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.
"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."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
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.
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.
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