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17 Nutritionist Interview Questions and Answers

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When applying for jobs in the health and food sector, certain nutritionist interview questions may consistently arise from one employer to another. 

This article will act as an exploration of what you can expect, spanning topics such as: 

Those who are yet to qualify should enrol on OriGym’s Level 5 Sports Nutrition course. This qualification will act as a launching pad for your future career, providing knowledge and skills that are required to succeed in both an interview and future job role. 

Alternatively, you can download OriGym’s FREE prospectus to learn more about every course we have to offer. 

 

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Why Is It Important to Prepare for a Nutritionist Interview?

nutritionist interview questions Image

When going for an interview for a nutritionist job, it’s important to be ready for any questions that may arise.

Through this preparation you will be able to impress employers with answers that demonstrate your passion for the role. Here’s why it’s important to ready yourself for your interview.  

#1 - Preparing for a Nutritionist Interview Allows You to Learn About the Role That You’re Applying For

nutritionist interview questions and answers

Once you have received an offer for an interview, you should begin to research the company in question. 

This will allow you to gain a better understanding of what a nutritionist does at their organisation, as well as their reputation within the wider industry. 

This preparation can consist of:

  • Familiarising yourself with different sections of the company site
  • Reading articles about the employer published by third parties 
  • Checking out the various social media platforms 
  • Using Google to observe any of the latest developments e.g. news stories
  • Research competitors in order to gain a wider understanding of the entire marketplace

This research will provide you with solid talking points that can be used when answering nutritionist interview questions.

For example, familiarising yourself with the company website could lead you to find that the employers specialise in one specific form of nutrition  - e.g. sports nutrition, weight-related nutrition, or paediatric nutrition. 

Pediatric Nutritionist Interview Questions

From this, you will be able to construct answers that focus on how you will be able to benefit these specialist clients. 

Likewise, conducting competitor research will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the wider industry, rather than just the company in question. 

Now, this research doesn’t have to be that extensive. Even a simple Google search will pull up interesting information that you can bring up in passing during the interview.

For instance, a quick Google of the nutritionist Trish Tucker-May will highlight that she has won multiple awards, most notably Total Wellness Club Nutritionist of the Year in 2019.

Trish Tucker Nutrionist Interview Questions

This is a key piece of information that you could drop into your interview with a nutrition company. The employer will know you have taken the time to research their company, highlighting how important this opportunity is to you.

#2 - Being Prepared for Nutritionist Interview Questions Allows You to Answer Efficiently

interview with a nutritionist

Interviews are often short, particularly if there are numerous candidates applying for one role. In fact, Indeed recently released statistics on the average length of interviews: 

  • Phone Interviews: 15 - 45 Minutes 
  • In-Person Interviews: 45 - 90 Minutes
  • Video Call Interviews: 30 - 90 Minutes

You must make use of all this limited time in order to make an immediate good impression, failure to prepare could result in the interview being cut short, and the employer writing you off entirely. 

Answers that are overly wordy will waste both the interviewers and your own time. To avoid this from happening during an interview with a nutritionist, structure your answers using the STAR approach.

nutritionist interview questions and answers stock

This stands for:

  • Situation - You will describe a situation that is relevant to the question posed by the interviewer.
  • Task - Follow this with what role you played in this instance, as this will highlight your level of responsibility you had during the situation. 
  • Action - Explain how you addressed the situation at hand, and the steps you took to ensure it was resolved. This will show that you’re a good decision maker and capable of thinking logically.
  • Result: You will conclude by explaining the outcome of the situation, stressing how your actions resolved the issue. 

By following this structure you can ensure to make the most out of your limited interview time, rather than padding out your answers with unnecessary information.

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

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#3 - Preparing For Your Nutritionist Interview Will Prevent You From Making Common Mistakes

 nutritionist interview questions and answers

Whilst this article is mainly centred around the topic of nutritionist interview questions and answers, being adequately prepared can also assist in the prevention of common mistakes.

