Landing your first role as a new audiology graduate is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. One of the most important parts of the hiring process is the interview. Many audiology clinics and ENT groups use competency-based interview questions to evaluate how you handle real-life scenarios. These questions focus on behavior as a predictor of performance, and the best way to answer them is with the STAR method:
- Situation: What was happening?
- Task: What was your role?
- Action: What did you do?
- Result: What was the outcome?
At Global Talent Partners, we work with early-career audiologists every day to help them feel confident and prepared. Below are 20 sample STAR questions tailored to the experiences and challenges faced by new audiology graduates.
Clinical Competency Questions
1. Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex hearing diagnosis to a patient or caregiver.
S: During externship, I worked with an elderly patient newly diagnosed with bilateral moderate SNHL.
T: The patient and his daughter didn’t understand audiograms or hearing aid options.
A: I used visual aids, simplified language, and demonstrated sample hearing aids.
R: They left feeling confident and committed to moving forward with a hearing aid trial.
2. Describe a situation where you had to manage an emotional patient or family member.
- S: A parent was upset after her child failed a school hearing screening.
- T: She feared a permanent condition.
- A: I acknowledged her concern, explained the need for full diagnostic testing, and reassured her it was common and treatable.
- R: She calmed down and scheduled a full evaluation.
3. Tell me about a case that challenged your clinical reasoning.
S: A young adult reported difficulty hearing in noise, but the pure-tone audiogram was normal.
T: I needed to determine the cause.
A: I included speech-in-noise and CAPD testing.
R: Results suggested auditory processing issues, and I referred for further evaluation.
4. Describe a time you had to act with limited information.
S: A patient showed up without referral paperwork or history.
T: I had to determine next steps safely.
A: I performed a comprehensive case history and used clinical judgment to proceed with standard testing.
R: The results helped guide the referring physician’s next steps.
5. Tell me about a time you advocated for a patient’s needs.
S: A veteran patient couldn’t afford his recommended hearing aids.
T: I wanted to help him access care.
A: I researched community assistance programs and submitted a referral.
R: He received funding and was successfully fitted.
6. Describe a situation where you recognized a red flag or medical issue others missed.
S: A patient had asymmetric hearing loss with tinnitus and vertigo.
T: I had to flag this to the ENT.
A: I ensured a full diagnostic workup and emphasized the need for imaging.
R: MRI confirmed an acoustic neuroma, and early intervention was scheduled.
7. Tell me about a time you had to balance patient care with time constraints.
- S: A walk-in came in during a fully booked afternoon.
- T: I needed to help without compromising care.
- A: I triaged the case, did an abbreviated screen, and booked a follow-up.
- R: The patient was grateful and returned for full evaluation.
8. What’s a clinical mistake you made and how did you learn from it?
- S: I incorrectly selected the wrong transducer during tympanometry.
- T: The readings were initially off.
- A: I realized the error, corrected the procedure, and documented the mistake.
- R: I reviewed protocols and never repeated the mistake.
Non-Clinical Competency Questions
9. Describe a time you worked with a team who had differing clinical opinions.
- S: During externship, our team disagreed on hearing aid candidacy for a borderline case.
- T: I needed to support my patient while respecting clinic policy.
- A: I discussed evidence with the team and presented all options to the patient.
- R: We aligned on a trial plan and documented clearly.
10. Tell me about a time you helped a fellow student or staff member during a stressful situation.
- S: A peer froze during a difficult pediatric evaluation.
- T: I wanted to support without overstepping.
- A: I calmly coached them through play audiometry steps.
- R: The child was successfully tested, and my peer regained confidence.
11. Give an example of when you had to juggle multiple priorities.
- S: I was responsible for testing, documentation, and hearing aid follow ups during a busy clinic day.
- T: I had to stay organized and efficient.
- A: I used a checklist, communicated delays to patients, and flagged urgent needs.
- R: The day ran smoothly, and I received positive feedback from the supervising audiologist.
12. Describe a time when you had to work under pressure.
- S: The clinic had a double-booked slot and only one provider on site.
- T: I needed to keep things moving without compromising care.
- A: I prepped equipment, roomed patients, and started case histories.
- R: Both appointments were completed on time.
13. Tell me about adapting to a new tool or process.
- S: The clinic transitioned to a new EMR system mid-rotation.
- T: I had to quickly learn the platform.
- A: I stayed after clinic hours to practice and wrote a guide for peers.
- R: My efficiency improved, and the team used my guide.
14. What’s a piece of feedback you received and how did you act on it?
- S: My supervisor said my reports lacked detail.
- T: I needed to improve clarity and thoroughness.
- A: I reviewed past reports, sought mentorship, and revised my drafts.
- R: My documentation improved, and I received stronger evaluations.
15. Describe an ethical challenge you faced.
- S: A provider asked me to skip otoscopy to save time.
- T: I was concerned about proper clinical procedure.
- A: I respectfully explained why otoscopy is a necessary first step.
- R: The provider agreed, and we made time for a full exam.
16. Tell me about working with a patient from a different cultural or linguistic background.
- S: A patient spoke Mandarin, and we didn’t have an interpreter.
- T: I had to give hearing aid instructions.
- A: I used illustrations, gestures, and Google Translate for key terms.
- R: The patient understood and used the aids correctly.
17. Share a time you went above expectations.
- S: A patient mentioned anxiety about hearing aid maintenance.
- T: I wanted to ensure they felt supported.
- A: I created a simple care checklist and followed up with a call.
- R: They felt confident and continued consistent use.
18. Describe a time you led a student or community project.
- S: I organized a free hearing screening event.
- T: I was in charge of scheduling, logistics, and outreach.
- A: I coordinated volunteers, partnered with local clinics, and created flyers.
- R: We screened over 80 people and referred several for follow-up care.
19. Give an example of a disagreement with a colleague or supervisor.
- S: I disagreed with how feedback was given to a nervous patient.
- T: I wanted to express concern respectfully.
- A: I spoke privately with my supervisor and offered alternative language.
- R: They appreciated the perspective, and the feedback style changed.
20. Tell me about a personal area of weakness and how you worked to improve it.
- S: I struggled with fitting open-fit hearing aids early on.
- T: I wanted to feel more confident.
- A: I scheduled extra practice sessions and watched tutorials.
- R: My fits became faster and more precise, and I received positive feedback.
Preparing for competency-based interviews isn’t about memorizing model answers. It’s about reflecting on your real experiences and knowing how to communicate them effectively. Use the STAR format to structure your responses clearly and confidently.
At Global Talent Partners, we’re here to support your career every step of the way, from mock interviews and resume help to matching you with the right audiology opportunity.
Interested in personalized coaching or exploring audiology jobs across the U.S.?
Further Resources for seeking Audiology jobs:
Browse the resources section over at Prospect Health
For more insights and information, speak to a member of our specialist team.
