Landing an interview for a BCBA role is an exciting step—but standing out in a competitive job market takes more than credentials alone. ABA providers are looking for BCBAs who are not only clinically skilled, but also aligned with their mission, culture, and values.
Whether you're interviewing with a private clinic, school-based provider, or multi-state ABA organization, here's how to walk in confident, prepared, and ready to make a great impression.
1. Know the Organization
Before the interview, do your homework on the ABA provider:
- What populations do they serve?
- Are they clinic-based, home-based, or hybrid?
- Do they specialize in early intervention, school-age, or adolescents?
- What’s their approach to treatment planning, team structure, and caregiver collaboration?
Showing that you’ve researched their model and understand their services signals genuine interest—and sets you apart from other candidates.
2. Be Ready to Discuss Your Clinical Philosophy
Interviewers want to know how you think clinically. Be ready to talk through:
- How you approach assessment and treatment planning
- How you individualize programs for your clients
- How you ensure data drives your decisions
- Your experience supervising RBTs or BTs
- Your strategies for caregiver training
They’re not just evaluating your experience—they’re gauging how your clinical style fits with their approach.
3. Bring Examples
Come prepared with 1–2 specific examples from your experience that demonstrate:
- A time you solved a challenging behavior issue
- How you collaborated with families or caregivers
- How you supported and trained your RBT team
- How you measured and tracked progress toward goals
Use real scenarios to show how you apply your clinical skills in practice.
4. Prepare Questions to Ask Them
This is your chance to evaluate them too. Some great questions to ask:
- What’s the average caseload for BCBAs?
- How is supervision structured?
- What professional development opportunities do you offer?
- How do you support work-life balance for your clinical staff?
Good questions show that you're not just looking for a job—you’re looking for the right fit.
5. Understand the Metrics
Many ABA companies track key performance indicators (KPIs). Be ready to discuss your experience with:
- Billable hours
- Authorization management
- Treatment fidelity and clinical audits
- Goal mastery rates and program updates
It’s helpful to frame your clinical expertise in terms of measurable outcomes.
An interview is more than just a formality—it’s your opportunity to connect, share your passion for the field, and find the right environment to grow as a clinician. With the right preparation, you’ll feel more confident and ready to advocate for yourself and your clients.
Looking for BCBA jobs that align with your goals? Explore thousands of roles now at ABA Job Hub.