Whilst simple, these slip ups could damage an interviewer’s perception of you and cast you in an unprofessional light. 

Plan Your Mode Of Travel To The Interview

nutritionist interview stock

Part of being prepared is planning your journey to the interview itself. Employers will want to hire a candidate that is punctual, so if you show up late due to poor planning, it’s going to reflect negatively on you.

Prior to the interview you should do some simple research into the best means of travel. This could include checking bus or train times, or using Google Maps to estimate how long it would take to walk or drive.

To go the extra mile, you may wish to make a dry run and take the journey prior to the interview. This will highlight any potential obstacles, allowing you to plan accordingly in order to arrive on time.

Dress Appropriately

Dress Appropriately for nutritionist interview

The phrase ‘dress to impress’ is commonly associated with job interviews for good reason. If you turn up in creased, dirty clothing then this will immediately set a negative impression.

Wear something that makes you feel comfortable, whilst also attempting to look like you belong in a professional environment.

This advice should still be followed when an interview allows you to ‘dress casually’. In this instance opt for business casual, as this will adhere to the employers wishes whilst still ensuring you look smart.

We’d suggest preparing your outfit in advance, as leaving it until the last minute will only stress you out.

Take Into Account Factors That May Disrupt Phone or Video Interviews

Take Into Account Factors That May Disrupt Phone or Video Interviews

When taking part in a virtual interview with a nutritionist a plethora of things can go wrong:

  • Your device’s battery may die
  • You may lose connection to the Wi-Fi
  • Loud background noises could distract from your answers

Part of being ‘prepared’ for this interview is ensuring that all these variables are dealt with, prior to the commencement of the interview.

This means:

  • Ensuring that all your devices are well charged 
  • Testing your Wi-Fi connection shortly before the interview begins 
  • Finding somewhere quiet to conduct the interview from

This process can be daunting, especially if you’ve never taken part in a virtual interview before. Try not to stress and follow our advice in order to ensure that any of these issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

17 Nutritionist Interview Questions and Answers

interview questions for a nutritionist job

Now that you understand the importance of being prepared, here are some nutritionist interview questions and answers to help you get ready for the big day.

To provide a scope of potential questions that could be asked, this section will be broken down into smaller sections that hone in on specific topics.

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

Nutritionist Interview Questions And Answers That Discuss The Candidate

This section will cover several nutritionist interview questions and answers that help to inform the hiring manager of who you are as a candidate.

#1 - Why Did You Choose to Pursue a Career in Nutrition?

nutritionist interview questions and answers stock

Employers will ask this question to determine your level of passion for the role and the field in general. 

Obviously, they’ll want to employ candidates who are dedicated to the job and go above and beyond to help their clients for a prolonged period of time.

Be specific with the reasoning behind your answers when discussing what brought you to this point in your career. This will help to highlight your knowledge and interest and could include:

  • How a friend or family member inspired you to pursue the role
  • That a natural interest developed over the course of your time in education
  • You were inspired by a form of media e.g. a book or documentary

 nutritionist interview questions and answers examples

Here’s an example of how you could answer nutritionist interview questions similar to this one:

A - ‘Throughout my time at school I had an interest in health and nutrition, but it wasn’t until I completed sixth-form that I decided to pursue this as a professional career, rather than just a hobby or interest.

I conducted some research and found a nutritionist course that suited my interests and specific needs, enrolling at the first chance I got. 

This course allowed me to develop in a professional manner by gaining vital skills and knowledge that would have otherwise been inaccessible to me. 

My time earning this qualification really helped develop and strengthen my passion, teaching me that what I love most about nutrition is its specificity. Everyone is different and requires different guidance, and I view this as an exciting challenge to work with a variety of unique and interesting people.

#2 - What Did You Cover On Your Nutrition Course?

nutritionist interview questions about your qualifications

Although they’ll have read your CV and will be aware of your certifications, employers want to test whether you really understand all of the important points that you learnt whilst qualifying.

