What answer are they looking for in this application?

Question

I am working on an application to be a resident mentor at my college. The question I am struggling with is: "Why do you want to be a Resident Mentor?"

What do employers generally look for in an answer to such a question? Any help is greatly appreciated. I feel like this is the most important part of the application.

Answer 1

Possible responses are below.

I like helping people and here is why. Here are some specific areas that I know I can help others in.

I had a mentor and he/she made a big impact in my life and now I want to return the favor.

The key is to give examples and make yourself out to look like a guy who is smart and motivated to do the work.

Answer 2

They're looking for somebody who truly wants to do this job and feels they'd be good at it. It's not a trick question at all, but rather a very straight-forward question asking whether this is simply a way for you to make money, or if you want to be a mentor to others.

Desire and motivation are most important here.

Answer 3

They are not looking for someone who has an M.I.P. on their record! An M.I.P. would indicate the sort of person who doesn't know how to follow simple rules, or someone who thinks that societies rules don't apply to them.

I would expect that they are looking for someone with common sense and good decision making skills. These are the qualities that mentors should posses.

Answer 4

they want to know what moves you to be in that position. ie: to help others, because you feel that your knowledge will bebefit others. etc. this is one of those tricky questions that if you sound too confident and build yourself up too much they will not like it. be humble. and you are sure to succeed.