Interview Question: Why do you want to work with children?

Why do you want to work with children?

This is a question that is asked at every job interview that involves working with children. It is a vital question and yet one of the trickiest ones to answer.

Why do they ask this question in interviews?

Well, to put it simply, the interviewers are looking for your motives for working with children. This is part of the safer recruitment process as sadly, there are people out there who want to work with children to meet their own needs. Not the needs of the children.

So how do you answer it?

Well, the bottom line is, to be truthful. The interviewer will obviously be listening out for warning signs, for example, you want to work with children for your own needs and not theirs, the way you talk about children and a few others.

But if your intentions are pure, you will be fine.

• Have it clear in your head that you know what safeguarding is.
• Know how you would safeguard the children and what you want to do to help children grow in this ever-changing world.
• Why did you choose the path of working with children?
• What experiences have you had that led you down this road?

And whatever you do, don’t just say, I like children. This is never a good idea – although it does help if you like to work with children as they will be part of your professional life.

I would love to know how you have answered this question.

If you would like to learn more about safer recruitment, then please get in contact.