What do you do if your passion for social work isn't shining through during an interview?

1 Reflect on your motivation

Before you go to an interview, take some time to reflect on why you chose social work and what drives you to do it. Think about the values, skills, and experiences that make you passionate about helping others. Write down some examples of how you have demonstrated your passion in your previous or current work, education, or volunteer activities. These examples will help you prepare for behavioral questions that ask you to describe specific situations where you applied your social work knowledge and skills.

3 Use positive language

The words that you use in an interview can convey a lot about your attitude and enthusiasm. Avoid using negative, passive, or vague language that might undermine your confidence or commitment. Instead, use positive, active, and specific language that showcases your strengths and achievements. For example, instead of saying "I had to do a lot of paperwork", say "I completed detailed and accurate documentation". Instead of saying "I worked with some difficult clients", say "I built rapport and trust with diverse and complex clients".

4 Express your emotions

Passion is not only about what you say, but also how you say it. Don't be afraid to express your emotions and feelings in an interview. Show that you care about the people and the issues that you work with. Use examples that illustrate how you have been moved, inspired, or challenged by your social work practice. Smile, make eye contact, and use gestures and tone of voice that convey your enthusiasm and energy. Don't worry about being too emotional or unprofessional. As long as you are respectful and authentic, your passion will shine through.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?