School Counselor Interview Questions

School Counselor Interview Questions

1. 1.

   What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

   I know it's difficult to share a weakness because you might feel that it will turn the interviewer off. But interviewers know that nobody is perfect. Everybody has flaws. It's a matter of how aware you are of it and what you are doing to address it.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "I am not a good public speaker. Put me in a room with 10-15 people, and I'll be fine. But ask me to deliver a commencement speech and I will be a ball of nerves. Working for a school has helped me to overcome that slowly since I am constantly surrounded by people. Meeting new faces regularly helps in building my confidence. But definitely, I still have a lot to work on."

   Anonymous Answer
   "I am not always comfortable working collaboratively with others and sometimes procrastinate with tasks that I perceive are difficult. In the past, I have learned to be self-reliant and have not trusted others to come through for me when asked. This is a result of being let down time and time again when having to work collaboratively with others. However, as I have had the opportunity to experience positive outcomes in relation to collaborative efforts during my time in education, I have learned to trust those I work with because we are all professionals and are working towards a common goal and that belief has allowed me to trust others in the workplace."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   Although very honest, this response may be too transparent, creating red flags for the interviewer. Try to focus on the parts that are less negative sounding (being let down time and time again sounds like you're often disappointed in others). Try putting a bigger spotlight on what you are doing to improve your areas of weakness.
   "I have learned to be self-reliant in the workplace, even at times when it wouldn't hurt to ask for a bit of help. I enjoy co-worker collaboration and look forward to more positive experiences when it comes to leaning on my team."
   Was this answer helpful? Yes (1) or No (0)
   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!
   Anonymous Answer
   "I believe my greatest challenge is my level of confidence. I recognize that my confidence has grown since first graduating, and I'm aware that the more learning experiences I have and professional development I take advantage of, the better I feel about my knowledge, skills, and abilities."
   
   Stephanie's Answer
   You are very self-reflective and do a good job of identifying an area for growth. To improve your response, I would suggest being a bit more specific about what you are actively doing to grow your confidence (example: have you challenged yourself to be more assertive in meetings, to present in front of a large group, to not question yourself after making a decision at work, etc.)
   Was this answer helpful? Yes (1) or No (0)
   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!

2. 2.

   What is the difference between Counseling and Coaching?

   When answering technical or theoretical questions, it is important to create an outline of your answer to demonstrate an organized train of thought. Provide concise answers and throw in an example to clarify the definition.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "There are two important factors that differentiate these concepts. First, is the approach. As a counselor, we focus more on understanding the individual's past to help them resolve or heal from a particular problem or issue. Meanwhile, coaching is more focused on setting goals for the future and the action plans that the individual has to do to achieve them. Second, counseling and coaching differ in their educational and training requirements. For example, a counselor is required to have a specific degree such as Psychology or Counseling, while coaches are not. Coaches can undergo trainings offered by coaching institutions regardless of their educational background."

   Anonymous Answer
   "A counselor is educated and trained to provide a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore various issues. A coach does not require formal education and provides assistance with goal-oriented issues."
   
   Stephanie's Answer
   You do a great job describing the difference between a counselor and a coach!
   Was this answer helpful? Yes (1) or No (0)
   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!

3. 3.

   What makes you most passionate about being a school counselor?

   This is easy because your answer should come from the heart, as cliche as that may sound.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "As a school counsellor, I am most passionate about making a positive influence in someone's life. I have very high hopes for our youth so working in a school allows me to be at the forefront of creating positive influences to these young individuals. I hope that through the work that I do, I will help mold responsible, productive and compassionate citizens of this country."

   Anonymous Answer
   "I have education and experience in academic and in mental-health/emotional counseling. As a school counselor, I love that I can be there for kids in both capacities, that I can be a positive influence in the lives of children."
   
   Stephanie's Answer
   Great response; it's evident that you're passionate about supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally.
   Was this answer helpful? Yes (0) or No (0)
   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!

4. 4.

   Why did you choose a career as a counselor?

   Interviewers want to know a candidate's propensity to stay in a job for a long time. By asking this, they are able to gauge if this is a career that the candidate sees himself or herself doing for a long time or if it is a fleeting interest. Be genuine when answering this question since interviewers can easily tell if you are simply saying nice things to get the job. It helps to add a personal story that could solidify your answer.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "I have always been a people person and I have this inclination to help others when they need it. Help comes in different shapes and forms, but for me, I want to help others in addressing their problems and improving their situations. So when I was choosing a degree for college, I decided to pick something that would allow me to do that and that's how I ended up in counseling."

   Anonymous Answer
   "I began my educational career as a secondary teacher teaching English Language Arts and then moved on to working with middle school students. As a teacher, I was interested in not only teaching my students but getting to know them as people. Unfortunately, as a teacher, I did not get as much of an opportunity to get to know all of my students well. As a counselor, I am able to form lasting relationships with students and see them as more than just students, but people with problems and issues that contribute to their struggles and successes in the school setting that encompass their lives outside of a school setting. I am able to better understand my students as a counselor because I have more time to know every aspect of their lives."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   You have painted a great picture here, walking the interviewer through your career and what has landed you where you are today. Great response.
   Was this answer helpful? Yes (1) or No (0)
   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!
   Anonymous Answer
   "I have a desire to help people, and I think I'm a good listener--since high school, I've been the one people come to talk about issues that are concerning them. It's a privilege to be there for someone in moments of difficulty and rewarding to help empower people to work things out. Counseling is the absolute best fit for me."
   