It’s also important for employers to know that your course covered all of the areas that their clients require help with.

For example, as you study OriGym’s Level 5 Sports Nutrition Course, you’ll cover:

  • The physiological functions of macro and micronutrients
  • Energy, hydration, and nutrient requirements at different life stages
  • The relationship between diet and disease
  • Understanding nutrition legislation
  • Estimating energy requirements based upon physical activity levels
  • Developing a nutritional strategy for improving performance
  • Evaluating the use of performance-enhancing products and sports drinks in nutritional planning.

Through prior research you can determine which modules are most relevant to the career and choose to highlight these. This will ensure that your answer is short and concise.

qualification based nutritionist interview

For example, if you’re interviewing for a sports nutritionist role you could answer the nutritionist interview question in the following manner: 

A: ‘Some of the points that were covered when completing my qualification included, 

  • Estimating energy requirements based on the client’s level of physical activity
  • How to develop a nutrition programme for improving athletic performance 
  • How to evaluate the use of performance-enhancing products 

I particularly enjoyed learning how to develop nutrition programmes for specific athletes. This is something that I’ve always wanted to pursue as a career, and would relish the opportunity to gain further experience in this area.

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

#3 - What Prior Experience Do You Have in The Nutrition Industry?

interview with a nutritionist

Remember, you’re going to be competing with other nutritionists, and while some may have significantly more experience than you in the industry, don't let this deter you.

This question is somewhat of a trick, as the experience you have isn’t what employers are looking for. Instead, they are looking for you to highlight transferable skills. 

This means that, even if you’re newly qualified, you can still present yourself as the ideal candidate. 

You could choose to highlight your communication skills in the following manner:

A: “In my previous role as an assistant manager I played a key role in delegating daily tasks amongst team members. It was my responsibility to ensure that everyone knew what was expected of them during any given shift, ensuring they could come to me with any and all issues.

Through the development of this skill, I believe that I will be able to communicate the specifics of a client’s nutrition programme and provide a detailed explanation behind each choice. In addition to this, I will be able to take on board any feedback a client may have, such as foods they don’t like, and work together to form a beneficial conclusion”

#4 - In Your Opinion, What Is The Most Effective Method For Helping Clients Make Lifestyle Changes?

nutritionist interview questions Example

Nutritionist interview questions such as this one helps an employer to see whether your approach to working with clients mirrors the company's own strategy.

It also shows them that you know how to help clients get the most effective results, and allows you to demonstrate specialist skills for improving the long-term wellbeing of your clients. 

Here’s an example of how you could explain the inclusion of SMART goals into nutrition programmes: 

nutritionist interview questions and answers SMART goals

A: “I think the best method for achieving long term goals is to break these down into smaller, achievable targets that clients can complete using the SMART technique.

For example, if a client wished to lose a stone in 4 months, we’d set targets in place to lose 3.5 lbs per month until we hit that target. 

This allows clients to achieve their specific goal, in a measurable amount of time that’s not too restrictive. In my opinion, trying to tackle larger goals head-on only results in the client becoming overwhelmed by a monumental task and feeling disheartened as a result.

Instead hitting these smaller goals within a specific time frame will provide the necessary motivation required to drive them forward towards the final target."

#5 - How Did You Handle A Difficult Experience In Your Previous Nutritionist Role

Challenging nutritionist interview questions and answers

As a nutritionist you’re likely to encounter clients that are more challenging than others. This could be result of numerous situations such as:

  • Clients have very strict dietary restrictions, due to allergies, cultural beliefs, or personal preferences 
  • You and your clients disagreeing on certain aspects of the meal plan 
  • A general lack of motivation on the client’s behalf, such as not wanting to spend time cooking.

Each of these situations could make creating meal plans for clients difficult, which is why it’s important to answer the interview questions for a nutritionist by highlighting how you can remain professional in these situations. 

