How to prepare for your interview at DBH

Navigating a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience but with these valuable tips and insights, you can effectively prepare for your interview at Discovery Behavioral Health. 

By understanding what to expect and how to present your qualifications and experiences, you'll set yourself up for success and increase your chances of landing a fulfilling position.

We are an equal opportunities employer which means all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. So, apply to any of our roles and be ready to start making a positive impact in the realm of behavioral health. 

Step 1 - Research DBH 

Before joining us, you will want to understand more about our mission and values as a business. 

Firstly, it allows you to align your own values and goals with those of the company. Working for an organization that shares your values can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful career.

Secondly, it helps you tailor your application and interview responses to better match what the company is looking for.

Researching the organization goes beyond this too, you’ll want a good understanding of our divisions, the services we provide, as well as any recent news that may be relevant to the role you are applying for. 

Step 2 - Understanding the job description

One of the best ways to be prepared for any interview questions is by properly understanding the job description. 

If you break down each of the job responsibilities in the job description, you can come up with examples of how you have demonstrated the tasks and skills required for the role. This is a key step in relating your own experience and qualifications to your desired role and highlighting why you would be a perfect fit for the role. 

Another great tip is coming up with mock interview questions based on each bullet point in the job description. This can help you anticipate questions, tailor your answers, and demonstrate genuine interest, all of which significantly improve your chances of success in the interview process. 

Step 3 - Showcasing your experience and skills 

Now you have grasped the role's requirements, you will need to articulate your experience and skills to show that you are a well-rounded candidate. 

Think about your past experiences and narrow down specific tasks, projects, or achievements that directly relate to the role you are applying for. 

Next, you’ll want to quantify your achievements for credibility. Here is an example of how you can quantify an achievement: 

• Achievement: Implemented a new therapy approach for adolescent patients, resulting in improved treatment adherence and overall satisfaction.
• Quantified: Increased therapy session attendance by 30% within three months of implementing the new approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging and supporting patients.

The STAR technique

You can ensure all of your answers are well-structured and concise by using the STAR technique

It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and it helps candidates frame their responses when discussing specific experiences or accomplishments. 

Here is an example where a candidate was asked to describe a situation where they had to handle a challenging client during a counseling session. 

STAR Response:

• Situation (S): In my role as a behavioral health professional, I encountered a challenging client during a counseling session. The client was dealing with severe anxiety and was resistant to discussing their issues openly.

• Task (T): My task was to create a safe and comfortable environment where the client felt secure enough to open up about their struggles and work towards a treatment plan.

• Action (A): I began by actively listening, empathizing, and establishing trust with the client. I utilized calming techniques and validated their emotions to reduce anxiety. We focused on breathing exercises and gradually transitioned into discussing their concerns.

• Result (R): As a result of these actions, the client started to feel more at ease and began sharing their thoughts and fears. By the end of the session, we had a foundation for a treatment plan, and the client left with a sense of hope and motivation to continue therapy.

Step 4 - The interview process at DBH 

To join DBH in your desired role, you’ll go through our hiring process which consists of four steps from application to decision. 

STEP 1: Explore the different opportunities available on our careers website, select your desired role and submit your application. 

STEP 2: If your application aligns with our needs, you’ll get the chance to speak with a Discovery Teammate. This will be a more detailed discussion about the position and depending on the role, they may ask you for work samples or proof of certifications/licensure.

STEP 3: Upon qualifying, you’ll move to the next stage where you will be interviewed by the hiring manager. If the hiring manager wants to continue the conversation, you will likely do a second interview with other members of the team within the department or facility to which you’re applying.

STEP 4: The hiring team evaluates candidates and extends an offer at this stage. If not selected, we welcome reapplications for future opportunities. 

Apply for a rewarding, fulfilling career at DBH today 

Remember, preparation is the key to presenting your best self and showcasing your suitability for the role. 

By understanding the job description, understanding the organization's mission and values, and tailoring your responses to showcase relevant experience and skills using the STAR technique, you can position yourself as a standout candidate. 

Take your first step to a rewarding career with DBH today and explore our positions.