   Stephanie's Answer
   Excellent response; your passion for the counseling profession and commitment to showing up for others really shines through in your responses.
   Was this answer helpful? Yes (1) or No (0)
   Thank you, your vote helps us display the best answers!
5. How would you explain cultural differences to students? Sensitive situations are tricky to address but always ensure that your answers are politically correct and impartial. Example #1: "I believe that today's youth are intelligent and discerning so matters like this should be discussed openly and truthfully. I will tell them that because the world is made up of numerous countries, it is inevitable for our cultures to be different. However, different doesn't mean bad. We just need to be more open-minded to understand the differences so we'll know how we can relate with each other more appropriately." Here is an anonymous answer example: "culture varies around the world and is expressed in our values, beliefs, languages, and practices -- some are different and some are similar. as we learn about various differences and similarities, we begin to develop a rich appreciation for culture." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great; this response is very positive and strengths-focused. This exhibits an appreciation for the differences of others.6. Can you share an experience when you went above and beyond to help a student? Employers want to hire people who can go the extra mile. For this question, just cite an experience that you feel is beyond your normal scope of duty but you did wholeheartedly, which produced a favorable or positive result. Share how you felt during that time, and if you received any commendations for that action. Example #1: "There was a time when (share experience). At first, I was nervous to actually do the job but fortunately, I was able to complete it even if it wasn't something I regularly do. I felt very proud of myself and my immediate superior was also very happy with the output that I delivered. Because of that, I was hailed 'Employee of the Month' for that period." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i remember when i was working in community mental health, a child who had been recently added to my care was hospitalized in an inpatient psychiatric facility, and i went to visit her there on a weekend. this went a long way to building rapport and a positive therapeutic relationship with her." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: From this example, it's evident that you're very caring! Given the question, I would suggest emphasizing the "above and beyond" part. I've included an example in the "Revised Answer" section of how you could emphasize this a bit more. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Stephanie Cafaro: "I remember when I was working in community mental health, a child who had been recently added to my care was hospitalized in an inpatient psychiatric facility, and I went to visit her there on a weekend. Even though this visit took place on my personal time, this went a long way to building rapport and a positive therapeutic relationship with her." Here is an anonymous answer example: "being a school counselor and advocating for students is in the job description, there have been many situations where i went above and beyond to help a student. recently there was a student who was falling behind in his grades and was put on a 504 plan. the student has adhd and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. i noticed the student had little to no motivation in completing his assignments and when asked about his goals for the future, there was not much he offered. i took it on myself to be able to work with him using the asca domains of social/emotional development. i realized that his grades won't budge unless i can understand what was going on in his mind and where his motivation was. i felt proud knowing that the student relied on me being an asset and resource in the school. he once said "i feel safer here" and i knew that i was doing more than i can to make a student feel safe." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent response! This really encompasses what it means to be an effective school counselor who goes above and beyond for your students. My only suggestion is to consider adding a bit more about the outcome. (For example: did the student's grades or attendance improve? etc.) Here is an anonymous answer example: "i had a student come to me looking for a work-study job. unfortunately, he did not have financial aid and didn't qualify for a work-study job. i really wanted to help him because he was a special needs students who had been trying to find work, but had nothing on his resume. so, using my network, i found him another job on campus, not work study. it worked out well - his supervisor was very happy with him. his mother was so appreciative she wrote me a nice letter, and i was just happy i could help him." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Chad Wilson said: This is a terrific example to share of a time you went the extra mile to help out a student. It sounds like your assistance had a significant impact on the student, and his family. Great job! Here is an anonymous answer example: "there was a time when i found out that one of my students and his family had just received housing but did not have any money for furniture. i organized a donation fundraiser within the school staff to provide used furniture and new bedding for the student and his family. with the help of staff members, we delivered the donated items and surprised the family. they were so thankful and it felt good to be able to help one of our students in their family get back on their feet." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: What a great story! You've formatted this effectively as well, so the interviewer can see your generosity in action.7. For you, what is the role of a school counselor? It is always best if you read and understand the job description because some schools may require more of a specific task than the other. By reading the job description, you'll be able to focus your answer on the highlights of the job. Example #1: "As a school counselor, I am not just after the welfare of the students but also everybody who is involved in the child's life as a student of the school. That means, I should be able to initiate programs and be proactive in making sure that the students, teachers, parents and school staff are in sync in making the school a conducive environment for the children" Here is an anonymous answer example: "in my opinion, a school counselor needs to be an empathetic and objective listener who will advocate for student success and not judge students for their mistakes, but instead, work with them to realize that they have the power to make positive decisions everyday that will ensure their ongoing success as they get older." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very good response! If there are specific responsibilities mentioned in the job posting, be sure to include them as well. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I agree with your organization that a school counselor needs to be an empathetic and objective advocate for student success. You even say so in your school's mission statement, which caught my eye. As a school counselor, I am acutely aware that I need to work with students to help them realize they have the power to make positive decisions every day which will ensure their ongoing success." Here is an anonymous answer example: "for me, the role of a school counselor is to provide support to students and staff by managing the school counseling program as well as providing individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom lessons. i want to be someone that students feel safe coming to. by providing support to staff and students, i want to make the school culture a more positive environment to work and learn." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Fantastic! You have a clear grasp of the role and its responsibilities. If there are any specific details to add from the job posting, be sure to sprinkle those in. Here is an anonymous answer example: "a school counselor helps students with academic and career development as well as personal, social, and emotional well-being; we identify needs, utilize interventions such as guidance and support, monitor progress, offer community resources, coordinate referrals, and also support teachers, staff and administrators." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent description! This perfectly captures the role of a school counselor.8. What steps would you take if a student told you he or she was being abused? Sensitive cases like abuse, that have legal implications, need to be dealt with seriously. When answering, consider all sides of the case such as the well being of the student, the protocols of the school and your moral responsibility to protect this child from danger. Example #1: "First, I will ask the student further on the kind of abuse that he or she is experiencing so I would understand the situation and the next steps that I need to do. Next, if the school has a protocol for cases like this, I will follow the proper escalation process so we can remove or protect the child from the abusive environment. If we cannot remove the child from the abusive environment immediately, I will provide the child with contact numbers or methods to reach me in case he or she is abused again so we can alert the authorities." Here is an anonymous answer example: "if a student were to report to me that they were being abused, i would first encourage the student to elaborate as much as possible regarding the alleged abuse and ask questions such as: who has been abusing you? when did it occur? is the abuse ongoing? i would then ask the student to show any bruises (if in an appropriate place) and i would take pictures of any bruises for documentation that i would provide to authorities if necessary. i would then contact the child welfare office and report an alleged abuse and provide any details they may ask for and i would adhere to their recommendations as far a contacting police. i would then contact my administrator and inform them of the siutaiton and follow up in the days after the intial report to ensure the students safety both at school and after school." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Your training in this area is apparent. Very good response, with highly specific action steps. Perfect answer. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would listen to the student, offer empathy and support, and inform him/her that i am a mandated reporter and am required to report. i'm aware that pressing with questions regarding abuse can be retraumatizing, so i would take what i get from the student and report to law enforcement or cps to investigate per district policy and state guidelines. it's most important to keep the student safe. this might mean that the child is removed from the home; if not, i would assist the student with a safety plan." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: This such a tricky situation and you did a wonderful job of creating a response that is empathic, trauma-informed, and solution-focused.9. How would you handle an irate parent? Working for a school means that you would also have to work with the parents. For questions like this, be sure to outline your answers according to your course of action and the expected output of said action. You should be able to illustrate clearly how you will manage situational questions. Example #1: "I will first ask the parent to calm down. After the parent calms down, I shall ask for his/her concern so I can start addressing them. It is important that during the discussion, I empathize with them and tell them that I understand where they are coming from yet still making sure that all their concerns are addressed truthfully and accordingly. However, if the parent does not calm down, I will respectfully but sternly communicate that being angry will not solve anything and so he/she has to calm down so we can discuss the matter as how mature adults should." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would first give the parent a safe place to calm down and once they have composed themselves, i would then ask what the problem is and listen to what they have to say. i would then work with the parent to try to come to a solution to their perceived problem." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Are there any additional steps that would be required, such as bringing in an Administrator or third party? If so, be sure to include that. Also, if this has happened in your career before, be sure to bring in your specific experience as an example. