How would you handle an irate parent?

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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.

"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."

Anonymous Answer

"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."

Rachelle's Feedback

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.

"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."

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Anonymous Answer

"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."

Stephanie's Feedback

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.)

Anonymous Answer

"I use my counseling skills with my parents. I allow the parent to vent or express their feelings. Then, I will recite back what I hear them saying. Finally, we identify the issue or problem and see if we can agree on a solution."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This sounds like a good process to use to calm down an upset parent. Can you also talk about a specific instance when this occurred and what you did to solve the problem?

Anonymous Answer

"First, I would make sure that my demeanor remains calm and I would escort the parent to a safe space within the school. Secondly, I would listen to the parent, and communicate understanding and empathy which should help calm them down. Finally, I would work out a plan to help the issue to resolve."

Jaymie's Feedback

Great job! It's important to try and move them to a safe, quiet space so as not to cause disruption and distraction to others. Actively listening and focusing on finding a solution are great strategies as well.

How to Answer: How would you handle an irate parent?

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

9. How would you handle an irate parent?

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Answer Example

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

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Rachelle's Feedback

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Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

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.)

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

Great! This sounds like a good process to use to calm down an upset parent. Can you also talk about a specific instance when this occurred and what you did to solve the problem?

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

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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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