Why did you choose a career as a counselor?
Interviewers want to know a candidate's propensity to stay in a job for a long time. By asking this, they are able to gauge if this is a career that the candidate sees himself or herself doing for a long time or if it is a fleeting interest. Be genuine when answering this question since interviewers can easily tell if you are simply saying nice things to get the job. It helps to add a personal story that could solidify your answer.
"I have always been a people person and I have this inclination to help others when they need it. Help comes in different shapes and forms, but for me, I want to help others in addressing their problems and improving their situations. So when I was choosing a degree for college, I decided to pick something that would allow me to do that and that's how I ended up in counseling."
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 began my educational career as a secondary teacher teaching English Language Arts and then moved on to working with middle school students. As a teacher, I was interested in not only teaching my students but getting to know them as people. Unfortunately, as a teacher, I did not get as much of an opportunity to get to know all of my students well. As a counselor, I am able to form lasting relationships with students and see them as more than just students, but people with problems and issues that contribute to their struggles and successes in the school setting that encompass their lives outside of a school setting. I am able to better understand my students as a counselor because I have more time to know every aspect of their lives.
Rachelle's Feedback
You have painted a great picture here, walking the interviewer through your career and what has landed you where you are today. Great response.
Anonymous Answer
I have a desire to help people, and I think I'm a good listener--since high school, I've been the one people come to talk about issues that are concerning them. It's a privilege to be there for someone in moments of difficulty and rewarding to help empower people to work things out. Counseling is the absolute best fit for me.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response; your passion for the counseling profession and commitment to showing up for others really shines through in your responses.
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