What steps would you take to report the unsafe behaviour of a driver?

"I am sure that you have training and policies in place for this type of situation. My first instinct would be to take down the license plate of the vehicle and report the situation to the authorities."

As a School Cross Guard you will often come across drivers who are speeding through school zones or driving dangerously. Assure the interviewer that you know the best steps to take.

How do you handle stress?

It's usually a good idea to anticipate a little bit of stress at any job. Consider it unavoidable. The best thing you can do is equip yourself with the tools to deal with it! Knowing how to handle stress will help you to navigate the ups and downs in a constantly changing environment. Take some time to think about what you would do when you are busy at work feeling your heart rate rise and your nerves begin to shake. Your coping skills outside of work might be difficult to apply, as you can't stop what you're doing and run to yoga class. However, you can take deep breaths and allow yourself to take a break in between patients. You can laugh about the fact that you are covered in dog shit and you can enjoy the company of your coworkers. Getting through the tough parts of your job requires you to have a good perspective and be able to make light of situations. Show that you are prepared and ready to deal with any stress that comes your way!

How many days were you absent from work last year?

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick just 2 and those were accompanied by a note from my Doctor. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm and I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."

A part of being a diligent employee is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. It's great to even be 10 minutes early rather than just showing up right on the dot. Talk to the interviewer about your attendance.

Why are you the best candidate for us?

What makes you stand out? Think beyond the job description. This question gives you an opportunity to show off your skills, qualities and accomplishments. Consider answering this question by demonstrating how you have proven yourself in your past roles. You may not know what the other candidates have to offer, but you do know your strengths and the unique ways you can add value to the organization. For example, if you share that you are reliable, offer a scenario that proves you follow through and show up. Consider talking about a difficult project you completed, overcoming obstacles and a tight deadline. Keep your strengths and examples relevant to what you may be expected to accomplish in this new role. Remember, you have so much to offer!

How would you describe your work ethic?

Before answering this question, let's explore this concept of work ethic. Someone who works hard, applying their discipline and focus towards helping them accomplish projects and goals is a person with a solid work ethic. Taking it to the next level, you can think about some of the moral principals that drive you. Integrity shows up in the quality of work you offer, your honesty and your reliability. Teamwork is an ability and a mindset that helps you motivate others and work collaboratively with your coworkers. Your ability to take responsibility and follow through with commitments is another way you can demonstrate your work ethic. Consider using some of these concepts when you talk about your work ethic. Can you think of any other factors that show off the quality and integrity of your work?

Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead in a team project.

"Our company was discussing a new product launch into the European market, I reached out to the marketing department and asked if I could be the lead product researcher."

The interviewer is looking for motivation and a passion in your career. Therefore, keep your answer related to your career. Describe any type of project, and/or learning experience where you saw an opportunity and took advantage of it.

Describe your three greatest accomplishments to date.

The interviewer wants to learn more about your background by understanding your level of achievement in your career thus far. You most likely know your three greatest accomplishments, and if you are struggling to think through them, don't fret! Think about the times when you were given extra kudos in the workplace or when you received a special award. These make great examples too! Start off by giving the interviewer a 15-20 second overview of each accomplishment including how you achieved it and why it was important to you. Be sure to mention when the accomplishment was achieved and why it still stands out in your mind as one of your greatest accomplishments.

Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?

"I prefer working in a more predictable environment because I can be more effective in my tasks. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment from time to time."

Are you the type of individual who prefers to know what the routine will be, or do you thrive on the challenge and excitement of unpredictability?

When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

"I am able to think quickly on the job and I do respond well to sudden change. Last week I was asked to tweak a presentation with just 30 minutes notice. The changes were significant but luckily I work well under pressure. The presentation went well and our clients were very happy."

Sudden changes will occur in the workplace from time to time. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of responding quickly, and professionally, to sudden changes in the workplace.

When were you able to resolve a problem within work?

"In my most recent position we had a consistent problem with employees showing up late for their shifts or calling in sick at the very last moment. Rather than the typical documenting and reprimanding style that management usually takes, I decided to track the results of an accountability reward system. For 180 days, my employees were rewarded for coming to work 10 minutes early. Also, for every month with zero sick days, a bonus was added. In the end, we awarded those with perfect attendance a $600 bonus. The bonus' cost us less money, in the end, than the cost of lowered productivity due to absent employees. The program was a success and upper management chose to keep it implemented for another 6 months. We will re-assess in December but it seems to be working very well."

