Do you have experience or formal training in leading and mentoring at-risk youth?
As a Youth Worker, you play an essential role in building the next generation by improving the lives of children and youth. Walk the interviewer through your experience and discuss how you have been a part of shaping others through care-based work. Be specific by sharing relevant details of your experiences and interactions. The key to successfully answering this question is in clearly outlining your exposure while also showing a passion for your work.
"Yes, I do have experience and training in leading and mentoring at-risk youth. My experience began over 20 years ago when I started volunteering with at-risk youth at a drop-in center. I have a diploma in Leadership with a primary focus on working with youth. I also have a diploma in Counselling, where I specialized in Child and Youth Development and Grief. There are certificates in Group Therapy, Suicide Intervention, Addiction, and Emergency Response that I have. I am eager to expand my training and experiences with your esteemed organization."
"I'm happy with the positive changes I've witnessed throughout the years, and how far this industry has come in combating the issues afflicted at-risk youth. I feel privileged to have taken part in how we view and treat at-risk youth, and am grateful for the progression in innovation that emerges from organizations such as yours, where an open mind and non-judgemental approach is essential. We no longer shame these kids into getting help. We meet them where they are and offer support based on relationship building rather than criticizing their choices. The world has changed so much in the 20 years since I began my career journey. I am excited to see where we are heading next, and optimistic about the future."
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Anonymous Answer
I had great experience in the youth hostel as in charge of the hostel. I learned a lot from the children- the language, culture, and problem-solving culturally.
Rachelle's Feedback
This sounds like a very interesting experience! Try to expand on this and speak more about what you did as a mentor, and how you used cultural differences to help the children learn and grow.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I was a youth mentor, where I completed the organization's training, and have also completed Safe Environments for Children training.
Stephanie's Feedback
It's wonderful that you've received training in this area, although I suggest developing this response a little more. (Example: "I have completed the Safe Environments for Children Training, where I learned XYZ."
Anonymous Answer
I have experience mentoring youth. I have worked in group homes for up to 3 years, I have worked in family homes to help the children transition back into the home, I have mentored children one on one as well. I am in school to be a youth care worker, so no certificate yet but will have one. Other than that I have no formal training.
Stephanie's Feedback
It sounds like you've had quite a bit of on-the-ground youth experience, as well as an educational background in youth work since you mention being in school pursuing a youth worker certificate. To strengthen your response, I suggest removing the last sentence and replacing it with something more confident and asset-based. For example: "My combination of direct-service youth experience, coupled with my coursework toward a youth worker certificate makes me an excellent candidate for this job."
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