Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview with Eastern Oregon Behavioral Health Careers, a network of 12 Community Mental Health Programs that are passionate about providing exceptional care. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also your chance to connect with potential employers and showcase your unique talents. Here’s how to prepare and make a lasting impression:

1. Learn About Us
   Take the time to research the mission, services, and community focus of the Community Mental Health Programs (CMHPs) you’re interviewing with. Eastern Oregon CMHPs are deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges of rural mental health care, such as accessibility and stigma reduction. Understanding these priorities allows you to align your answers with their values, demonstrating your dedication to their mission. For example, you might discuss how your skills and experience can improve mental health outcomes in underserved communities.
2. Be Ready for Behavioral Questions
   Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. For instance, you may be asked, “Can you share a time you managed a challenging client?” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Describe the scenario, explain your responsibility, detail your actions, and share the positive outcome. For example, “I once worked with a client experiencing a crisis and de-escalated the situation by employing active listening and grounding techniques, which resulted in the client agreeing to continue therapy.”
3. Show Your Cultural Competence
   Diversity and inclusion are central to the values of CMHPs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve worked effectively with individuals from different cultural, socioeconomic, or linguistic backgrounds. For example, you might say, “I worked with a Spanish-speaking client by coordinating with a translator and ensuring culturally appropriate care, which helped build trust and improved their engagement in treatment.” Showing cultural competence highlights your ability to serve the diverse populations CMHPs support.
4. Demonstrate Resilience
   Behavioral health work can be emotionally demanding, requiring resilience and strong self-care strategies. Share examples of how you maintain your well-being while supporting others. For instance, “To manage the emotional challenges of my role, I prioritize self-care through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and supervision meetings for debriefing complex cases.” Discussing these practices shows your awareness of the demands of the field and your proactive approach to staying effective and balanced.
5. Ask Questions That Matter
   When given the opportunity to ask questions, focus on topics that show your interest and enthusiasm for the role. For instance, you might ask, “What opportunities for professional development and continuing education do you provide?” or “How does your team collaborate to address complex cases?” These questions demonstrate that you are invested in your growth and value the team-oriented approach CMHPs often prioritize.
6. Follow Up With Gratitude
   After the interview, take the time to send a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer. In your note, express appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. Mention a specific part of the interview that resonated with you, such as, “Your commitment to serving rural communities inspired me, and I would be honored to contribute to this mission.” This thoughtful follow-up reinforces your interest and leaves a positive impression.

An interview is not just a test—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your passion for helping others and your commitment to the field.

Your next opportunity to make an impact is waiting. Apply today with Eastern Oregon Behavioral Health Careers and join a team where your skills and compassion will thrive.