School Counselor Mock Interview
Practice 40 School Counselor interview questions covering crisis intervention, student advocacy, and collaboration with families.
Question 20 of 40
How would you handle an irate parent?
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Example Answer
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Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
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.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"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."
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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."
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.
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