Why should we hire you?

How to Answer
Answer Example
Community Answers

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."

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.)..."

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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!

How to Answer: Why should we hire you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a School Counselor job interview.

13. Why should we hire you?

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Answer Example

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

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?

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Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I have the necessary skill set that's needed to be a school counselor."

Jaymie's Feedback

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About the Author

Krista Wenz

I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I served on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, professors, school counselors, nurses, medical assistants, school support staff, home health aides, and physician assistants. I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for healthcare and educational professionals. I have coached paramedic and EMT students to pass their licensing exams and counseled and mentored many other healthcare professionals in providing compassionate patient care.

As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming school counselor interview. While these questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in acing your interview!

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