The answer you provide will show that you have the skills to tackle any potential issue that may arise whilst in the role.

interview questions for a nutritionist opportunity

A: “On one occasion I worked with a client who initially had plenty of motivation but lost drive once they became frustrated with long cooking times. 

After assessing their needs I took the client’s complaint into account, amending their nutrition plan to include simpler meals and more raw foods. I also recommended a meal prepping service that could help with this issue, by delivering ready to eat food straight to their doors.

I recommended the client try this for 2 weeks and if they still weren’t satisfied we’d revisit the issue. Thankfully, this amended plan suited their lifestyle better, increasing their personal enjoyment of the progress” 

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

#6 - What Are Your Nutritionist Career Goals?

future interview with a nutritionist

When these interview questions for a nutritionist are posed the hiring manager is looking to see:

  • Whether your career goals align with available positions within the company
  • If you have drive to take on higher positions - e.g. leadership roles 
  • How you can help their team, or wider company grow to the next level

To answer this question you should think about what you want to accomplish within your professional career. This can include both short-term and long-term goals, such as: 

  • Working in a managerial role
  • Develop new processes that will help streamline work
  • Build good working relationships with clients that span years 
  • Finding a niche within the field of nutrition

From this, you can then conduct research into the company you’re interviewing for, in order to see how your aspirations align within their establishment.

For example, if you’re interviewing for a position within a medical nutritionist role you could answer this question as so:

Ambitions in your interview with a nutritionist

A: “In the future I’d like to continue working within the medical field. I intend to pursue managerial roles within in-patient facilities, where I hope to offer continual support for patients with eating disorders.

In particular, I’d like to conduct research into how various conditions affect young men. I noticed there was a small gap in the market for this specialty, as your website and social media accounts were predominantly centred around females"

#7 - How Do You Keep Your Skills And Knowledge Of The Diet And Nutrition World Up To Date?

Skills required for nutritionist interview questions

As a science-based job role, staying up to date with nutritional developments is vitally important in providing the highest quality of care for patients.

For example, you need to be aware of every trendy fad diet that gains popularity through social media, and inform your clients of the potential risks of adopting that diet.

Likewise, a new academic study may be conducted that consequently renders previously held nutritional beliefs irrelevant. 

By highlighting how you stay on top of recent developments, you will show that you’re a competent researcher with a passion for their chosen field.

When constructing your answers for an interview with a nutritionist, we’d recommend mentioning how you keep up to date with industry trends by reading specific journals and publications.

nutritionist interview questions and answers example

A: “When it comes to ensuring that my industry knowledge remains up to date, I like to research papers from the British Journal of Nutrition, as well as the Journal of Nutrition Science. 

I think these are great resources that have helped from the early stages of my career to where I am today, it’s a personal goal of mine to one day see my work in the publication. 

During my free time I also conduct independent research into growing ‘diet’ trends on social media, in order to determine their potential effects for clients.

For example, I advised a friend against taking part in TikTok’s ‘Dry Scooping’ protein powder trend. Not only was this obviously deemed a choking hazard, but upon further reading, I found that it could be potentially toxic if taken in excessive amounts”.

Whilst researching the topic of Nutritionist Interview Questions these other OriGym articles may interest you:

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

Interview Questions for Nutritionists That Focus on The Role Itself

interview questions for a nutritionist role

Whilst the previous section focused on nutritionist interview questions and answers that highlight your worth as a candidate, this section is dedicated to examples that specifically relate back to the role you’re applying for.

#8 - Why Do You Want To Work As A Nutritionist For Our Company?

interview questions for a nutritionist job

A good answer to this question will demonstrate your knowledge of the company and how it fits into the wider industry. This all relates back to the importance of preparing for your interview.

Information you could reference in your answer includes:

  • The company’s reputation among general public and nutritionist professionals
  • Admiration of the services they offer - e.g. mentioning a nutritionist you look up to
  • Recent news stories about the company 
  • Company’s professional growth, development, and success 
  • The company’s values and ethics 

In addition to this, when answering these nutritionist interview questions, avoid the general answer of ‘It’s a great company and I’d love to work here’. 