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I have worked with an upset parent in the past. I gave this parent a safe place to calm down and compose themselves. Then, I asked to hear a breakdown of the perceived issue so that I could gain an understanding of the most sensitive points. Once I had gained a full understanding of the issue, I pulled in an Administrator to help create a plan for resolution." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would utilize therapeutic crisis intervention techniques to help the parent de-escalate. i would listen, listen, and listen. validation and empathy go a long way to establishing rapport and a positive relationship. i would get a sense of the concern, ask how i can help, and address the concerns as best i can." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great response! You may wish to close our your response with another sentence or two about how you'd collaborate or loop in other colleagues as necessary (example: school leadership, etc.)10. What experiences have you had that make you feel capable of being a counselor? This is somewhat similar to 'what influenced you to become a counsellor'. You can cite childhood experiences or probably something you did in college/past job that made you confident about being a counsellor. Example #1: "Before I pursued counselling as a profession, I was a part of an organisation that welcomes the freshmen in our school. We'd serve as their guide and they ask us for tips or advice about getting through college. I felt fulfilment in being able to help them, listening to their concerns and guiding them as they overcome their problems. I knew then that my ability to listen and give sound advice would help me in this career." Here is an anonymous answer example: "my early experiences, for example, in high school, showed me that counseling is a good fit for me as i was the one that friends and even acquaintances came to talk to about things going on in their lives. in fact, it still happens today, even while just shopping in the grocery store. more recent educational and professional experiences also make me feel capable of being a counselor-i believe practice makes me proficient." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great response; it's evident that you have a high level of empathy and others gravitate toward you and feel supported by you. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have the opportunity to counseling students individually and in small groups from grades prek thru 8th on academic, personal, and social issues. i implemented an sel program and provided weekly lessons to students in prek to 8th grade. facilitate parent-teacher conferences. i conducted educational testing and observations and provide feedback to parents and students. i served as the homeless liaison and 504 facilitator. i advocate on behalf of students to ensure they are receiving an equitable education. in addition, i have coordinated pre-registration, scheduled students, and helped them develop academic plans." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Great! You have a lot of rich experience to discuss. Can you expand by talking about some specific past experiences that show your competence in action? Are there certain standout successes that would speak to your capabilities?11. How would you divide your time between meeting the immediate needs of the students and keeping up with the paperwork? Time Management is important in almost every job out there. Answer this question by simulating how you would go about a regular day at the office. That way, the interviewer will see how you prioritize your tasks. This manner of answering an interviewer's question also shows that you have the ability to plan. Example #1: "It all boils down to knowing your priorities. As a school counselor, the children's welfare are of utmost priority but I would definitely allot a significant amount of time to also fulfill my other obligations such as paper work. I could start the day by doing my rounds in school right before classes start. I believe it is important for me to be visible during the times of the day that the children are out (including break and dismissal time) so I can observe them and also mingle with them. When classes start, I can begin going through paper work and emails before attending to meetings I have scheduled with parents or with students. By doing my paper work in the morning, my schedule can be more flexible in the afternoon in case there are concerns with students that I need to immediately call to my office." Here is an anonymous answer example: "my first priority as a school counselor is to meet the immediate needs of the students and i would, therefore, make their welfare at school my priority above any paperwork i may need to complete. i would complete any paperwork necessary in between times that i meet with students, teachers, or parents. i would also utilize after school time to complete my paperwork obligations if necessary." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very good answer. Straightforward and shows off your great time-management capabilities. Here is an anonymous answer example: "prioritizing is important, so crisis (or other safety) situations take precedence. in terms of my daily work life, i like to arrive at work a little early to set my day up by answering emails and checking voicemails, and prioritizing my response to them; and i like to review my calendar and to-do list so that i am prepared for the day. i think it's also important to have a presence in the school so that people know who and where you are. i like to walk around the school to say hello as children are arriving. i like to do paperwork as i go through the day so that i can keep up with it. as much as it's possible, i try to arrange meetings and classroom guidance lessons so i have time to manage other issues that may arise. and at the end of the day, i like to update my to-do list for the following day." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent response; you illustrate to prioritize (building in the potential of crisis situations or other pop-ups,) and also are able to convey how you stay organized and plan for more long-term projects, such as planning guidance lessons.12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Most people find it difficult to visualise long-term plans. If you haven't decided on one yet, do not say something that you don't mean. Be truthful but keep your answers simple and believable. It would also help if your 5-year plan is still related to the field you are applying for. Example #1: "I see myself still in the counselling field, but I hope that by that time, I would have had more exposure in counselling various types of people - young children, older ones, those with special needs, etc. On a personal note, I hope that I am half way through finishing my PhD by then, if not finished." Here is an anonymous answer example: "in 5 years, i still see myself as a school counselor, only with additional experience, so an improved school counselor. i have considered seeking a ph.d. and am hopeful that i will be at least starting by then." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: I've suggested a slight rewording in the "Revised Answer" section, in hopes of highlighting your passion for this opportunity, In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Stephanie Cafaro: "I am passionate about the field of school counseling, so in five years, I hope to still be practicing as a school counselor, only with additional experience, so as an improved school counseling. I have also considered seeking a Ph.D. in counseling to continue my own learning, so hopefully, I will be enrolled in a part-time Ph.D. program by then. I look forward to continuing to grow and develop as a school counselor." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i see myself in the counseling field. i would like to a counseling program that has been ramp certified by the american school counselors association." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Good. You have a clear direction and that's important. Try to connect your career goals with what the employer can offer, if possible. It's always a plus to demonstrate an intent to stay at the workplace long-term, grow professionally, and make a greater contribution.13. As a counselor, how would you use your role to prevent violence in school? Offer multiple solutions so the interviewer knows that you have considered different scenarios as you plan this action. Having enough options is important so you are ready for unexpected scenarios. Example #1: "For me, prevention is still better than cure. Because of this, I will ensure that information drive in the school is intensive across all grade levels. Students who are prone to being violent should know that we do not tolerate violence, while the rest should know that they can turn to the school for help and support should they be the object of violence. Apart from this, I will also encourage the implementation of school activities (e.g. sports, arts, music). Violence is a result of negative energy so I believe that if we keep students busy with productive activities, it will make them more positive individuals." Here is an anonymous answer example: "violence prevention programs and conflict resolution training/groups. i think being a positive, welcoming presence has a lot of value. and i have access to a crisis management plan that was developed by one of my professors who works in the field if such a program needs to be developed in the district." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great ideas--I've provided a suggestion for a slight rewording of your response in the "Revised Answer" section. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Stephanie Cafaro: "As a school counselor, I view myself as a meaningful source of knowledge and support in the area of violence prevention. I will develop and deliver violence prevention programs and conflict resolution training/groups, designed to help students express themselves in a healthy, positive way. I think that my positive, welcoming presence will also have a lot of value. Additionally, I have access to a crisis management plan that was developed by one of my professors who works in the field, if such a program needs to be developed in the district."14. Who is your role model? Why do you look up to this person? Interviewers want to know your motivator/s or inspiration/s. When you are asked this question, highlight a trait that you admire about your role model and share an experience where you used what you learned from that person. Example #1: "My mother is my role model. She is a very confident and smart woman who has an excellent work ethic. But more than anything, it is her compassion for others that I admire the most. I learned from her that success doesn't matter if you don't care for the people around you and help those in need. Because of that, I always try to help others to the best of my ability so I can make a difference in their lives in my own little way." Here is an anonymous answer example: "on a personal level, my mom is my role model. she helped me to develop a strong work ethic, to be self-sufficient, to be kind, and be self-reflective, all of these personal traits help me in my work as a counselor. on a professional level, my supervisor samantha is my role model; she nurtured my love of research, encouraged me to trust my instincts, and to embrace my own personality and humor so that i can be authentic in my work with others." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent! You do a wonderful job of reflecting on individuals who have impacted your life personally and professionally. Your ability to connect the traits you've learned from these individuals back to important traits within the counseling profession is especially strong.15. Why did you choose to apply in our school? You don't have to memorize the history of the school to ace this part. You can mention what the school is known for (e.g. 'It is among the top private schools in the district', 'It is known for its stellar program for research') or focus on what they stand for (e.g. vision, mission, and core values). You can use this opportunity to mention your personal values that are aligned with theirs. Example #1: "The school has received numerous recognitions when it comes to both academics and sports, thanks to the holistic curriculum that you offer to your students. Personally, I believe that a person has to be well-rounded so your school's dedication to holistic development resonates with my own values." Here is an anonymous answer example: "the school has made improvements in relation to academic standards and progress. i believe the school is implementing programs to help students achieve even more academically while providing support for the emotional and physical needs of students via athletics. i am familiar with the demographics of the student population at the school and have worked with similar students in the past." