Why Do You Want To Be A Social Worker?

This article provides answers for one’s motivation to being a social worker and lists skills, qualities, and values required for becoming a social worker.

Let’s try to understand the psyche of an interviewer while asking such a question:

• Intent: Intent is a crucial factor that can predict the success or failure of a social cause. No employer wants failures and he thus tries to test if your keenness to join is genuine. He will try to ascertain whether you are able to stand for a cause or not.
• Self-drive and will power:  Social work involves self-drive. A worker needs to be driven to bring about change, for if not, s/he is sure to crumble under the opposing pressure that s/he may face.

refer also to – Social worker Job Interview.

Let’s see an example of an interview:

► Interviewer: “Why do you want to become a social worker?”

Interviewee: “I have been associated with the social cause for more than 5 years. I have done rallies, held seminars, distributed leaflets, and even utilized social networking to spread awareness about AIDS. With absolutely no financial and moral support, I stood up for the cause and fought for the medical care of AIDS patients as well. I know I will do justice to the social work, for I have the intent, the experience, and most importantly, determination to succeed.”

The answer is to the point. It is appropriate and requires no clarification or elaboration at all. The interviewee has been able to let the interviewer know that he is not just keen but he desires to work for the cause. Moreover, he has ample experience to back him up to prove his point. Also, he is more aware about ground realities as he must have faced it in his past.

Thus, there is no reason why he should not be considered for the job!

► Question: “What are the skills, qualities, and values of a social worker? Do you possess these skills?”

A good answer: “A humanitarian disposition, determination, dignity, being non-judgmental, cooperative, and having good interpersonal skills. I believe I have these skills because I am sensitive to people’s problems and in many cases I am emotionally involved to solve critical issues. For instance, I volunteered in XYZ. I have the required positive attitude and the patience to help people with their issues.  I also have the ability to handle cases, work independently, and to communicate well with coworkers and patients. “