Answering the question like this will present you as an unprepared candidate who is simply seeking employment with any organisation that will have them.

interview questions for the nutritionist role

A: I’ve been following the company's work in the sports nutrition industry for quite some time now, after reading about how you advised Team GB’s Olympic Athletes. 

Hearing first hand accounts of how the athletes benefited from the nutrition advice reminded me of why I got into the industry to begin with.

I would be thrilled to gain the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge, in order to further build upon the company’s already established reputation. With my previous experience working with local athletes, I think I would make a great addition to your team.

#9 - Which Qualities, Skills, And Attributes Do You Think Are The Most Important For Our Nutritionist Role?

 nutritionist interview questions and answers example

When answering this question in a nutritionist interview, think about the specific skills that are needed to be a nutritionist beyond just the correct knowledge.

Interviewers like to ask this question in order to determine two things:

  • Your sense of self-awareness: How well can you connect to your previous professional experiences in order to determine why they made you successful. 
  • Your instincts/personalityThe way you answer this question will actually highlight what kind of person you are to the interviewer.

To answer this question in the most efficient way possible, be sure to read the job description diligently.

Following this, create two separate lists of the hard and soft skills that are required in order to do this job successfully. You can then determine which of these skills most relate to your ability level. 

For example, hard skills would be attributes that specifically relate to nutrition, such as:

  • Previous experience creating meal plans for specialist clients 
  • Knowledge on suitable replacements for clients with dietary requirements 
  • Marketing skills that specifically relate to the nutritionist field 

Prepare for a nutritionist interview

Whereas soft skills are more holistic skills that can relate to any industry, such as:

  • Strong communicator 
  • Well organised 
  • Good at working in a team

There are a lot of skills to choose from, and the answer you provide could differ from role to role. One general rule of thumb to follow when talking about desirable nutritionist skills is to keep your answer as efficient as possible.

A: From previous experience I would say that knowledge and teamwork are two of the most important skills required to do this role successfully.

For example, in my previous place of employment, a colleague of mine struggled to come up with a suitable solution for a somewhat challenging client. Said individual repeatedly rejected their proposed meal plans, due to both an allergy and personal food preferences. 

I offered my assistance and was able to pull from experience in working with clients with the same allergies, in order to help elevate this stress from my colleague. In turn, they were then able to focus on the personal food preferences in order to create  a meal plan the client actually stuck to.

#10 - What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Think You’ll Face As A Nutritionist In This Role?

Challenges of a nutritionist interview

These nutritionist interview questions may also be worded differently, with the interviewer asking ‘What do you think is your biggest weakness?’. 

Whilst you should be honest with the answer you provide, you shouldn’t word it in a way that puts employers off. 

When preparing for the interview, be sure to not mention any skills that are integral for the job role. For example, don’t say you have poor communication skills when this role will require you to talk to your clients on a regular basis.

Instead, you should highlight challenges that can be easily overcome. Hypothetically, if the company in question uses nutritionist software that you have no previous experience with using, you could mention this.

Software for a nutritionist interview

Keep in mind that you should immediately clarify how you will address this issue:

A: “I’m aware that the company uses the Nutrium software to communicate with clients outside of the office. 

Whilst I have no previous experience using this software, in order to overcome this issue, I’m willing to take any introductory training, whilst becoming better acquainted with the app in my free time.

In fact, in my previous role, I faced a similar issue, in that the company used a software called Healthie, another program I'd never used before. Over the course of a few short weeks, I developed a comprehensive proficiency with the software, and became a point of contact for both new and experienced staff.

It's this capacity for learning that I'll bring to this new software, and to the role itself.

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

Nutritionist Interview Questions Which Highlight Client Strategies

nutritionist interview questions about clients

Now that we have covered nutritionist interview questions and answers relating to the candidate and role itself, we will shift our attention to topics that relate to the clients you work with.