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Excellent response! You have done your homework on the school and its initiatives, which is exactly what the interviewer would like to see. Here is an anonymous answer example: "the district's mission to ignite innovative and meaningful learning, inspire powerful impact in our communities, and prepare all students for multiple paths to success, resonates with me on several levels: opportunity to be creative in developing program information; to utilize my background in school counseling and social work to engage with students, families and the community; and to help students achieve their academic and career goals." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great response; it's clear that you have an understanding of the district that you're applying to. To strengthen your response, you might consider explaining how the mission and values of the district connect with your own values. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have had the opportunity to work in the private, charter, and now a public school. while i have enjoyed each school i have been employed at i prefer to work at a school that holds its students accountable for high academic standards, integrity, and good citizenship. i like the high level of parent involvement at a private school. i believe it is an essential partnership in helping students become lifelong learners." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Great start. Is there anything about this school in particular that attracted you to it and that separates it from other private schools? Why this particular private school and not another?16. How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence? The format of your answer is similar to when you are asked about handling difficult/challenging clients - define the circumstance, explain your course of action and then state your desired result. This time, you just have to tailor fit your manner of answering to the type of student you are being asked about. Example #1: "Students who are known to cause violence are difficult to talk to because their tendency is to channel all their energy physically. When I counsel students like this, I make sure that the environment is conducive for talking and that there will be nothing or no one that can be an object of his/her aggression. I then ask the student what it is that he/she hopes to achieve every time they act violently. My goal is that by beginning the counselling session with that question, the student will realise that his/her action is counterproductive and doesn't benefit anyone at all." Here is an anonymous answer example: "when i work with students who have a tendency towards violence whenever they are emotional, i first and foremost try to create a safe, quiet space where they can deescalate in the moment of emotional outburst. once i have given he/she time to calm themselves, i often ask what initially triggered the emotional response and get the person to provide alternative solutions to the problem they perceive, other than to use violence. i work with students to get them to realize that they have the power to make decisions that will result in better outcomes if they can learn to control their impulses and take a moment to think before reacting to any given situation. it is a process that takes time and patience and can only be achieved if i make the effort to form a trusting bond with students." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Empowering those who feel powerless is an excellent point to minimizing violent behavior and emotion outbursts. Perfect response. Here is an anonymous answer example: "using therapeutic crisis intervention techniques will be helpful when counseling students who are known to cause violence, so the student remains in a de-escalated state. we can discuss the reason behind aggressive/violent reactions, the benefits and risks of reacting in such a way, and his/her readiness for change. i would begin by asking if this is something he/she would like to work on, and then i'd be ready to offer some coping skills." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent response; you have a clear plan in place for helping the student to de-escalate and cope with the situation at hand.17. What is your greatest strength? Choose to highlight a strength that can be useful to the position you're applying for. That way, the interviewer will have an idea of how that can help you fulfill the job. Example #1: "One of my strengths is being a good listener. I have this genuine desire to help others and I believe that the best way I can do that is to first know what they need. You get that by listening to them." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i feel my greatest strength as a counselor and as a person is the ability to listen and empathize with situations that can arise as a young person. i believe the best avenue towards helping anyone is to make them feel like their voice matters and that someone cares for them. listening to someone else's perspective can be a powerful tool in building trust, which is key to helping anyone solve their problems." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very good strength to highlight as a school counselor. Bringing your personal beliefs into your response is a nice touch. Here is an anonymous answer example: "my greatest strength is my love of learning and research. i love to find new evidence-based programs, interventions and plans to use in my work." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: This is a powerful strength that you share, but I would suggest deepening your response by providing specific examples (example: what new evidence-based programs have you recently researched and adopted? How has this improved your work?)18. Can you walk us through a time when a case you handled failed? If you would be given the chance to redo it, what would you do differently? Interviewers know that not all endeavours end up as a success. Do not be afraid to share failed experiences but always ensure to add what you learned from the experience and to share what you are doing so that you won't fail again in the future. Example #1: "I remember the first time I had to talk to a parent regarding a student who was caught pushing another student. However, the parent was not that amenable to meeting with the school due to her busy schedule. I was a bit too assertive when talking to her which angered her, and so she didn't attend our initial meeting altogether. I apologized sincerely, and explained to her the urgency of the meeting, and we were able to settle the issue. So if I could redo that incident, I would have been more diplomatic when I first talked to her so we could have settled the issue sooner. Because of that, I realised that I should also learn how to talk to parents because it is a part of my job." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i recall having the opportunity to work with an elementary school student that i had initially started working with when he was in the 3rd grade. he had difficulty controlling his anger and would often take his frustrations out on peers and teachers verbally and sometimes physically. he did not like being told what to do and often times wanted to be left alone to do what he pleased. during my three years of working with this student before going off to middle school, i attempted to gauge his interests and build a solid relationship with him. i succeeded modestly on this front and saw his behaviors fluctuate over time. he had a lot of problems stemming from his home life, and although i tried to empathize with his situation, i feel that overall, his behaviors did not improve noticeably over the three years. in this regard, i feel i failed him to an extent. however, i do not think, if given the opportunity, that i would change any aspect of what i had done to help this student because every decision i made was to help guide him and get him to realize that a person can succeed despite the obstacles out of his/her control." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: It is excellent that you have taken accountability for the outcome while standing behind your approach. This is exactly what the interviewer would be looking for. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i was working with a teen, who had been in and out of hospitalization due to the threat of harm to others, usually his parent. the parent was authoritarian and was triggering much of the teen's aggression. it was a volatile situation, and i believed it was important for me to address, so i pointed out some of the issues that i was seeing. she got upset and walked out of the room. i did not have a good enough rapport with the parent for her to accept my assessment. this taught me to make sure i am more gentle and build rapport before offering criticism, even if it's constructive." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: This is a tough situation, but you use a great example and do a good job of showing how you've learned and improved your work as a result.19. What influenced you to be a school counselor? This should be easy for you but remember to always link your answers to important aspects of the job you're applying for. Example #1: "My passion for children is what initially inspired me to be a school counsellor. I love being surrounded by children and I want to be able to help them as they go through school life. Eventually, I learned that being a school counsellor requires more than just loving children. And so I decided to pursue that as a career hoping that I'll learn more ways to be of service to the youth." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i knew that i always wanted to work with children. my undergraduate degree was in psychology. after i graduated, i worked as a case manager for the local mental health center. while i was there, i worked with students from many different schools and wanted to be in a more consistent position to make more of an impact. i also worked with school counselors and loved how the students relied on them." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Being in a more consistent position is excellent reasoning for the change of focus. This is a nice, clear answer that, once again, really shows off your passion for making a difference in the lives of children.20. Why would you make a great school counselor? It is not just about telling the interviewer what your skills are or the positive traits you have. This question allows you to raise the bar high and communicate to the interviewer that you can offer more than what is expected. Example #1: "Apart form having the educational background and work experience to do the job, I believe that my natural inclination to serve others will allow me to flourish in this position. As a counsellor, I need to be physically, emotionally and mentally ready to address people's concerns and being a service-oriented person allows me to do that wholeheartedly." Here is an anonymous answer example: "other than my educational achievements and experience, i feel i would make a great school counselor because i have a natural ability to connect with people through positive avenues, such as humor, in order to build a relationship. i am inclined to listen rather than talk and find that my personal experiences growing up as an adopted, only child in a single parent home, benefit the students i work with, regardless of age or gender." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Fantastic way to draw back to your educational qualifications while also highlighting how your own personal and professional experiences will leverage you into a successful career as a school counselor. Perfect response. Here is an anonymous answer example: "in addition to my education and experience in school counseling, i also have a background in social work, which is a huge benefit to being a great school counselor. i'm enthusiastic about this profession and am excited to share my knowledge, skills, and abilities." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: It's evident that your academic background and previous professional experiences align perfectly with the school counseling role; however, to deepen your response, I'd suggest also sharing a few specific qualities you hold that make you a great school counselor (example: empathy, conflict resolution skills, high attention to detail, etc.)21. What would you do when a student tells you that he or she wants to drop out of school? Normally, scenarios like this would require school staff to respond a certain way. What is important to remember when asked a question similar to this one is to also show consideration for the emotions of the student. Example #1: "I would first ask the student 'What made you decide to drop out of school?' instead of asking 'Why?' I've learned that asking just why would put people on the defensive and I want to know the circumstances that led to the student's change of heart instead of making him feel that he needs to justify dropping out. Once he has shared his reasons and feelings towards dropping out, I will ask him what he will do when he finally does it. I believe that by asking the student to expound on his plan after dropping out will they realize how difficult the real world is, and how limited opportunities are to those without sufficient educational attainment." Here is an anonymous answer example: "if a student were to tell me that he/she wanted to drop out of school, my intial inclination would be to ask what events or circumstances have specifically led to this conclusion. i would then ask if they had a plan for what they would do if they did indeed choose to leave school. then, based on their answer, i would help to provide them with alternative options and work with them to understand all of the options they have before making a final decision." