dietary habits, exercise routine, medical history, and any other factors that could affect their health. Once I have all the information I need, I develop a plan tailored specifically to the individual that takes into account their needs and goals. I also use motivational techniques and strategies to help keep them on track with their plan. This includes setting achievable goals, providing regular feedback and support, and helping them stay accountable.”

10. What techniques do you use to help clients develop healthy habits and behaviors?

Wellness coaching encompasses many different areas, including physical and mental health, nutrition, stress management, and more. It’s important to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about the various techniques and approaches you can use to help your clients reach their goals. This question will give you the opportunity to show off your expertise and demonstrate that you have the skills to be a successful wellness coach.

How to Answer:

Before you answer this question, it’s important to think about your own approach to wellness coaching. What techniques have you used in the past that have been successful? What strategies do you use to help clients develop healthy habits and behaviors? You can also talk about any certifications or specialties you may have related to wellness coaching. Be sure to mention any methods you are familiar with, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, nutrition counseling, and more.

Example: “I am a certified wellness coach and I specialize in helping clients develop sustainable healthy habits and behaviors. I believe in taking an individualized approach to wellness, so I work with each client to create a plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. I often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients identify and challenge any negative thought patterns that may be holding them back. I also use mindfulness meditation and stress management techniques, as well as nutrition counseling, to help clients build a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, my goal is to empower my clients to make long-term, positive changes to their health and wellbeing.”

11. How do you measure success when working with clients?

Successful wellness coaching requires a solid understanding of what constitutes a win for each individual client. Without this, it’s difficult to know if you’re making progress with them or not. An interviewer might ask this question to see how you approach the complex task of helping someone reach their goals. Do you rely on metrics? Do you use a subjective approach? Do you take a collaborative approach to success with your clients? All of these answers will tell the interviewer a lot about how you work and how you’ll be able to help their organization.

How to Answer:

Start by mentioning that success is subjective, and it’s important to take an individualized approach when working with clients. Talk about how you use a combination of metrics and qualitative feedback to measure progress. For example, if someone is looking to lose weight, you might track their BMI or body fat percentage in addition to asking them how they feel physically and emotionally. Additionally, talk about the importance of setting achievable goals and celebrating small milestones along the way. This will show the interviewer that you understand what it takes to help your clients succeed.

Example: “Success is subjective, so I take an individualized approach when working with clients. I use a combination of metrics and qualitative feedback to measure progress. For example, if someone is looking to lose weight, I might track their BMI or body fat percentage in addition to asking them how they feel physically and emotionally. I also believe in setting achievable goals and celebrating small milestones along the way. I think it’s important to recognize each step of progress, no matter how small, as a way to stay motivated and keep moving forward.”

12. Are you familiar with any evidence-based approaches to wellness coaching?

This question is designed to gauge the candidate’s knowledge of the field and to see if they have the necessary experience to be successful in the role. It’s important for a wellness coach to have a firm understanding of evidence-based approaches, as these approaches are the basis for many of the strategies they may use when helping clients.

How to Answer:

Before the interview, it’s important to do your research and familiarize yourself with evidence-based approaches. Be sure to mention any courses or certifications you have taken that focus on this topic. Additionally, you can talk about how you incorporate evidence-based approaches into your coaching practice. Finally, if you are not yet certified in an evidence-based approach, be honest and explain what steps you would take to become more knowledgeable in this area.

Example: “I have taken an evidence-based approach course and am certified in the ACE Health Coach program. I also have experience working with clients to develop individualized wellness plans that are based on evidence-based approaches. I am continuing to learn more about evidence-based approaches and am currently reading research papers and attending courses to further my knowledge. I believe that the best way to help clients is to use evidence-based approaches that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.”

13. What do you think are the most important elements of a successful wellness program?

This question is an important one for anyone working in the wellness industry. It reveals your knowledge of the field and your understanding of what it takes to create a successful program. It also gives the interviewer insight into your beliefs about how to help people achieve overall health and wellness.