#11 - Which Types of Clients Are You Most Interested in Working With?

interview questions for a nutritionists work with clients

When applying for a nutritionist role it’s likely that you’ve chosen a potential employer based on a specialist area that you have an interest in e.g. Sports Nutrition.

When faced with this question a candidate will essentially have to demonstrate their passion for this specific section of the wider industry.

Naturally, you can narrow this down even further to specific kinds of sporting requirements, such as discussing how you wish to provide nutrition plans for professional bodybuilders. 

By having a specific interest within your already chosen specialty, you can highlight yourself as a unique client with something to provide.

A: “Whilst sporting nutrition has always been an area of interest to me, I have recently developed an interest in the nutritional intake of professional bodybuilders. 

I would like to pursue this interest further and offer my unique perspective to these clients, providing nutrition advice and meal plans that can help to facilitate their professional success” 

#12 - How Would You Go About Helping A Typical Client (With No Existing Health Issues Or Medical Conditions) Lose Weight?

nutritionist interview questions about weight loss

Whilst many nutritionist interview questions may require you develop a personable answer, others will simply require you to demonstrate a basic understanding of nutrition. 

As always, make sure to stress the importance of creating tailored plans that are specific to the client. State that, while there is no one ‘holistic approach’, the answer you provide will be a generalised hypothetical situation.

A: After an initial consultation where I have determined a client’s height, weight, and current health condition, I will create a bespoke meal plan that helps to facilitate weight loss.

For example, I’d encourage them to focus on increasing their fibre intake to reduce snacking throughout the day. By eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains the client is more likely to be less hungry throughout the day, meaning they’ll be less likely to keep eating.

interview questions for a nutritionist for weight loss

In other cases I may advise a calorie deficit among clients who are physically active. This will allow them to gradually lose weight through burning more calories than they would typically consume. 

Neither of these options may be sustainable for every client, so I would always ensure to conduct regular check-ins to guarantee that their plan is effective. If they’re unhappy with any aspect, we can communicate this together in order to think of a solution.

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

#13 - Why Is Dietary Fibre So Important For The Body And How Would You Go About Integrating A Good Amount Into A Client’s Nutritional Plan?

meal planning interview with a nutritionist

This is another example of a nutritionist interview question that requires you to pull from existing knowledge and experience gained in your academic and professional life.

A candidate may look good on paper and may even provide highly sophisticated answers during their interview for the role, but if they lack the necessary knowledge they simply won’t get the job role.

Employers will therefore ask interview questions such as this one to ensure that you know:

  • The role of fibre in the body
  • The signs of fibre deficiency 
  • The steps that you would take to increase a client’s fibre intake

Importance of fibre interview with a nutritionist

Therefore, when answering this question, ensure that you go into as much detail as possible, as employers want to check that interviewees have the basics nailed.

A: Fibre is crucial for improving the health of the digestive system, particularly for clients suffering with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or bowel cancer. 

Consuming enough dietary fibre helps to improve bowel function and regularity, as well as reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

It can also aid long-term weight loss. I’d be sure to include a variety of fibre sources into a client’s meal plan, such as whole grains, beans, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.’

#14 - How Would You Go About Helping A Client Who Showed Little Interest In Their Diet And Nutrition?

 interview with a nutritionist specialist

As we’ve discussed, many nutrition clients struggle to find the motivation to change their lifestyle, or stick to a prescribed plan.

Alongside coming up with a nutrition plan, it’s therefore your role to implement strategies that improve the lines of communication between you and your clients. 

Through this, you can help to ensure their motivation levels remain high enough to make the necessary lifestyle changes. 

A potential employer is therefore likely to ask this question to determine your coaching ability, as well as how you’d respond to a more difficult case.

Whilst you should demonstrate ways that this issue can be efficiently tackled, you should also use this opportunity to demonstrate your empathetic side.