Problem solving and dispute resolution are very important skills to possess. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem solving within the workplace.

Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

"Last week I noticed that my manager had not completed the schedule for the following week. Some of the staff were complaining that they didn't have their work schedule yet. Rather than going to my manager with the complaint, I offered to take on some of her work load so that she would have the time to complete the schedule. We worked together for a couple of overtime hours that day and were able to catch her up on everything. It felt good to help but also benefited me by way of organization."

Display to the interviewer that you are able to do more that the bare minimum. Show that you are able to react appropriately when you see that your employer has a need that goes beyond your usual day-to-day expectations.

What would your family and friends say are your greatest strengths?

"I believe that my friends and family would say my greatest strengths are in my kindness, reliability, and organizational skills. I have many solid work and character references that could attest to this as well."

If your family and friends could comment on your greatest strengths, what do you think they would say? Talk to the interviewer about some of your greatest strengths.

Do you consider yourself to be a caring individual?

"I am most definitely a caring individual. I love helping children and really enjoy their energetic attitudes and positive perspective. I have spent many years in a care-giver based role and have displayed a caring demeanour in all that I do."

Working with children requires patience and kindness. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you display a kind and caring attitude.

Are you able to communicate well with parents and other members of the community?

"I am able to communicate very comfortably with parents and members of this community. I am a social person and very active in the community."

As a School Cross Guard, are you comfortable and confident communicating directly with parents and others in the community?

Do you enjoy being around children?

"Yes, I do enjoy being around children. I have 2 kids myself and have worked as a classroom assistant for many years as they were growing up. Working with kids is always a fun experience."

As a School Cross Guard, you are responsible for the safety of children. Assure the interviewer that you are comfortable around them. Talk about any experience you have working alongside children.

Do you have a valid CPR or First Aid certification?

"I have a valid CPR and First Aid certification which I just renewed last year. Although I have never had to administer CPR, I am confident in my abilities."

As a School Cross Guard, it is an asset to have training in First Aid and CPR; although it may not be mandatory. Briefly discuss with the interviewer any certifications that you may have.

What would you do if a child were injured while crossing the street under your supervision?

"I am sure that there are policies in place if an injury occurs. My first instinct would be to call 911 if the injury was serious."

Are you confident in your abilities to react appropriately in the case of an emergency? Assure the interviewer that you understand the correct response in the case of an injury.

Are you able to pass a criminal background check?

"I have a clean background and am willing to participate in any required background checks."

As a School Cross Guard you are responsible for the wellbeing of underage children. For this reason you must be able to pass a criminal background check. Assure the interviewer that you are able to do so.

Are you active in your search for a new position?

"I have been active in my search for a new opportunity and am close to receiving an offer from another organization. I should know in approximately one week. I'm motivated to start working."

Be transparent with the interviewer about your job search and how active you are. Are you close to receiving an offer from another organization or are you in last steps in the interview process? Let the interviewer know of any potential competition.

How familiar are you with our community? Do you see yourself staying in this community long term?

"I am very familiar with this community as I have lived here for 10 years. I raised my kids in this community and have spent many years volunteering with this school. I plan to stay here long term."

Talk to the interviewer about your tenure and exposure to this community. Assure the hiring manager that you are committed to this community, and that you see this as more than just a job opportunity.

Are you able to commit to a full year contract as our school crossing guard?

"I am able to commit to working this full school year, and hopefully you will have me beyond that. I have lived in this community for 15 years and plan to stay which means I can commit to this position for the long term."

As a School Cross Guard, are you able to commit to being present for the entire school year? Assure the interviewer that you are reliable and capable of this commitment.

This position offers part-time hours. Are you okay with that?

"I am looking only for part-time work as I am semi-retired but seeking a position to supplement my income while keeping me active in my community. I am very happy to have part-time hours."

The average School Cross Guard works up to 20 hours per week. Assure the interviewer that this is enough for you. The hiring manager wants to know that you are not using this position as a stepping stone until a full time opportunity presents itself.

Have you been a school crossing guard before?