How to Answer:

Your answer should focus on the components that you think are essential for a successful wellness program. You can talk about things like nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep hygiene. It’s also important to discuss how these elements need to be tailored to each individual in order to truly help them reach their goals. Additionally, it’s important to emphasize the importance of creating an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to make positive changes.

Example: “I believe that the most important elements of a successful wellness program are creating a supportive environment, tailoring the program to each individual’s needs, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep hygiene, and providing ongoing support and guidance. It’s important to create an environment where people feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to tailor the program to each individual’s goals and lifestyle. Finally, it’s essential to provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure that people are staying on track and making progress towards their goals.”

14. How do you handle difficult conversations with clients about sensitive topics such as weight loss or nutrition?

Wellness coaching involves helping people better their lives in a number of different ways. As a coach, you’ll be expected to handle difficult conversations with clients about sensitive topics such as weight loss or nutrition. This question helps the interviewer understand how you approach these conversations and how you handle difficult conversations in general.

How to Answer:

The best way to answer this question is to talk about your approach to difficult conversations. Explain that you are respectful, non-judgmental, and open to listening to the client’s perspective. Talk about how you strive to create a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. You can also mention any strategies you use to ensure that the conversation remains productive and focused on achieving the desired outcome.

Example: “I understand that these conversations can be difficult and sensitive for clients, so I always strive to create a safe space for them to openly discuss their thoughts and feelings. I am non-judgmental and respectful, and I listen carefully to what the client is saying. I also use active listening techniques, such as repeating back what they said and asking open-ended questions, to ensure that the conversation remains productive and focused on achieving the desired outcome.”

15. What strategies do you use to keep clients engaged and motivated over the long term?

Wellness coaching is about more than just giving advice and providing resources; it’s about helping people make lasting change in their lives. It’s important for a wellness coach to be able to build relationships and foster ongoing conversations with clients in order to keep them engaged and motivated over the long term. The interviewer wants to get a sense of your approach to this process and the tools you use to help people achieve their goals.

How to Answer:

Your answer should focus on the strategies and tools you use to keep clients engaged in their wellness journey. You can talk about how you develop individualized plans with measurable goals, provide ongoing support, regularly check-in with progress, and celebrate successes along the way. You can also mention any techniques you have for creating accountability, such as using tracking systems or setting up regular check-ins. Finally, be sure to explain why these strategies are effective by providing examples of how they’ve worked in the past.

Example: “I believe that ongoing support and accountability are key to helping clients stay motivated and engaged in their wellness journey. I start by developing individualized plans with measurable goals that are tailored to each client’s needs. I also provide regular check-ins to monitor progress and celebrate successes. To create accountability, I use a combination of tracking systems, such as food and exercise logs, and regular check-ins with my clients. I’ve found that this approach helps clients stay focused on their goals and encourages them to take ownership of their progress. By supporting them every step of the way, I’m able to help them make lasting changes in their lives.”

16. How do you incorporate technology into your practice as a wellness coach?

Technology is an integral part of the health and wellness industry. Whether it’s developing digital tracking systems to monitor a client’s progress or connecting clients with online resources, the ability to use technology to help clients is an important skill that many employers look for in a potential hire. Your answer should demonstrate that you understand the importance of technology in the field and how you can use it to help your clients.

How to Answer:

If you have experience with technology, be sure to mention it. Talk about the types of digital tools you’ve used in your practice, such as online tracking systems or apps that help clients track their health and wellness goals. If you don’t have a lot of experience with technology, talk about how you are open to learning new tools and programs. You can also discuss how you would use technology to connect with clients outside of traditional face-to-face meetings, such as through video conferencing or email.

Example: “I understand the importance of technology in the health and wellness industry and how it can help my clients reach their goals. I have experience using digital tracking systems to monitor my clients’ progress and have incorporated apps into my practice that help clients track their health and wellness goals. I also use video conferencing and email to connect with clients outside of traditional face-to-face meetings. I’m always open to learning new technology tools and programs that can help me better serve my clients.”

17. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the field of wellness coaching today?