Planning for a interview with a nutritionist

A: ‘If my client was showing reluctance to follow a diet plan that I’d set for them, I’d be sure to get to the bottom of the situation, by conducting a check-in at the client’s earliest convenience. 

For example, let's say I was working with a client who was deficient in iron but didn’t enjoy my recommended increase of leafy greens. I’d advise other foods that are known to be high in iron such as Shellfish, chickpeas, and Tofu. 

Following this meeting I’d present a client with a small term goal of sticking to the newly amended plan for a total of 2 weeks. Should the issues persist, I’d agree to meet the client again'.

#16 - How Do You Keep Track Of A Client’s Progress?

Progressing with a  interview with a nutritionist

The answer to this question lets interviewers see how you would go about keeping clients on track and motivated. 

It’s important to demonstrate that you wouldn’t only create an individually-tailored plan, but you’d also provide support for clients as they follow it.

You should therefore explain how you hold your clients accountable for themselves. For example, do you ask your clients to keep a food diary, or do you use software that allows you to see their progress in real time?

Be aware that, whilst some employers may have their own preferred software, showing you have experience using another won’t deter from your application, it will simply highlight your commitment to your clients. 

Improving during a nutritionist interview

A: 'When a meal plan has been created I offer my clients two options, they can either keep a physical food journal or create a Nutrium profile.

In terms of the former, the food journal provides my clients with a space to track their food and water intake. But to provide additional insight into their progress I also ask them to note down any feelings they have at the end of the day.

This allows me to see whether they’re emotionally struggling with specific aspects of their plan, which can then be altered during their next check-in'

In terms of electronic tracking, the Nutrium app allowed me to see a client's progress in real time from my phone. Through this process I am able to provide direct support, commenting on and liking posts that my clients create'.

#17 - Is There Any Situation In Which Supplements Can Pose A Health Risk To Clients?

Supplements interview with a nutritionist

Whilst some supplements can be beneficial, they could also pose serious medical risks to certain clients. 

When sitting in an interview with a nutritionist, questions such as these again highlight the level of experience and knowledge you hold. Employers want to know that they’re hiring the best candidate, not someone who could potentially endanger customers. 

For this reason, it will be beneficial to research the effects of one specific supplement on medication, as this will provide a case study for you to pull from.

In your answer you should make reference to how you would approach a client evaluation in order to gain necessary information relating to their medical history. 

This will present you as an ethical candidate who will go through the correct channels, rather than providing advice that could potentially be harmful.

Medical interview with a nutritionist

A: 'I’m aware that some vitamins and minerals can be harmful to take alongside certain medications. Therefore, I’d always ask a client to fill out a PAR-Q form during their initial consultation, in order to gain insight on their medical background.

Following this I’d conduct some research into the safety of the practice before determining whether the combination is suitable for the client. 

For example, I wouldn’t recommend Multivitamin or Calcium Carbonate supplements to individuals with HIV who use antiretrovirals as a form of treatment. This is because they can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and put the patient in danger. 

Following research, if I cannot form a definitive conclusion of my own I would consult with a medical professional and ask their opinion too'.

Before You Go!

Remember, the list of nutritionist interview questions we have provided in this article is to act as a preparation technique. 

The most important thing to remember is to prepare diligently, as this tactic will ensure you’re presented in the best manner possible.

Part of this preparation includes honing your knowledge through a Level 5 Sports Nutrition course. This qualification is essential for ensuring you know how to create and amend meal plans to suit a clients specific needs. 

You can also download OriGym’s FREE prospectus to learn more about our courses.

 

Become a Level 5 Nutrition Specialist With OriGym

Boost your expertise with our Level 5 Advanced Sports Nutrition qualification

Written by Rebecca Felton

Content Writer & Fitness Enthusiast

Graduating from the University of Liverpool with a first-class degree in English, Rebecca’s combined passions for fitness and writing are what brought her to OriGym. Rebecca is a keen gym-goer and specifically enjoys lifting weights. Outside of fitness and writing, Rebecca enjoys cooking, reading, and watching the football.

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