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Excellent response. Thorough and insightful without being too wordy. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would have a conversation with the student about the reasons behind his decision to drop out so that i can offer a listening ear; depending on the answers, i would ask if there is anything i can do to help, then i would discuss the outlook for students who have dropped out of high school." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: It's clear that you would approach this situation by listening to the student's reasons and identifying how you could best support from there. I have included a slightly revised suggested response in the "Revised Answer" section below. In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Stephanie Cafaro: "I would have a conversation with the student and actively listen to the reasons behind his decision so that I can offer a listening ear and give a safe space to process. Depending on the answers, I would ask if there is anything I can do to help, offer other solutions, and discuss the outlook for students who have dropped out of high school. If he decided to go through with his decision, I would make sure he had the appropriate resources to be able to re-engage in his education in the future, should he choose to do so."22. Describe a challenging experience while you were counseling a student. What did you do to overcome it? Similar to the other questions, the basic guide to answering situational questions is to describe the circumstance, explain your course of action and then the result of your action. Answering this way also shows the interviewer that you know how to organize your thoughts. Example #1: "There was a time when I had to counsel a student who was giving me an attitude the entire time because she didn't want to talk to me. I told the student that if she didn't cooperate, she'll be seeing more of me in the coming days because I'll schedule more sessions until she decides to cooperate. I believe she wants to get it over with and so she cooperated. In return, I made the sessions worth her while by being very understanding of her concerns. Eventually, we were able to complete her sessions with me." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i was working with an adolescent male who did not want to work with me, and i just kept showing up. i started building rapport with him by discussing his interests, listening to some of his favorite music, and talking about that, playing games that he enjoyed. he eventually came around and began sharing his concerns with me." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great response; it's clear that you were able to build a genuine connection with this young man, which caused him to open up to you. My only feedback would be adding a bit more detail to the part where you mention that he "did not want to work with me." Was he just quiet or openly defiant? This information might be helpful to your interviewer. Here is an anonymous answer example: "there was a time when i was counseling a student who did not want to talk with me and was difficult in our counseling sessions. i continued to question the student learning more about the student's interests, hobbies, or outside activities. i built a rapport with the student by greeting in the morning or in the lunchroom. showed interest in the student's life at school and outside of school. eventually, the student warmed up to me and worked with me in a more positive manner." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Good start. The example provides good information about your problem-solving skills and judgment.23. How do you handle criticism? Criticisms can either be negative or constructive, so it would help if you could share an experience for both. This would show your ability to discern the feedback that you get from others and how you act on what you hear from them. Example #1: "Before I react, I try to assess first if it was a negative or a constructive criticism. Constructive criticisms are helpful, so when I receive one, I reflect on what I did and try to look at it through the eyes of my critic. Then I take note of what I need to improve on or change moving forward. But if it's a negative criticism that was given just for the sake of criticising, I ignore it and focus my attention on more important items." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i appreciate constructive criticism as i believe it is an opportunity to learn and grow in both my personal and professional lives; in fact, i ask for feedback periodically in order to gauge what i am doing well and what i can improve. for example, one criticism that i can remember that i received is that i asked for some clarification about something that i thought was "vague," and i was told that characterizing something as "vague" might be insulting to some people. i thanked them for their feedback and have made a more concerted effort to choose my words more carefully." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: It's clear that you're self-reflective and open to feedback. The specific example that you provided was helpful in illustrating how you exhibit an openness to constructive criticism. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i don't see it as criticism but as healthy feedback. every few weeks i like to ask colleagues and supervisors to give me feedback on how to improve as an intern and that allows me to take in what they have said and evaluate what i can do differently. i think there is also a difference between negative criticism and positive." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: It is evident that you want to continue to improve yourself as a school counseling professional, and that you're receptive and open to feedback. You may wish to consider deepening your response by adding a specific example of a time when you used feedback to improve a specific skill or trait. Additionally, I suggest re-wording the last sentence a bit to say "constructive feedback" rather than "negative" and "positive" criticism.24. Can you share an experience when you had to work on a project with teachers? What was your role and how did your group go about the task? Share an experience where you took an active role in a team. Emphasise on what you personally did or contributed, not just what happened to the activity in general. Questions like this allow interviewers to see if you have leadership potential or if you can work well with others. After describing the experience, you may also share how you felt about the whole endeavour. Example #1: "There was a time when all the school personnel had to work together to organize the school's anniversary. I was a part of the Secretariat Committee together with 4 teachers, and our task was to arrange the registration list and the invites for the event. I personally handled the release of the invites and monitoring the RSVP. Everything was released on time and nobody in the list was left out. As a group, were able to accomplish our task and I was proud to have contributed to the success of the anniversary." Here is an anonymous answer example: "in grad school, i had many opportunities to work as a team on projects. one, in particular, comes to mind regarding working on a parent workshop focused on blended families. three of us collaborated on the project and decided to begin with a brainstorming session and then discussing our individual strengths to bring to the team. from there, we assigned tasks based on our strengths and interests, set deadlines, and completed the project prior to the due date." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: This question is asking specifically about your experience collaborating with teachers (which would be a common job duty as a school counselor.) While the example of collaboration that you provided from your graduate school experience is helpful, it doesn't explicitly answer the question. If you have not had previous experience working with teachers, I suggest you state that by saying, "While I haven't had direct experience working with teachers, I have had a lot of transferrable experience with collaboration." Here is an anonymous answer example: "as a german teacher, we always celebrated foreign language week. i worked with the foreign language department to create activities for the week. specifically, i was in charge of german day. together we came up with interesting and enjoyable cultural ideas for the week that the kids took part in." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Chad Wilson said: Good answer! However, it is lacking in the details that would make it more engaging and memorable to the interviewer. Are you able to flesh out the story by being more specific about the types of activities you personally created for German day? Also, consider discussing how you and the others in the group divided the work and assigned various tasks to ensure the success of the project. Behavioral-based interview questions like this are best answered using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer. We have a guide that you may find helpful - https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/5 Behavioral Based Interview Questions You Should Prepare For/ Here is an anonymous answer example: "our school had adopted the leader in me program by sean covey. i was a member of the lighthouse team which was the leadership team involved in carrying out the implementation of the program. i took on the role of the scribe in the meetings. it was my responsibility to provide the agendas for the meetings and record the minutes of the meetings and upload the meeting minutes. as a group, we collaborated on how we would initiate the program in elementary and middle school in biweekly meetings." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Good. It sounds like you took an active role in the team. Were you able to contribute ideas to the group discussions, as well as contributing as scribe and agenda-setter? Was there a positive result you can talk about?25. What would you do if a student tells you that they want to end their life? This is a question that you should tread very carefully. It is best to highlight that you will engage more help to support the child while you are on suicide watch. Example #1: "Definitely, I will try to find out where he/she is coming from and what circumstance made him/her feel this way. I will tell him that I am here to help him and refocus his thoughts by asking him about what makes him feel good. Basically, I want the student to know that he/she is not alone in this battle and that I am here to listen to him/her. However, I will still escalate this to a clinical pyschologist/mental health professional who is focused on suicide watch so that we can protect the student better." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would make sure that the student and i were one-on-one in a quiet, safe environment and then i would initially ask what situation or circumstance has made him/her feel the need to end their life. i would then conduct an informal assessment to gauge the students level of severity in relation to suicide and ask questions such as: have you made a specific plan to end your life? if yes, have you written it down somewhere? do you have the item you plan to use to end your life? based on their answers, i would ensure the student remained isolated and away from all objects that may be potentially fatal and make a call to my administrator so that a suicide crisis team may be called to help this student further. i would continue to stay with the student until given proper assistance and i would follow up in the days afterward to check on the safety of the student." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Excellent outline of events and attention to detail. The interviewer will appreciate the step-by-step actions that you would take in this situation. The confidence you exude in your answer will set you apart. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i want to provide them with unconditional positive regard and let them know how i know how hard it is to tell someone that and that they did the right thing telling me. i would then follow the school suicide protocol and assess the risk of suicide. i would then contact the parents and continue to protocol. the next time they were at school, i would be sure to pull them into my office and follow up with them and their experience." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: The detail you provide showcases your depth of knowledge and also how much you care. Very well done on your approach to this question. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would hear the student out and take comfort in the fact that the student was with me and is safe. i would make sure that i informed a colleague, so they could assist if needed. as part of the conversation with the student, i would do a risk assessment (thoughts, plans, and means), and paying attention to district policy, i would inform the parents and ask them to pick the child up to ensure he/she is not alone and that they are safe. i would direct them to take the child to the er for a formal assessment of risk." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: This is an extremely difficult situation, and you do a good job of explaining the steps you'd take to ensure that the student was safe and cared for.26. What is the role of the school counselor in relation to teachers, parents, and administrators? This is the interviewer's way of communicating to you that being a school counselor involves other stakeholders, not just the student. School counselors are not only for the students. As such, it is important to prepare yourself by researching the typical concerns of teachers/parents/administrators and the types of activities that could encourage their engagement and participation. Example #1: "Since school counselors are there to support, guide and address concerns involving the students, we have an important role in ensuring that these are communicated to the other members of their immediate social circle, that is the school, their teachers, and their families. For example, if children are having a difficult time in school, one of the things that we can do as School Counselors is to engage teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure that the classroom, the household and the school, are conducive in fostering a holistic and healthy environment for the children." Here is an anonymous answer example: "as a school counselor, my role within a school is to advocate for all students. this means that i need to be able to work collaboratively with all teachers and help to implement behavior interventions in the classroom that can benefit all students. i also need to be a good communicator with parents so that they are aware of any issues in school which may be impacting their child in perceived negative way, whether that be academically, socially or behaviorally. i also need to be in regular contact with my administrators so that they are aware of any student issues which may need additional resources or guidance from a disiplinary standpoint." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Concise response, addressing all three avenues: teachers, parents, and administrators. Good work! Here is an anonymous answer example: "school counselors work with students on a daily basis, and it's important to know that students have others in their lives (family, teachers, community). as a result, we will be collaborating with these other people in order to best meet the needs (physiological, safety, belonging, and academic) of the student. at the same time, school counselors support teachers (i.e., behavioral needs, self-care), parents (i.e., basic needs like food, housing, financial), and administrators (i.e., providing services that have identified as a need)." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Great response! You do a wonderful job of illustrating your understanding of the need for collaboration and your ability to collaborate effectively with other stakeholders in your students' lives.27. What do you do to relieve stress? You can be more candid when answering this. Interviewers do not want a robot so show a little of your fun side and maybe highlight activities that could show how well-rounded you are (e.g. sports, music, arts, etc.) Example #1: "In between work or during the weekends, I hang out with my friends to watch a movie or try a new restaurant. Keeping myself active also helps so I go to the gym 3-4 times a week. However, when I have more time in my hands, I go out of town or out of the country to travel. It helps me recharge and really take my mind off work." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i enjoy yoga, going to the gym, hiking, and of course spending time with my family, friends, and my dog. i love to travel, see new places, meet new people, and am eager to do some more of that as time permits." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: It's great that you have developed such a meaningful list of ways you care for yourself. Since this is a counseling role, you could also include a sentence or two about your personal values as they align with the practices of self-care, or why you value caring for yourself, so you can be in your best position to care for others. Here is an anonymous answer example: "one way i relieve stress is to meditate in the morning. it helps me to stay focused, calm, and present. i also enjoy social dancing (ballroom, swing, and country two-step)with my husband and friends. my daughters and i also jump at gravady throughout the week." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Good strategies. It's important to show your process so the interviewer can see how you'd apply these techniques when feeling stressed at work.28. What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor? Research is key! Always prepare yourself to answer questions involving concepts in your field that could create confusion. You don't have to be too technical in the definition but it should be concise. Example #1: "One of the differences would be how extensive their services can be. For example, school counsellors may address cases that require immediate action (e.g. school fights) or periodic counselling with students depending on the severity of the issue. However, therapists may offer services for a longer period of time because they use multiple approaches during therapy sessions and would require more time to observe behavioural patterns that need to be addressed." Here is an anonymous answer example: "school counselors have a broader role in that they work with students to assist with academic and career development as well as to support personal, social, and emotional well-being; school counselors have access to students on a daily basis and can address issues that arise at the moment; school counselors have a unique opportunity to help students in both a preventative and responsive manner. therapists work with people to develop a specific treatment plan, address identified specific issues, usually weekly or bi-weekly over a period of time." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: You do a good job distinguishing the difference between the work of a therapist and that of a school counselor. You may consider including a sentence that shows your particular interest and enthusiasm for school counseling (being able to meet students in their daily setting, being able to support students both academically and personally, etc) Here is an anonymous answer example: "one of the differences would be in the services that can be provided. school counselors can provide support for academic and personal and emotional issues that interfere with learning. school counselors are limited in the number of sessions they can see a student whereas a therapist may offer services for a longer period of time because they use multiple approaches during therapy sessions and would require more time to observe behavioral patterns that need to be addressed." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Good. It sounds like you have a clear sense of the differences. You may want to start with a definition of both, upfront. For example, one provides support for academics and the other for emotional support and then the detail will cohere.29. How do you keep yourself organized? Time and records management are very important skills that you need to have. They are easier said than done so keep your answers short, practical and believable. Example #1: "I always keep a to-do list to keep track of the things that I need to do for the day. I also make sure that my work space is clean, organised and properly labeled so that throughout the day, I maintain an efficient work environment. Lastly, I prioritise those that need my utmost attention so that my schedule is well-planned and easy to manage." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i use a digital calendar (necessary for meeting invites) and a planner (monthly and daily) to assist with meetings, appointments, and daily to-do lists; at times, and i use an alarm as a reminder. i like a neat workspace, and i take time each day to organize in such a way that everything has its place." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent response; it's clear that you're highly organized and have developed strategies that work well for you.30. What would you do if a student told you they were touched inappropriately by a teacher? Questions like this would also test your knowledge of the due process. It's not just about comforting the student but also being able to proceed with the right course of action especially if it will turn into an administrative/criminal offence such as sexual harassment or abuse. Example #1: "I will first get the facts from the student such as the details of the incident. I will also ask the student if he/she has told anybody so that I would know how to proceed with the incident. Normally, students are afraid because they are threatened by their abusers. As such, I would assure the student that I am there to help. I will escalate this to the school officials so that an investigation can be conducted. Meanwhile, I will ensure that the student is cared for by making sure that his/her family is informed and that there is protection from the suspect." Here is an anonymous answer example: "in this situation, the first thing i would do is contact my administrator and discuss the allegation with him/her. i would then assist in any way i could to ensure that proper procedures were followed (including contacting the police, informing parents, contacting a crisis outreach center, etc.) and that the student was kept safe and most importantly away from this teacher. i would follow up with my administrator in the days that followed and maintain confidentiality while also working with the parents of this student to ensure he/she gets the proper care, both physically and emotionally." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Highly professional response. If you have dealt with a situation like this in the past, you could mention that you have taken these steps, while maintaining complete confidentiality of course. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would listen in a supportive, empathic manner. it can be re-traumatizing for people to be asked about abusive incidents, so i would be cautious, but try to find out as much information as i could. i would inform the student that i am a mandated reporter and must report the incident, and i would report to law enforcement and/or cps per district policy and state requirements. i would call the parents to inform them of the situation or offer the student the option to call." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: This is a very difficult situation, and you approach it in a manner that is trauma-informed, while still taking the necessary steps for reporting. Given the fact that this involves a teacher (rather than another adult in the student's life,) I would suggest adding that you'll be immediately looping in school leadership/your supervisor as part of the report.31. You witnessed a bullying incident. How will you address the situation? Do not be afraid to use 'I' when answering situational questions. It is important to demonstrate what YOU would actually do, and not just provide a theoretical answer that would 'sound good' to the interviewer. Apart from providing solutions for the current problem, also offer a 'moving forward' strategy that would prevent this from happening again. It shows that you have the foresight and the ability to act on it. Example #1: "I will call the attention of the bully and the victim immediately and ask for their presence in my office separately. I believe confronting both of them in public will not solve the problem. First, I will talk the victim to let him/her know that I (and the school) care for her and that this issue will be addressed. Then, I will talk to the bully to get to the bottom of this act and reiterate the repercussions of his/her actions. Afterwards, I will notify the parents of both parties to request a meeting so that this issue can be discussed further and sanctions can be implemented. Moving forward, I will seek the approval of the school management to conduct an information drive on bullying to raise awareness amongst students and their parents. If there are already anti-bullying initiatives in the school, then I shall propose a relaunch to affirm victims of bullying that the school is with them in this, and that bullies will not be tolerated." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would intervene, using the tci (therapeutic crisis intervention) skills that i have learned to de-escalate the situation and invite them both to come with me to speak with me separately. i would support both students, offer my help/assistance to resolving any conflict, document incidents, report as per school policy, contact parents to inform them of the situation, explain the process regarding disciplinary actions to the bully. it may help to assess bullying in the school. for example, the school might benefit from a bully prevention program (training for staff and guidance for students), establishing and enforcing rules regarding bullying, and increasing adult supervision in certain areas." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent response! It's evident that you've given thoughtful consideration to how you would address bullying, and you clearly walk your interviewers through the steps that you would take to ensure safety and offer support. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i would make sure to follow the school's protocol on bullying. in the past, it was to have each student write an incident report about what had happened. i would then interview each student separately. if the incident was something i could handle i would work to resolve it with the students. if it was a bit more serious issue i brought the incident to the dean since there are strict guidelines in a bullying case. if i handled the incident i would contact the parents to help them understand the issue." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Great. The question is asking you to put yourself in the situation and describe it. Since you have a lot of actual experience, pick one incident and step the interviewer through your process of resolving the situation. What action did you take? Were there any unexpected situations requiring problem-solving? What was the resolution?32. What experiences have you had in working with special education students? This is a question that you have to be brutally honest about. Special Education students have specific needs so you have to be transparent with how much experience you have. If you have a lot, then best to give an extensive explanation. Otherwise, be honest but say that you are open to learning what you do not know. Example #1: "(if limited experience) Unfortunately, my experience with Special Education students is quite limited. I was involved in ensuring that all the teacher aids for these students have been oriented and trained, and that I was there when they met the students..... (if extensive experience) I was very much involved in handling the classes where the special education students were involved. I also ensure that I meet with the parents regularly to ensure that their needs and concerns are acknowledged and addressed (then you can add more of your experiences)" Here is an anonymous answer example: "my experience, thus far, in working with special education students has revolved around primarily being a behavior intervention specialist to help aid teachers in implementing specific behavior interventions in the special education classroom that would help improve academic and social progress over time. i have also provided counseling services and met with certain special education students that teachers felt would benefit from having someone to talk with on a regular basis." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very specific - this is great! If you have any formal education related to working with special education students, specifically, be sure to mention it in your response. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i'm currently working with children in a moderate to severe classroom as part of my school social work internship. i'm helping with engagement in class, social-emotional learning using the second step curriculum, and addressing some behavioral issues using social stories. i am working with students individually to learn and practice skills such as identifying and expressing emotions and using coping skills to manage intense feelings." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: You do a great job of highlighting your current experience with special education students. The only feedback I have is explicitly mentioning your experience with IEP's, if you have any (example: participating in IEP meetings or contributing the writing n IEP) as this often important in the role of a school counselor.33. Why should we hire you? This is your chance to highlight your best assets and what you can offer to the school. It is also an advantage if your beliefs or values are aligned with the school's so you can use it as leverage. However, be conscious of your tone. You want to sound confident of your skills, but not arrogant. Example #1: "Apart from my educational background and work experience, I believe that my values are very much aligned with the core values that your school espouses. For me, that is important especially as someone who represents the school and, who will work with the students and their parents very closely. I am also very passionate about this profession and I know that I can take on the responsibilities that this job requires." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i believe you should hire me because i personify all of the traits necessary to be an effective school counselor and have a genuine interest in building relationships with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to benefit students academically, socially and emotionally. i also believe my personal experiences and my experience as a classroom teacher and counselor, who has worked with every age group from kindergarten to high school, will further benefit students." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Well structured answer with very good points. Try to think of other features that those competing against you for the job, would not possess. What is unique just to you? In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Rachelle Enns: "I believe you should hire me because, unlike my peers or other school counselors I have met, I... (insert personal mission statement, continued education or training you have completed, an area where you are a subject matter expert, etc.)..." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have both education and experience in both educational and clinical counseling, as well as social work, which makes me uniquely qualified for this position. i love the school's mission of igniting innovative and meaningful learning, inspiring powerful impact in our communities, and preparing all students for multiple paths to success as it allows the opportunity to be creative and work in a mezzo capacity with stakeholders and community members." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Good start, but I'd suggest shortening the part about why you love the school's mission and use this time to pitch the wonderful qualities that will make you an asset to the team. I've included an example in the "Revised Answer" box of how this response could be restated with more confidence and a stronger personal "pitch." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is a revised answer from Stephanie Cafaro: "I am deeply passionate about the profession of school counseling, and I have a tireless work ethic. My background is in clinical counseling as well as social work, which makes me uniquely qualified for this position. My own values and skills align perfectly with the school's mission of Igniting innovative and meaningful learning, Inspiring powerful impact in our communities, and Preparing all students for multiple paths to success. I look forward to the opportunity to be creative and work in a mezzo capacity with stakeholders and community members."34. How do you manage your time? When it comes to prioritizing, remember that apart from importance, urgency is also a major consideration. Don't forget to throw in an activity that you do for yourself to show that you make time for your well-being. Example #1: "One of the principles I learned from Time Management is the urgent-important matrix. So what I do is to assess which tasks are urgent and important, then list them down accordingly. That way, I am able to dedicate my effort and energy to the things that need my attention the most. I also believe in work-life balance, so outside of work, I try to dedicate a full day for myself to recharge and relax." Here is an anonymous answer example: "my time at school is dedicated first and foremost to the immediate needs of students while at school. the majority of my time at school is dedicated to meeting with students or working with them in the classroom setting. if i am not meeting with students, i may be contacting parents or community resources to help students in other ways not necessarily connected with the school. any remaining time is dedicated to completing any necessary paperwork or keeping track/setting up meetings to develop fba/bsp's or 504 plans. i always make it a priority to be flexible, as any variety of situations can occur during a school day that i may need to attend to right away." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Rachelle Enns said: Very good that you added the fact that you can pivot in your day. Your response shows that you are structured yet flexible. Here is an anonymous answer example: "i use both a digital calendar and planner to manage meetings and appointments, i use a to-do list to manage daily tasks in a way that prioritizes urgent matters. i also recognize the need to engage in self-care and take care of myself so that i can best serve students, families, teachers, and administrators." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: Excellent response; this clearly shows the strategies you use to manage your time effectively, while still accounting for "pop-ups" and other situations that require urgent attention.35. What is your experience with parenting programs? A job that involves students would involve their parents. It would also help to research the general profile of the students in the school so you have an idea of the kind of parents you will encounter (e.g. middle class/upper class, rural/suburban) That way, you can tailor fit your answer depending on their profile. Example #1: "There was a time when we had to conduct an information drive on negative effects of bullying and we had to involve the Parent-Teacher Association to create a symposium. It was challenging to get everybody together to plan the event, but because I was able to discuss the objective of the program to everyone involved, it became easier to get their support. Overall, the event was a success, and as a follow through, we allot a section of our succeeding Parent-Teacher meetings by discussing any concerns, incidents or questions that they may have regarding bullying." Here is an anonymous answer example: "i have received training in pcit, parent-child interactive therapy, and have presented some of these materials to interested parents. i have also referred parents, who have children who are difficult, to the parent project, which is a program to help manage behavioral concerns." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Stephanie Cafaro said: From this response, it's evident that you have received significant training in supporting parents. My only feedback would be changing the wording around "children who are difficult," as this could be misunderstood in a negative way. Instead, you could refer to these young people as "children exhibiting behavioral concerns," or "children experiencing difficulties." This type of language is a bit more strengths-focused. Here is an anonymous answer example: "in the past, we had a parenting program that the social worker and i organized quarterly. sometimes we would preset topics and other times we would invite guest speakers to present on signs of suicide, bullying, or internet safety." In response to the anonymous answer example, here is what Cindy Ramsey said: Great. Give an example of a specific parenting program, your contribution, and the outcome. This will help the interviewer envision your skills and apply them to his/her workplace.