"Although I do not have experience as a School Cross Guard, I have spent many years as a school bus driver, and a classroom assistant. I am confident in my abilities to do this job well."

Take the interviewer through your work history, just briefly. Highlight any areas where you have worked around children, in a school setting, or any roles that have to do with transportation.

Do you have your drivers license? How confident are you in the rules of the road?

"Yes, I have a drivers' license and am an experienced driver, very familiar with the rules of the road."

Although most School Cross Guard roles do not require a valid drivers' license, it is an asset as you will have a better understanding of the rules of the road. Answer this simply and briefly.

Do you have any obligations that might conflict with the school schedule?

"I do not have any obligations during the day that would conflict with my school schedule. My kids are now grown up which offers me a lot of flexibility in my day."

As a School Cross Guard you will be required to work a flexible schedule that includes guarding around the school in the mornings, at lunch times, and after school. Split shifts may be required but you do not need to work weekends and holidays. Assure the interviewer that you do not have other obligations that may get in the way of you performing the job correctly.

Do you have the ability to be flexible in your schedule?

"I have a very flexible schedule and can make myself available anytime during the day. I am comfortable working split shifts, full time, or part time - as needed."

As a School Cross Guard you will be required to work a flexible schedule that includes guarding around the school in the mornings, at lunch times, and after school. Split shifts may be required but you do not need to work weekends and holidays. Assure the interviewer that you can manage a schedule like this.

Why do you want to be a school crossing guard?

"I want to be a school cross guard because the hours and schedule fit perfectly with my lifestyle. I enjoy working with children and have spent many years volunteering at my kids' schools. It's a perfect fit!"

What are your primary reasons for wanting a job as a School Cross Guard? Discuss the reasons why you are excited about this position and how it fits in with your lifestyle.

School Cross Guard Interview Questions

Go Back

1. What steps would you take to report the unsafe behaviour of a driver?
2. How do you handle stress?
3. How many days were you absent from work last year?
4. Why are you the best candidate for us?
5. How would you describe your work ethic?
6. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead in a team project.
7. Describe your three greatest accomplishments to date.
8. Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?
9. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?
10. When were you able to resolve a problem within work?
11. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.
12. What would your family and friends say are your greatest strengths?
13. Do you consider yourself to be a caring individual?
14. Are you able to communicate well with parents and other members of the community?
15. Do you enjoy being around children?
16. Do you have a valid CPR or First Aid certification?
17. What would you do if a child were injured while crossing the street under your supervision?
18. Are you able to pass a criminal background check?
19. Are you active in your search for a new position?
20. How familiar are you with our community? Do you see yourself staying in this community long term?
21. Are you able to commit to a full year contract as our school crossing guard?
22. This position offers part-time hours. Are you okay with that?
23. Have you been a school crossing guard before?
24. Do you have your drivers license? How confident are you in the rules of the road?
25. Do you have any obligations that might conflict with the school schedule?
26. Do you have the ability to be flexible in your schedule?
27. Why do you want to be a school crossing guard?

School Cross Guard Interview Questions

1. What steps would you take to report the unsafe behaviour of a driver?

2. How do you handle stress?

3. How many days were you absent from work last year?

4. Why are you the best candidate for us?

5. How would you describe your work ethic?

6. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead in a team project.

7. Describe your three greatest accomplishments to date.

8. Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine occasionally?

9. When have you had to think quickly in response to sudden change?

10. When were you able to resolve a problem within work?

11. Give me an example of a time when you went above and beyond.

12. What would your family and friends say are your greatest strengths?

13. Do you consider yourself to be a caring individual?

14. Are you able to communicate well with parents and other members of the community?

15. Do you enjoy being around children?

16. Do you have a valid CPR or First Aid certification?

17. What would you do if a child were injured while crossing the street under your supervision?

18. Are you able to pass a criminal background check?

19. Are you active in your search for a new position?

20. How familiar are you with our community? Do you see yourself staying in this community long term?

21. Are you able to commit to a full year contract as our school crossing guard?

22. This position offers part-time hours. Are you okay with that?

23. Have you been a school crossing guard before?

24. Do you have your drivers license? How confident are you in the rules of the road?

25. Do you have any obligations that might conflict with the school schedule?

26. Do you have the ability to be flexible in your schedule?

27. Why do you want to be a school crossing guard?