Preparing For Your MSW Application Interview
Many Schools of Social Work require a pre-recorded video interview as part of the application process. In this guide we will be reviewing what to expect, what schools are looking for, and how to prepare for your MSW application interview.
What to Expect
Most Schools of Social Work will give applicants a set of guidelines to prepare for pre-recorded video essay responses. You can expect to receive a set of prompts, instructions, and timeline limits.
For example, Arizona State University asks applicants a set of 4 questions, and you will have two minutes to answer each prompt. California State University San Marcos gives you two prompts and you get 3 minutes to respond to both prompts.
Therefore, as a first step, you should get the instructions provided by the school as you prepare you’re your responses for the video interview.
Action step: Find the instructions for the MSW application interview from your school of choice
What Schools of Social Work Are Looking For
Video interviews are an opportunity for Schools of Social Work to get a sense of you as a potential student and future social worker in a way that your resume, transcripts, and even written personal statement cannot. Some applicants can express their ideas better in verbal communication, so this is a great way for schools to get a better peek at who you are.
Generally, schools are looking for the following when assessing your MSW application interview:
Motivation for pursuing social work: Schools of Social Work want to understand your intentions for pursuing a social work career. They want to understand your journey, experiences, and insights that have led you to a decision to pursue graduate school studies in social work.
Alignment with social work values: Schools of Social Work want to know that you are choosing social work for the right reasons. They want to see that your values are aligned with the values of the profession.
Potential to contribute to the social work field: Social work is a broad field, so schools want to understand your goal as a social worker, and how you intend to fill a gap, solve a problem, or work with a certain population.
Critical thinking skills: Finally, schools want to ensure that you have the maturity and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in graduate school studies.
Action step: Review the Code of Ethics and download this free personal statement template to help you brainstorm your ideas.
Common Questions in the MSW Application Interview:
Why are you interested in becoming a social worker?
What pressing issues do we need to address in the social work field?
What is your goal as a social worker?
Describe your professional strengths and weaknesses.
Tell us about a time when you overcame a challenge, faced an ethical dilemma, or disagreed with someone.
To help you prepare, we have prepared a guide that covers all of these questions in depth!
Action step: Check out our MSW application guide to help you guide your responses
How to Prepare for your MSW Application Video Interview
Practice Before Recording
Unlike a live interview, many video interview formats will allow you to record and submit your responses. This means you have some control over how you present yourself - but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Practicing your answers in advance can help you feel more confident and articulate.
One helpful strategy is to ask yourself: How would I explain this to a friend or family member? This helps keep your response natural and conversational instead of sounding rehearsed. If possible, practice speaking out loud with a friend, peer, or even in front of a mirror to refine your delivery.
Make Loose Notes, Not a Script
Admissions committees don’t expect a word-perfect response, and reading off a script can make you sound robotic. Instead, jot down bullet points or key phrases that will help guide your thoughts. You want to sound prepared but still natural.
The questions you’ll be asked are often similar to common personal statement prompts. If you’ve already written your personal statement, reviewing it can help you prepare. You can also check out this guide to common MSW prompts for additional inspiration.
Demonstrate Your Fit for Social Work
Admissions committees aren’t looking for perfect technical answers filled with jargon. Instead, they want to see:
Your motivation for pursuing social work
Your ability to reflect critically on your experiences
How your unique perspective can contribute to the program
If you want to include a theoretical framework in your response, that’s great! But remember, they don’t expect you to be an expert at the application stage, and getting bogged down by theory can sometimes trip you up. If you choose to mention theories or social work principles, keep them relevant and focused on how they connect to your experiences and goals.
Avoid Overthinking the "Right" Answer
There’s no single correct way to answer an interview question. Admissions teams are assessing how well you communicate your experiences and motivations, not whether you can regurgitate social work definitions. Be authentic, be reflective, and focus on demonstrating why you are a strong candidate.
Book a Call for Additional Support
If you’re feeling stuck, MSW Helper offers one-on-one support to help you prepare. Our application advisors can help you refine your responses, practice, gain confidence, and ensure you’re presenting yourself in the strongest possible way.
Conclusion
In summary, when preparing for your MSW application interview here are some things you should do:
Do review the school's mission, the code of ethics, and instructions from the school
Do practice before you hit record
Do make loose notes to develop your ideas
Do be conversational
Do look at the camera
Do practice with someone and get feedback before you record your final version
And here are some things you should not do
Don’t read from a script
Don’t use generative ai
Don’t worry about using buzzwords and theories
