You’re applying for a Peer Support role. How do you convince the interviewer that you can work independently?

1 Demonstrate your self-awareness

One of the key aspects of working independently is being aware of your own strengths, weaknesses, needs, and boundaries. As a Peer Support worker, you need to be able to recognize when you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or triggered, and how to cope with those situations. You also need to be able to identify your own learning goals, areas of improvement, and feedback preferences. To demonstrate your self-awareness, you can use examples from your previous or current Peer Support roles, or from other relevant contexts, such as volunteering, education, or personal life. For instance, you can explain how you monitor your own well-being, how you seek supervision or mentorship, how you handle constructive criticism, or how you balance your work and personal life.

2 Showcase your communication skills

Another essential aspect of working independently is being able to communicate effectively with your peers, colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders. As a Peer Support worker, you need to be able to listen actively, empathize, validate, and empower your peers, as well as to express your own thoughts, feelings, and opinions clearly and respectfully. You also need to be able to adapt your communication style to different situations, audiences, and modes, such as face-to-face, phone, email, or online platforms. To showcase your communication skills, you can use examples from your previous or current Peer Support roles, or from other relevant contexts, such as teamwork, leadership, or advocacy. For example, you can explain how you establish rapport and trust with your peers, how you collaborate and coordinate with your colleagues, how you report and document your work, or how you handle conflicts or disagreements.

3 Highlight your initiative and creativity

A third important aspect of working independently is being able to take initiative and be creative in your work. As a Peer Support worker, you need to be able to plan, organize, and prioritize your tasks and responsibilities, as well as to adapt to changing needs, expectations, and circumstances. You also need to be able to find and use resources, tools, and strategies that can help you and your peers achieve your goals and overcome your challenges. To highlight your initiative and creativity, you can use examples from your previous or current Peer Support roles, or from other relevant contexts, such as projects, hobbies, or interests. For example, you can explain how you set and monitor your own work schedule, how you design and deliver Peer Support activities or programs, how you research and learn new information or skills, or how you solve problems or overcome obstacles.

4 Emphasize your commitment and passion

A fourth and final aspect of working independently is being committed and passionate about your work. As a Peer Support worker, you need to be able to demonstrate your motivation, enthusiasm, and dedication to your role, your peers, and your organization. You also need to be able to show your willingness to learn, grow, and improve as a professional and as a person. To emphasize your commitment and passion, you can use examples from your previous or current Peer Support roles, or from other relevant contexts, such as awards, recognitions, or testimonials. For example, you can explain how you align your work with your values, vision, and mission, how you contribute to your organization’s culture and goals, how you seek and participate in professional development opportunities, or how you celebrate and share your successes and achievements.

5 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?