Have you ever considered choosing a different specialty?
"Actually, I had initially thought that I would become a pediatrician. Something about counseling and helping those with addictions was just very intriguing to me and I knew I wanted to make a career in this specialty area."
"Becoming an addiction counselor was the only thing I ever wanted to do. There are other areas that are interesting to me, but nothing that I would consider leaving this career for. I am quite happy with my choice of specialty and look forward to many more years of helping people."
Many employee candidates are unsure of how to answer this question. Most feel that if they say they may have other interests that the interviewer will not recommend them for employment. This is not necessarily the case. This is simply an opportunity for the interviewer to get to know your interests.
"I have never considered any career other than addiction counseling. I am happy to take classes and continue my education, perhaps for an advanced degree that may go hand in hand with my current role, but I am not interested in changing my specialty."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I used to want to become a certified medical coder. This was back in the late '90s.
Kristine's Feedback
Good start. Try to elaborate a bit so that the interviewer can understand more about your interests. Why were you considering becoming a certified medical coder? What was appealing about it? Why did you ultimately choose the path to become an addiction counselor?
Unlock all 30 Addiction Counselor questions
Prepare for sensitive scenarios and clinical questions that treatment facility interviewers prioritize.
Get Started