Walk me through your approach with students who are undecided on their major.
Professional Answers Preview
"I refer to my undecided students as 'open to exploring' so that they do not feel the guilt associated with being in a rut, or being undecided. I will take these open students through a cycle of exercises including a written exercise that walks them through their interests, life expectations, and how they view themselves. I will also set up opportunities for them to job shadow in a variety of careers that interest them."
This behavioral style question will help the interviewer to understand your coaching and counseling style better. Take the interviewer through your process for assisting students who need clear direction. Use a real-life example if you have one!
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Entry Level Example
"If I were to come across a student who was undecided on their major I would start by figuring out what they do not like, and also administer a personality test if that was a resource available to me. From there, I would encourage a student to job shadow a few family members or friends with interesting careers. There are many ways to help spark a new interest in an undecided student."
Experienced Example
"A large part of what I do with my undecided students is to encourage them to approach their network and tap into those supports and resources. I believe that a heavily encouraged and well supported individual will feel much more comfortable making a decision related to their educational path."
In your opinion, what are the top 3 functions of an admissions counselor?
Professional Answers Preview
"I believe that the three primary functions of an admissions counselor are to help students recognize what they need to achieve, give them the tools they need to reach those goals, and help them to look at their post-secondary educational path critically. I see in your job posting that you greatly value those skills as well. I am highly competent in these functions and feel that my Master's Degree in Educational Counseling makes me the best fit for your needs."
The interviewer wants to know that you fully understand the scope of this position. If you are not sure of the essential functions of this role, go back to the job posting or job description where expectations are outlined. What do they continually mention in the job posting? Is there a standard theme? Talk about those and be sure to tie in the fact that you are experienced and talented in those exact areas.
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"Here are some qualities an admissions counselor should possess:
- Concern for student success
- Coursework and post-secondary knowledge
- Ability to retain information
- Strong memory
- Counseling skills
- Ability to build strong rapport, very quickly
- Flexible availability
- Ability to maintain confidentiality / discreet"
Experienced Example
"From my experience, I believe that an admissions counselor needs to be a strong source of guidance, be able to offer well-researched advice and be a strong accountability partner. Are these the qualities you are looking for, from your next admissions counselor?"
Why do you want to work as an admissions counselor?
Professional Answers Preview
"I am impressed by your mission, and I love how much of an impact you make in the local community. Winning the community Humanitarian Award in 2016 was a remarkable achievement that stands out to me. In addition to all of this, I want to work here because you offer the growth, development, and continued education opportunities for your employees. I see a long-term fit here, with consistent growth, which is important to me."
This question can be difficult because it requires you to know enough about the educational facility to be impressed by what they do, and what they have to offer you, regarding growing your abilities as an admissions counselor
Prepare for this question through due diligence! Review the academic facility's website first. You can read reviews of former students and find out about their reputation in the educational space. Sometimes you can even find articles or press releases to give you a brief on their latest accomplishments, innovations or school culture. Pinpoint the highlights.
Know the facility's vision so that you can quickly tell them that your values align. Sharing your knowledge on the latest education-related news is a great indicator that you have a vested interest in them and the educational industry.
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Entry Level Example
"Working with your facility will be the best way for me to kick off my career. I met with a few individuals in this industry while attending university and everyone had the best things to say about your organization. I am thrilled to be here to interview today and hope that we can create a long-term working relationship."
Experienced Example
"I have had my eye on your facility for many years now. Because you are a leader in the educational industry, I see that you have a minimum turnover and few career openings come up. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to be here today and hope that you can see a strong fit with my experience."
How familiar are you with the undergrad and graduate programs at our school?
Professional Answers Preview
"I conducted a great deal of research on your programs before coming here today. I was very excited to see that you recently added a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts. I am thrilled to see that you have robust options for Business students as well."
Interviewers and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, you must make some effort to research the opportunity. You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be knowledgeable about the school before your interview.
Start by searching the school's website and take particular note of any new programs they have implemented. Identify their most popular programs if you can, and look at their competitors to see where this school may stand out.
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"At this point, I have studied your program offerings for a few hours, so I do feel that my knowledge base is strong. Your offerings have an incredible range. Which of your programs is the most popular?"
Experienced Example
"I have been familiar with your school, and it's programs for quite some time. In addition to already being very familiar with your educational institution, I have already advised on many similar programs from my six years working at a competitive university. If hired, the time to train me would be minimal."
Presenting accurate reports and documentation is an important part of being an admissions counselor. How would you describe your written communication skills?
Admissions counselors either help high school students gain admission into an appropriate college, or work in a college to recruit students. Both occupations have a wide range of responsibilities related to the college application process. High school admissions counselors work with students individually and provide guidance by advising them on which colleges are a match with their interests, career goals, and academic achievement level. College admissions counselors are expected organize recruitment events to promote the college by speaking with potential students and parents. They also provide information to applicants about financial aid and scholarships, as well as any other programs that would attract the student to the school and/or assist with successful acceptance.
Job openings for admissions counselors can typically be found on the careers website of colleges and high schools, as well as on online job boards, especially ones that attract nonprofit organizations such as Idealist.org and Indeed.com. The interview will assess your technical knowledge of the college application process and your interpersonal skills. You'll be expected to have a good understanding of how to navigate the administrative functions of institutions. For college admissions counselors, it's important to be able to attract the right applicants for the college, as well as the ability to build a strong network. For high school admissions counselors, it's important to be able to develop individualized plans for the students that are tailored for their success.
To prepare for the interview, make sure that you research the school that you're applying to. Do your best to find out what problems they're facing. Is the college trying to attract a different demographic? Is the high school trying to increase college graduation rates for their at-risk students? Start by understanding the challenges, then think of examples of your work experience that can help overcome that challenge. At the high school level, come up with examples of your listening skill. For colleges, have examples of your ability to attract and engage people.