Why should we hire you?
This is your chance to highlight your best assets and what you can offer to the school. It is also an advantage if your beliefs or values are aligned with the school's so you can use it as leverage. However, be conscious of your tone. You want to sound confident of your skills, but not arrogant.
"Apart from my educational background and work experience, I believe that my values are very much aligned with the core values that your school espouses. For me, that is important especially as someone who represents the school and, who will work with the students and their parents very closely. I am also very passionate about this profession and I know that I can take on the responsibilities that this job requires."
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 believe you should hire me because I personify all of the traits necessary to be an effective school counselor and have a genuine interest in building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to benefit students academically, socially and emotionally. I also believe my personal experiences and my experience as a classroom teacher and counselor, who has worked with every age group from Kindergarten to high school, will further benefit students.
Rachelle's Feedback
Well structured answer with very good points. Try to think of other features that those competing against you for the job, would not possess. What is unique just to you?
"I believe you should hire me because, unlike my peers or other school counselors I have met, I... (insert personal mission statement, continued education or training you have completed, an area where you are a subject matter expert, etc.)..."
Anonymous Answer
I have both education and experience in both educational and clinical counseling, as well as social work, which makes me uniquely qualified for this position. I love the school's mission of igniting innovative and meaningful learning, inspiring powerful impact in our communities, and preparing all students for multiple paths to success as it allows the opportunity to be creative and work in a mezzo capacity with stakeholders and community members.
Stephanie's Feedback
Good start, but I'd suggest shortening the part about why you love the school's mission and use this time to pitch the wonderful qualities that will make you an asset to the team. I've included an example in the "Revised Answer" box of how this response could be restated with more confidence and a stronger personal "pitch."
I am deeply passionate about the profession of school counseling, and I have a tireless work ethic. My background is in clinical counseling as well as social work, which makes me uniquely qualified for this position. My own values and skills align perfectly with the school's mission of Igniting innovative and meaningful learning, Inspiring powerful impact in our communities, and Preparing all students for multiple paths to success. I look forward to the opportunity to be creative and work in a mezzo capacity with stakeholders and community members.
Anonymous Answer
I have the necessary skill set that's needed to be a school counselor.
Jaymie's Feedback
Consider that the employer may receive a high volume of qualified applicants for the position. This is your opportunity to shine, so be sure you give a unique response that will set you apart from the others!
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