Getting a School Counseling Position: The Job and Interview Process
Role of the School Counselor
How does the school counselor’s role support the school’s mission?
What do you see as the most effective use of a school counselor’s time?
How do the ASCA student standards (Mindsets & Behaviors) inform the work of the school counselor?
When you have implemented the ASCA National Model, how has it affected student success?
What do you think is the most important characteristic of a school counselor? What’s the most essential characteristic school counselors have that supports a caring/supportive school climate for all students?
When considering school counseling ethical standards and school policies, how would you handle a conflict between the two?
How will the school counseling program facilitate a more peaceful/safe school environment?
What’s the school counselor’s role in promoting equity and access for all students?
What can you provide that is different from a school social worker, school psychologist or mental health counselor? How does the school counselor’s role differ from other student service providers in support of all students?
What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor? Or, how do school counselors support students who need therapy to be successful in school?
Describe your ideal school counseling program. Include some specific examples of what it will include. Or, how does the school counseling program support a school’s school improvement plan?
What influenced you to be a school counselor? What’s your journey to becoming a school counselor?
How will your practical experience inform your role as a school counselor?
What is your strongest asset? Talk about your strengths and how they will support the implementation of an ASCA National Model program.
What do you know about our school that you would consider a strength? A weakness?
Tell us about a successful (satisfying) case that you have handled? And, one that was not so successful; what would you have done differently? Tell us about a time you helped a student be successful.
What makes you want to work at ______ School?
What do you consider the most important reason(s) for you, personally, to become a member of this faculty? How will you achieve your professional at this school?
What do you like about working with (grade level) school students? Describe how your specific skills/interests will help you connect to this student population.
How would you address cultural differences in a school setting?
What is something new you could bring to our program? What innovations or current best practices will you incorporate into your delivery of services?
How do you handle criticism? How can criticism improve one’s work?
How do you handle stress? Stress is part of schools; how does the ASCA National Model help to manage it? School counselors are confronted with a lot of stressful circumstances and stories. How will you maintain your professionalism and your personal wellness when confronted with these?
Are you available to work in the evenings for functions such as parent programs, student programs, etc.? Working in a school often includes extended hours. How will you balance work/life demands?
What experiences have you had in working with special education students? How are special education students included in a school counseling program?
What has your experience been in working with students of color? LGBTQ students?
What is your experience with parenting programs? What support will your counseling program offer to parents? What instructional services can you provide?
How do you approach writing letters of recommendation?
How do you keep yourself organized?
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Are you proficient in a language other than English?
School Counseling Program: Define
How does a school counseling program support the school’s academic mission?
What is your school counseling/educational philosophy?
What is the counseling theory or approach that you most closely follow? How does your counseling theory or approach support student learning?
How does the ASCA National Model support all students?
How is the ASCA National Model defined, delivered, managed or assessed at an elementary/middle/high school?
By Nancy J. Bond | May 2020
In the season of job applications, interviews and job offers, let’s explore the interview process – what to expect, how to prepare, what interview committees want and, finally, what not to say. The better prepared you are, the better you’re able to shine in an interview.
Why do you want to become a school counselor?
Try to speak about the future, not about the past–what you want to do, what value you want to bring to the school and to the students as a school counselor, the positive difference you hope to make on your position. Of course, you can mention your education and skills, but the key is to focus on the future, and the positive difference you want to make in this job.
Sample answer:
FAQ
What are the 4 components of the ASCA National Model?
The framework of the ASCA National Model consists of four components: define, manage, deliver and assess. Three sets of school counseling standards define the school counseling profession.
How do I prepare for a school counselor interview?
Your answer should talk about your career goals and how you want to help students improve their chances of success in life. Tell the interviewer what difference you believe you can make in this role. As a school counselor, students will need to trust you. You will need to be approachable and likable.
What is your strongest asset as a school counselor?
Strengths and Interests
What influenced you to be a school counselor? …
How will your practical experience inform your role as a school counselor?
What is your strongest asset? …
What do you know about our school that you would consider a strength? …
Tell us about a successful (satisfying) case that you have handled?
