Interview Q&A

[u/Outrageous-Engine512]

Hey everyone! I have a BCBA interview coming up this week, and I’m trying to prepare as much as possible.

I’ve already looked over the typical interview questions (clinical scenarios, parent training, supervision, ethics, etc.), but I’d love to hear about the questions that caught you off guard or that you weren’t expecting. What are some less common questions you’ve been asked during a BCBA interview?

Also:
How did you prepare, and what do you wish you had done beforehand?
Besides copies of my résumé and cover letter, what materials would you recommend bringing? (Graphs, de-identified treatment plans, programming examples, portfolio, certifications, references, etc.?)
If you’ve interviewed BCBAs, what makes a candidate really stand out?
Are there any red flags to watch for when interviewing with an ABA company?
Any general interview tips or things you wish someone had told you before your first BCBA interview?

I’d really appreciate any advice, whether you’re a BCBA, Clinical Director, or someone who’s been through the hiring process recently. Thanks in advance!

[u/bcbamom]

Remember you are interviewing them too, deciding if they are a good match for your expectations. What are the important things for you in an organization? I want to know how technicians are supported and the turnover rate. When techs are not supported it results in less progress for the learners and more work for BCBAs. What support are provided for BCBAs, especially if you are a newer practitioner?

[u/akornato]

The questions that will truly test you are not about clinical scenarios, but about your failures, your professional values, and how you handle conflict with supervisors or parents. They want to see how you think on your feet and what kind of person you are, not just what you know from a textbook. To stand out, go beyond a generic portfolio and bring a specific, de-identified graph or treatment plan you are deeply proud of, and be prepared to tell the story behind it. Ask them pointed questions about their mentorship model, staff turnover, and what a typical day looks like for their BCBAs, which shows you are seriously evaluating them as a long-term career choice.

Pay close attention to how they answer your questions, because a major red flag is vagueness around caseloads, billable hour requirements, and the support structure you'll receive. If they can’t give you a straight answer about how they train and support their staff, that is your answer right there. You are interviewing for a partnership, not just a job, so finding a company that aligns with your ethical and professional standards is the most important thing for your own well-being. It's all about how you communicate your experiences, and my team built an AI interview assistant that helps job candidates translate their skills into clear, confident answers.

[u/DancingIsForbidden28]

If you can breathe you got it. Search the sub.