40 School Counselor Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Capability Questions
- 2. Career Goals Questions
- 3. Communication Questions
- 4. Compatibility Questions
- 5. Competency Questions
- 6. Conflict Questions
- 7. Critical Thinking Questions
- 8. Customer Service Questions
- 9. Direct Questions
- 10. Discovery Questions
- 11. Diversity Questions
- 12. Experience Questions
- 13. Operational Questions
- 14. Organizational Questions
- 15. Problem Solving Questions
- 16. Role-Specific Questions
- 17. Scenario Based Questions
- 18. Situational Questions
- 19. Stress Questions
- 20. Tough Questions
Preparing for a school counselor job interview can be stressful, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can impress your interviewers and land the job. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your interview.
First, research the school district and the school you're interviewing for. Learn about their mission, values, and culture. Determine their strengths and weaknesses. Discover the population they serve. This will help you tailor your answers to align with their needs and show that you're invested in their community.
Next, review these common interview questions for school counselors and practice your responses in the mirror or with a friend. Be prepared to discuss your counseling philosophy, how you handle difficult situations, and your experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
During the interview, be friendly, confident, and enthusiastic. Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and answer them thoughtfully. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for your school counselor job interview and ready to showcase your skills and passion for helping students succeed.
Capability
1. As a counselor, how would you use your role to prevent violence in school?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Career Goals
2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Communication
3. How do you handle criticism?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Compatibility
4. Why would you make a great school counselor?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Compatibility
5. What is your favorite age group to work with and why?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know your preferred age group to work with because they want to understand your strengths and interests. Different age groups have unique challenges, and as a counselor, you should be able to work with any age group. However, having a favorite age group can help you excel in your work and offer your students the best possible guidance and support. So, it's essential to be honest about your preferences and explain how you can use your skills and experience to help students of all ages.
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Answer Example
"As a school counselor, I find it hard to pick a favorite age group to work with as each brings its unique set of challenges and rewards. However, if I had to choose, I would say that I enjoy working with high school students the most. This is because they are at a pivotal point in their lives where they are starting to think about their futures and making important decisions about their education and careers. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to help them navigate this process and provide guidance and support as they explore their options. Plus, teenagers are often full of energy and enthusiasm, which can make for a fun and dynamic work environment."
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Compatibility
6. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Competency
7. What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Competency
8. What is the difference between Counseling and Coaching?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Conflict
9. How would you handle an irate parent?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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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Critical Thinking
10. How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Critical Thinking
11. What would you do if a student told you they were touched inappropriately by a teacher?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Customer Service
12. Can you share an experience when you went above and beyond to help a student?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Direct
13. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Direct
14. What is your counseling philosophy?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks about your counseling philosophy to better understand your approach and how it aligns with the school's mission, values, and goals. This can also help them assess your level of experience and expertise in counseling and determine if you are a good fit for the position. Your counseling philosophy can also provide insight into how you handle challenging situations and work with students, parents, and other staff members. Discussing your counseling philosophy can help the interviewer evaluate your potential as a school counselor and determine if you are the right candidate for the job. If you really want to impress the interviewer, tie in your philosophy with the school's philosophy which you can learn from their website.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"As a school counselor, my philosophy is centered around the well-being and success of every student. I believe in creating a safe, inclusive environment where students feel heard and supported. My approach is person-centered, as I recognize that every student is unique and has their own strengths, challenges, and goals. I prioritize building trusting relationships with students, which is crucial for them to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with me. My counseling strategies are evidence-based and tailored to meet each student's needs. Ultimately, my goal is to empower students to become confident, resilient, and self-aware individuals who can navigate challenges and achieve their full potential."
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Direct
15. Why did you choose to apply in our school?
How to Answer
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.
Answer Example
"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."
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Discovery
16. What influenced you to be a school counselor?
How to Answer
The interviewer is interested in learning about your personal motivations and experiences that led you to pursue a career in school counseling. They may want to ensure you have a genuine passion for helping students and supporting their academic and emotional growth. This question is important because being a school counselor requires a great deal of empathy, patience, and interpersonal skills.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Discovery
17. How would your role as a school counselor support this school's mission?
How to Answer
The interviewer is curious as to how your role as a school counselor aligns with the overall goals and values of the school. They want to see how your work contributes to creating a positive and supportive environment for students and how you help to promote the school's mission of educating and preparing young people for success in the future. While that mission could be said for every school, the interviewer wants to see that you have done your research and specifically know the mission of the school you are interviewing for. Describe how your role will support their mission if hired for the position.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"As a school counselor, my role is to support the school's mission by providing guidance and counseling services to students. I will assist students in developing their social and emotional skills, as well as helping them to set and achieve academic and personal goals. By working closely with students, teachers, and families, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive. Ultimately, my goal would be to help each student reach their full potential and become a successful and contributing member of society."
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Discovery
18. Who is your role model? Why do you look up to this person?
How to Answer
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.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Discovery
19. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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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."
