Interviewing for a Counselor position
If you are a prospective School Counselor about to go on your first interview, it’s normal to feel nervous and unsure of what might be asked of you. Courtesy of Counselor Companion reader Tina, we present you with this guide to how a typical School Counselor interview might go. Tina has been a counselor with a special education focus, a counselor at a large public middle school and at a private high school. In addition to brushing up on your general interviewing skills, read about Tina’s experiences in School Counselor interviews.
The interviewing process is basically the same. A panel of people will be there - typically a teacher, administrator (sometimes BOTH principal & vice), a parent perhaps, and the other counselor(s). They will probably ask:
1. Background and personal philosophy
2. Are you a team player or like to work alone? (stress that team-playing is great - BUT you are capable of making decisions on your own. Counselors have to make decisions based on their own instincts & you may not be able to consult with someone (like in a crisis situation).
3. They will, no doubt, ask about how you would handle a typical school crisis - usually about a student who may be suicidal. Be prepared to follow the appropriate steps.
4. You may be asked about how you will make yourself known at your new position. Stress that you want to be involved, volunteer for dances to get to know kids, walk around during lunchtime, whatever.
5. Parent contact - IMPORTANT. Stress that appointments are a good idea, but that you have an open-door approach ESPECIALLY for parents in a crisis.
6. Public schools are Standards-based. Look up the Standards for Counselors (they exist). Print them up and highlight some important points that you could throw in to impress. This will score you points big time.
7. Be sure to have questions for them. Remember - YOU ARE INTERVIEWING THEM AS WELL!! Bring questions written down and ready. This is always impressive.
Hope this helps
