How would you divide your time between meeting the immediate needs of the students and keeping up with the paperwork?

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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.

"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."

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"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."

Kevin's Feedback

Very good answer. Straightforward and shows off your great time-management capabilities. I've restructured and organized your response to convey a little more consistently in your approach. Remember, communication is everything in an interview. Having clear and direct communication, which feels consistent and structured will send the message that your work ethic is structured and consistent in your approach.

"There’s always paperwork to perform, and reports to file, and meetings to hold. Sometimes it feels as if there isn’t enough time in the day, and you have to constantly re-prioritize, as most of a school counselor’s meetings are walk-ins. So, I maintain 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. This also includes meeting with teachers and parents in addition to the student. I carefully manage my time to prevent rework so that I never lose track of what I was working on when priorities shift. On those days, which are more filled with impromptu meetings than others, I’ll utilize after school time when necessary to complete my paperwork obligations if there’s no room for flexibility elsewhere."

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Anonymous Answer

"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."

Stephanie's Feedback

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.

How to Answer: How would you divide your time between meeting the immediate needs of the students and keeping up with the paperwork?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a School Counselor job interview.

26. How would you divide your time between meeting the immediate needs of the students and keeping up with the paperwork?

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

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Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

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About the Author

Krista Wenz

I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I served on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, professors, school counselors, nurses, medical assistants, school support staff, home health aides, and physician assistants. I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for healthcare and educational professionals. I have coached paramedic and EMT students to pass their licensing exams and counseled and mentored many other healthcare professionals in providing compassionate patient care.

As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming school counselor interview. While these questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in acing your interview!

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