If you’ve ever wondered what healthcare chaplaincy hiring managers are really looking for in candidates during interviews, you’re not alone. To provide some clarity, I recently conducted a study where I asked these professionals what knowledge, skills, and attitudes they prioritize when hiring new chaplains. One of the most fascinating parts of the study was discovering their favorite interview questions. These questions go beyond the standard “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and dive deep into the heart of chaplaincy—compassion, problem-solving, and personal growth.
Here are some of the questions that stand out, offering a glimpse into what chaplaincy hiring managers value and may ask when you meet for a job interview:
What has been your experience of suffering, and how have you coped with that?
This question isn’t just about experience; it’s about growth. Managers want to know how candidates have been shaped by their own challenges and how those experiences influence their approach to care.
How was the interview?
This might seem straightforward, but it’s a subtle way of gauging a candidate’s self-awareness and communication skills.
Tell me about a challenging experience with a patient or family.
Handling difficult situations is part of chaplaincy, and this question allows candidates to reflect on their problem-solving abilities and emotional resilience.
How would you handle a request to pray to the white wolf for a Wiccan patient?
This scenario tests flexibility and respect for diverse spiritual beliefs. How a chaplain responds to such requests reveals their openness to interfaith care.
How would you respond to an atheist patient who says there’s nothing you can do to help?
Chaplaincy isn't just for the religious. Managers want to see how a chaplain can provide comfort and support without relying on faith traditions.
Tell me about a relationship you’ve built and how your care made a difference.
This question helps highlight a candidate’s ability to form deep, meaningful connections.
When things didn’t go as planned, how did you do service recovery?
Things don’t always go smoothly. Managers are interested in a candidate’s ability to recognize and rectify mistakes, particularly when relationships or trust are at stake.
Why do you want to be a chaplain?
While this is a classic question, it’s critical in gauging a candidate’s passion and sense of calling to the role.
How do you handle conflict in patient, staff, or group encounters?
Conflict resolution is key in healthcare. This question probes a chaplain’s ability to remain calm, grounded, and effective in tense situations.
How would you respond to a grieving daughter who asks, “Please promise me my daddy’s going to walk out of this hospital?”
A chaplain must walk a fine line between providing comfort and being honest. This scenario measures compassion, honesty, and emotional intelligence.
What’s a bucket list item you hope to achieve, and how would you adapt if you couldn’t get there the way you planned?
This question highlights adaptability and creativity, two traits essential in chaplaincy.
If you could name a book for your team to read, what would it be and why?
This gives insight into a candidate’s values and the kinds of ideas they’d bring to the team.
What questions do you have for us?
It’s important to remember that interviews are a two-way street. Candidates who ask thoughtful questions show they are engaged and discerning.
If you woke up to an elephant in your yard, what would you do?
This playful question tests a candidate’s ability to think quickly and problem-solve in unexpected situations.
These questions aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about finding chaplains who have the resilience, compassion, and creativity to navigate the complexities of healthcare chaplaincy. Each one is designed to dig deeper, going beyond surface-level qualifications to uncover how candidates think, feel, and respond under pressure.
Ultimately, chaplaincy is about building relationships in the most vulnerable moments of people’s lives. The hiring process reflects this, focusing on the ability to engage with diverse spiritual, emotional, and ethical challenges. Whether it’s finding common ground with a patient of a different faith, supporting someone in the depths of grief, or recovering gracefully when things don’t go as planned, chaplains must demonstrate a rare combination of empathy, flexibility, and insight.
For those of us who feel called to this work, reflecting on these questions can help us better understand ourselves and refine the care we provide. They remind us that being a chaplain is not just about offering support—it’s about being fully present, navigating uncertainty, and helping others find meaning in the most difficult moments. These are the qualities that hiring managers seek, and these are the qualities that define a truly exceptional chaplain.