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Discovery
20. What makes you most passionate about being a school counselor?
How to Answer
The interviewer is interested in understanding why you have chosen to pursue a career as a school counselor and what motivates you to work in this field. They are looking for candidates who are genuinely passionate about helping students and have a strong desire to positively impact their lives. By asking this question, the interviewer can also gain insight into your values, goals, and personality, which can be helpful in assessing your fit for the role. This is easy because your answer should come from the heart, as cliche as that may sound. It's essential to be honest and sincere in your response and to highlight specific examples or experiences that have inspired you to pursue this career path.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Discovery
21. Why did you choose a career as a counselor?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
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Diversity
22. How would you explain cultural differences to students?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see how you would explain cultural differences to students because it is important to promote understanding and respect for diversity in the school community. As a counselor, you may encounter students from different backgrounds with varying beliefs, values, and customs. Your ability to communicate effectively and sensitively about these differences can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. While sensitive situations are tricky to address, you always want to ensure your answers are politically correct and impartial. It is also important to address any biases or stereotypes that may exist and provide resources and support to students who may be experiencing discrimination or harassment based on their cultural identity.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"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."
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Experience
23. What experiences have you had that make you feel capable of being a counselor?
How to Answer
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.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Experience
24. What is your experience with parenting programs?
How to Answer
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.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Experience
25. What experiences have you had in working with special education students?
How to Answer
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.
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Answer Example
"(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)"
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Operational
26. How would you divide your time between meeting the immediate needs of the students and keeping up with the paperwork?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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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Organizational
27. How do you keep yourself organized?
How to Answer
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.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Problem Solving
28. What would you do when a student tells you that he or she wants to drop out of school?
How to Answer
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.
Answer Example
"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."
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Role-Specific
29. How do you manage your time?
How to Answer
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.
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Answer Example
"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."
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Role-Specific
30. How do you advocate for students?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks how you advocate for students to understand your approach to supporting students' needs. As a school counselor, your role is to advocate for students and help them navigate the challenges they may face in their academic and personal lives. Advocacy can involve working with parents, teachers, and other school staff to ensure students receive the necessary resources and support. By sharing your advocacy strategies, you can demonstrate your commitment to students' well-being and showcase your ability to be a valuable asset to the school community.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"As a school counselor, advocating for my students is one of my top priorities. Every student deserves to have their voice heard and their needs addressed. To do this, I work closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. I also encourage students to speak up for themselves and actively participate in their education. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I can empower my students and help them achieve their goals."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
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Role-Specific
31. For you, what is the role of a school counselor?
How to Answer
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.
Answer Example
"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"
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Role-Specific
32. What is the role of the school counselor in relation to teachers, parents, and administrators?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Scenario Based
33. 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?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Scenario Based
34. Describe a challenging experience while you were counseling a student. What did you do to overcome it?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Situational
35. 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?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Situational
36. You witnessed a bullying incident. How will you address the situation?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Stress
37. What do you do to relieve stress?
How to Answer
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.)
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Tough
38. What steps would you take if a student told you he or she was being abused?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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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."
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Tough
39. What would you do if a student tells you that they want to end their life?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014
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Tough
40. How do you think our school could improve?
How to Answer
It's vital for schools to regularly evaluate their practices and seek feedback from teachers, counselors, and other support staff to ensure they are providing the best possible education. The interviewer is interested in gaining insight into how they could improve to determine if you have researched the school before your interview and identified areas of improvement. Perhaps the school has a high drop-out rate, low test scores, or a history of violence. By asking for your thoughts on how the school could improve, the interviewer may be hoping to gather valuable feedback that can be used to enhance the educational experience for all students. While you want to be honest in your response, you also want to tread lightly and not sound like you are being overly critical of the school. After explaining how you think they could improve, offer some possible solutions to show you are a motivated and critically thinking counselor.
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
Answer Example
"That's a great question. Although the school is doing really well, I found a few ways I think you could improve to better serve the students. One suggestion would be to increase the number of extracurricular activities available to students, as this can help foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for students to develop their interests and skills outside the classroom. Another suggestion would be to provide more individualized attention to struggling students by offering tutoring or other support services. With the $50,000 surplus in your previous year's budget, those services could be offered at no cost to the students. This would be money well spent as the students will receive the necessary educational support they need while increasing overall test scores."
Written by Krista Wenz on May 31st, 2023
Questions to Ask at a School Counselor Interview
Asking thoughtful questions at the end of your job interview is crucial for several reasons. It shows you are engaged in the conversation and genuinely interested in the position. It also offers an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the role and the expectations of the organization.
However, asking questions at the end of your interview can also have drawbacks. If you ask questions that could have been easily answered when researching the school or reading the job description, the interviewer will determine that you do not have strong attention to detail and did not do thorough research.
It is still strongly advised to have at least five questions to ask, even if you only ask two or three of them. Here are examples of five effective questions to ask:
1. What are some of the school counselor's most significant challenges in this position?
2. Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
3. How do you measure success in this position?
4. How does the school support its students' mental health and well-being?
5. What opportunities are there for professional development and growth in this role?
Asking these questions will give you a better understanding of the job and demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.
About the Author
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!
Learn more about Krista Wenz