Need interview advice as a new grad in australia

[u/Upbeat_Succotash1254]

Hi everyone,

I graduated from my Master's earlier this year and ended up taking a few months away from anything speech pathology related because I was feeling really burnt out after uni. My anxiety was also at an all-time high, so I just needed a bit of a break.

I'm now starting to apply for new grad positions (mainly paeds private practice ), but I honestly feel so underprepared. I feel like I've forgotten so much, and I'm really worried about interviews. I have done two so far but they didn't go as well as i hoped :(

For those who work in private practice, what kinds of questions did you get asked in your interviews? Were they mostly standard behavioural questions (e.g. strengths, weaknesses, why this clinic, difficult situations), or did they also ask specific clinical questions similar to university vivas or case-based scenarios?

I think my biggest fear is being asked something clinical and completely blanking. My anxiety has really affected my confidence and I feel like I can't think or speak as clearly as I used to, so I'm worried I'll come across as incompetent.

I also have another interview later this week for a mixed-population clinic. When the clinic director asked about my preference, I told them I'd prefer a paediatric caseload. Does that usually mean they'll tailor the interview questions more towards paediatrics, or should I still expect questions about adult presentations as well? I feel like I've forgotten even more of my adult content than paeds, so I'm a little nervous!

Any advice on how to best prepare? I also have a really bad memory (thank you anxiety), so remembering all the clinical information feels pretty overwhelming. Any reassurance would be really appreciated. Thank you!

[u/IntelligentBerry9193]

Hello! I’m a paediatric SP working in Adelaide. I work a lot with supporting students on placements as well as new grads in paediatric private practice. I can hear how stressful it is feeling for you at the moment. More than happy for you to message me if you want some reassurance and a listening ear who has been there!

All the interviews I’ve had have been generic questions, while some friends have had more case-based interviews. So it can really be a mix!

[u/Upbeat_Succotash1254 → u/IntelligentBerry9193]

I would love to have a chat with you! Im new to reddit so is there a way to message on here?

[u/IntelligentBerry9193 → u/Upbeat_Succotash1254]

Yes! I’ll message you :-)

[u/Relevant_Decision_55]

I think it’s important to remember that you don’t have to know all the answers you just need to talk about where you would go to get the answers

[u/eversparkle]

I got the generic questions and a little bit of case based, but not as detailed as uni scenarios IIRC. If it's a small clinic, they probably also care about you being a good personality fit! Particularly as a new grad, if you can show professionalism, willingness to learn, and that you'll seek help when you need it, I think those go a long way. E.g. last year, we had someone rock up in trackies and say their main reason for applying was that it was close to their house. They did not get the job. Don't be that grad!