Job application for debt advisor

mountainofdebt

As you know I saw a job being advertised for a debt advisor and given the problems I've got at work....

any way the more I think about it, the more I think I would really like this sort of job.

On the application form I was going to say that I could understand where people who were at their wits end with debt were coming from having had a debt problem myself but would this be going down a road that I wouldn't want to go down if I had an interview??

Thanks for the advice peps

lynzpower

I think that its a tough one, so you shall need to walk a fine line. they wont want you to have *too* much empathy, but lets face it with your own knowledge of SOAs and what stuff costs, you can encourage people in debt to think more about what they are spending, just by little comments here and there. You also know the law, what they can and cant do, what constitutes harrrassment etc. You could say, I have experienced problem debts, however I worked with DCAs to find a solution and thus I understand the requirements of the DCA and my role within it blah blah

Id focus more on stuff like your persuasion skills, working to targets, perseverence and knowledge of legislation.

OberonSH

Well, personally I think you should put it in. You've been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt cheaper by getting it at a charity shop.

It would certainly help - what does the role entail? If you're going to be selling plans or management schemes it may not be terribly relevant, but if it's for a charity/support organisation the fact that you know all about where to cut back, and snowballing etc may sway things in your favour.

jumping_j11

I think if you can demonstrate that you have used good practice to put your own house in order, then your own personal experience should be an asset for the job. in the addictions field, there are quite a lot of recovering addicts working. Provided they have dealt with their own issues they are extremely well placed to help other addicts because they really know where they are coming from. I am sure a similar principle must apply with debt counselling.It just depends on how enlightened the interviewers are.Why not give it a go - the worst that can happen is that you don't get the job! Good luck!

Katharine

I would include it but turn it around focusing on the positive action you made, seeking good advice, budgeting, organising your repayment plan, and how you see this and a personal achivment etc. Applications and interviews are all about putting a positive spin on things, they want people to demonstrate how they are effectivly resolved problems of all kinds. If they don't then they are living in a dream world and its their loss. Before an interview think of the worst questions they could ask you about your debt in advance and prepare positive answers to all of them and you will be so confident you will shine. Good luck, a very worthwhile cause methinks.

spud30

I'm not sure how anyone who hasn't been there can advise on debt.

Surely the expereience of sorting yourself out is priceless and you have all the practical knowledge that someone who hasn't been there wouldn't think of.

bikerqueen

I'm a mental health worker, have experienced mental health problems in the past and made sure I contacted them first and asked if they would still consider my application. That way I didn't bother filling in an application form that they wouldn't read, and they were very sympathetic!