5. 5.

   How would you explain cultural differences to students?
   View All 35 School Counselor Answers
   Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
   plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
   UPGRADE NOW

6. 6.

   Can you share an experience when you went above and beyond to help a student?
   View All 35 School Counselor Answers
   Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
   plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
   UPGRADE NOW

7. 7.

   For you, what is the role of a school counselor?
   View All 35 School Counselor Answers
   Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
   plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
   UPGRADE NOW

8. 8.

   What steps would you take if a student told you he or she was being abused?
   View All 35 School Counselor Answers
   Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
   plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
   UPGRADE NOW

9. 9.

   How would you handle an irate parent?
   View All 35 School Counselor Answers
   Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
   plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
   UPGRADE NOW

10. 10.

    What experiences have you had that make you feel capable of being a counselor?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

11. 11.

    How would you divide your time between meeting the immediate needs of the students and keeping up with the paperwork?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

12. 12.

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

13. 13.

    As a counselor, how would you use your role to prevent violence in school?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

14. 14.

    Who is your role model? Why do you look up to this person?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

15. 15.

    Why did you choose to apply in our school?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

16. 16.

    How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

17. 17.

    What is your greatest strength?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

18. 18.

    Can you walk us through a time when a case you handled failed? If you would be given the chance to redo it, what would you do differently?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

19. 19.

    What influenced you to be a school counselor?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

20. 20.

    Why would you make a great school counselor?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

21. 21.

    What would you do when a student tells you that he or she wants to drop out of school?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

22. 22.

    Describe a challenging experience while you were counseling a student. What did you do to overcome it?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

23. 23.

    How do you handle criticism?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

24. 24.

    Can you share an experience when you had to work on a project with teachers? What was your role and how did your group go about the task?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

25. 25.

    What would you do if a student tells you that they want to end their life?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

26. 26.

    What is the role of the school counselor in relation to teachers, parents, and administrators?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

27. 27.

    What do you do to relieve stress?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

28. 28.

    What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

29. 29.

    How do you keep yourself organized?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

30. 30.

    What would you do if a student told you they were touched inappropriately by a teacher?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

31. 31.

    You witnessed a bullying incident. How will you address the situation?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

32. 32.

    What experiences have you had in working with special education students?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

33. 33.

    Why should we hire you?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

34. 34.

    How do you manage your time?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW

35. 35.

    What is your experience with parenting programs?
    View All 35 School Counselor Answers
    Sign up to access our library of 50,000+ Answers,
    plus coaches for one-on-one support, so you can interview more confidently.
    UPGRADE NOW