An interviewer might ask this question to get a better understanding of how you view the wellness coaching industry and what kind of innovative solutions you might have to offer. An ideal candidate should have an up-to-date knowledge of the industry, be aware of the current trends, and be able to think critically about the potential challenges and opportunities that come with the job. This can help the interviewer determine if you’re the right fit for the role.

How to Answer:

Start by mentioning the current challenges that come with the job, such as staying on top of the latest trends in wellness and health, developing effective communication strategies for clients, understanding different cultural perspectives on wellness, and being able to motivate people to make positive changes. You can also talk about how technology is changing the industry, from virtual coaching sessions to apps that track progress. Finally, you can discuss the challenge of making sure your services are accessible to all types of people regardless of their financial or geographical situation.

Example: “I think the biggest challenge facing the field of wellness coaching today is staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving trends in health and wellness. It’s important to understand the cultural perspectives of different groups, and to be able to motivate individuals to make positive changes. Additionally, technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the industry, from virtual coaching sessions to apps that track progress. Finally, I think it’s important to make sure that wellness coaching services are accessible to all types of people, regardless of their financial or geographical situation.”

18. Tell me about a time when you had to adjust your approach to better suit a particular client’s needs.

Wellness coaching is all about adapting to each individual client’s needs and goals. Every client is unique, and each one may require a different approach to help them reach their goals. Interviewers want to know that you have the flexibility and skill to adjust your approach to best suit each client’s needs.

How to Answer:

Start by talking about a specific client and the situation you faced. Describe what your original approach was, why it wasn’t working, and how you adapted it to better suit their needs. Explain in detail what changes you made, why they worked, and the results that were achieved. Show that you have the ability to think on your feet and adjust your approach as needed in order to help clients reach their goals.

Example: “I had a client who was struggling to stay motivated and committed to their wellness goals. After talking with them, I realized that they were feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work required to reach their goals. So I decided to break down the goals into smaller, more achievable steps. I also provided them with resources and tools to help them stay motivated and track their progress. This approach worked much better for the client, and they were able to stay on track and eventually reach their goals.”

19. How do you stay up to date on the latest research and trends in the field of wellness coaching?

This question is important because it reveals how well the candidate keeps up with the ever-changing field of wellness coaching. It also shows that they are committed to staying current with the latest research and trends so they can provide their clients with the best information and advice. The interviewer wants to know that the candidate is dedicated to their profession and is willing to invest the time to stay educated and informed.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should talk about the different methods you use to stay informed. For example, you could mention that you read industry-related magazines and journals, attend conferences and seminars, follow relevant blogs and social media accounts, and network with other professionals in the field. You can also talk about how you apply this knowledge to your work, such as using it to develop new programs or refine existing ones.

Example: “I take my role as a wellness coach seriously and I want to be able to provide my clients with the most up-to-date and accurate information. To stay informed, I read industry magazines and journals, attend conferences and seminars, follow relevant blogs and social media accounts, and network with other professionals in the field. I also make sure to apply this knowledge to my work, such as using it to develop new programs or refine existing ones. This helps me stay ahead of the curve and ensure that my clients are always getting the best advice and services.”

20. What would you do if a client was not making progress towards their goals?

Wellness coaching is an incredibly important job, and it’s not just about helping clients reach their goals. It’s also about creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their challenges and come up with solutions that work for them. This question is designed to test your ability to be a supportive and encouraging coach when clients are struggling, and to come up with creative solutions to help them progress.

How to Answer:

You should focus on your ability to be a supportive and encouraging coach, as well as your problem solving skills. Talk about how you would assess the client’s current situation in order to identify any potential barriers or challenges they may be facing. Explain that you would work with the client to come up with creative solutions to help them reach their goals, such as setting smaller, more achievable goals or providing additional resources or support.

Example: “If a client was not making progress towards their goals, my first step would be to assess the current situation and identify any potential barriers or challenges they may be facing. I would then work with the client to come up with creative solutions to help them reach their goals. This could include setting smaller, more achievable goals, providing additional resources or support, or even just having a conversation about their current mindset and attitude towards their goals. I believe that it is important to be supportive and encouraging during these times, as well as offering practical strategies to help them move forward.”