Employment interview simulation project: Evaluating its potential for graduating social work students and its transferability to other health disciplines

Authors

  • Mary-Katherine Lowes Mount Sinai Hospital
  • Danielle Omrin
  • Andrea Moore Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
  • Joanne Sulman
  • Jill Pascoe
  • Eileen McKee Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work University of Toronto 46 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON   M5S 1V4 416.978.4338
  • Sabrina Gaon Mount Sinai Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v16i1.1232

Abstract

The transition from student to professional is challenging and often filled with pressure to secure relevant employment in a competitive market. We provided MSW students with employment interview simulations during their final practicum to evaluate the application and utility of this training to social work field education. A participatory action research model was utilized. Primary themes were identified as fundamental to interviews, including managing anxiety, self-reflection, and effective communication. Overall, students found the process and feedback to be invaluable to their learning. We suggest ways in which interview training can be integrated into field education to strengthen students’ postgraduate employability.

Author Biographies

Mary-Katherine Lowes, Mount Sinai Hospital

MSW, RSW, Social Worker

Danielle Omrin

MSW, RSW

Joanne Sulman

MSW, RSW

Jill Pascoe

MSW, RSW

Eileen McKee, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work University of Toronto 46 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON   M5S 1V4 416.978.4338

MSW, RSW, MBA, Assistant Dean, Field Education

Sabrina Gaon, Mount Sinai Hospital

MSW, RSW, Manager Health Disicplines, Social Work and Clinical Nutrition

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Published

2019-05-09

How to Cite

Lowes, M.-K., Omrin, D., Moore, A., Sulman, J., Pascoe, J., McKee, E., & Gaon, S. (2019). Employment interview simulation project: Evaluating its potential for graduating social work students and its transferability to other health disciplines. The Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 16(1-2), 118-137. https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v16i1.1232
Received 2018-12-15
Accepted 2019-02-21
Published 2019-05-09