Preparing for an interview in any role is important. LEWP has brainstormed why we feel it is important for lived experience (peer) workers in the mental health sector. As someone who brings personal experience to the role, your preparation goes beyond typical interview readiness—it’s about articulating your journey, skills, and insights effectively. Here’s why it matters:
- How You Use Your Lived Experience: Your lived experience is a valuable asset and brings expertise. Preparation supports you to demonstrate how you embody the values and principles of Peer Work, emphasising recovery, resilience, and how your experiences uniquely qualify you for the role.
- Demonstrating Skills and Knowledge: Beyond personal experience, employers seek specific skills like empathy, active listening, and relationship building. Preparing allows you to highlight these skills, showing how they have been honed through your experiences and any relevant training.
- Professionalism and Confidence: Preparation builds confidence. It helps you anticipate questions about your skill set, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. This confidence translates into a professional demeanor during the interview, reassuring employers of your readiness and suitability for the role.
- Aligning with Organisational Values: Understanding the organisation’s mission and values is essential. Preparation enables you to align your experiences and goals with what the organisation seeks, showcasing your commitment and understanding of their work.
- Highlighting Continued Growth: Employers value candidates who show a commitment to ongoing learning and growth. Preparation lets you discuss how your experiences have motivated you to pursue further education or training, reinforcing your dedication to the field.
Preparing for an interview as a lived experience (peer) worker in mental health is not just about showcasing your qualifications— it’s about sharing your journey
