By Mike Simpson
Working as a college counselor is extremely rewarding, permitting you to play a essential position within the success of scholars. Whereas alternatives are plentiful, candidates want to face out from the competitors in the event that they’re going to land a brand new place. Since that’s the case, you should just be sure you’re prepared for the college counselor interview questions that’ll get tossed your approach.
Luckily, with a little bit of preparation, it’s simple to prepare for what’s forward. If you wish to be part of the ranks of the 118,000 faculty counselors supporting Okay-12 faculties or are serious about furthering your profession, right here’s all the pieces you should find out about tackling faculty counseling interview questions.
Easy methods to Reply Faculty Counselor Interview Questions
Earlier than we check out the highest ten faculty counselor interview questions and solutions, it’s good to take a second to speak about your interview technique. Whereas most of the interview questions for varsity counselors are predictable, there’s at all times an opportunity that the hiring supervisor will ask you one thing sudden. With the best strategies by your aspect, you’ll have the ability to deal with these unanticipated questions.
In lots of circumstances, working as a college counselor comes with many challenges. Whereas the really helpful ratio of scholars to highschool counselors is 250:1, the typical ratio in excessive faculties is nearer to 430:1. Consequently, many faculty counselors have very full plates.
Why does that matter? Primarily, it’s as a result of hiring managers need to discover candidates that may deal with intense workloads whereas remaining compassionate and supportive, which could be a tall order.
Nevertheless, faculty counselor candidates additionally have to showcase greater than that. The flexibility to work successfully with directors, academics, college students, and fogeys is paramount. Consequently, you’ll encounter questions centered on these areas.
Moreover, the hiring supervisor will need to see that you’ve got strong strategies for managing widespread situations. Lastly, data of relevant legal guidelines is deemed a should, so that you’ll normally want to debate these, as effectively.
So, how do you create excellent solutions? By beginning with analysis.
Begin by reviewing the job description fastidiously to study any must-have abilities or expertise. Don’t simply have a look at the listed necessities, too, as different elements of the job description could embrace insights into traits the hiring supervisor needs to search out or the college’s tradition.
After that, spend time on the college’s and district’s web sites. Find out about their missions and values, in addition to any instructional struggles or priorities. That approach, you possibly can incorporate a few of these particulars, too.
On the subject of how one can reply the college counselor interview questions, conventional ones are fairly simple. The hiring supervisor will ask if in case you have a ability or sure kinds of expertise. Then, you possibly can both say sure and observe that up with an instance or no and shortly pivot to showcase your willingness to study.
With behavioral and situational interview questions for varsity counselor positions, you’ll want a special approach. By combining the STAR Methodology and the Tailoring Methodology, you possibly can create thorough, related, compelling solutions that enhance your odds of impressing the hiring supervisor.
High 10 Faculty Counselor Interview Questions
In lots of circumstances, faculty counselor interviews are extremely related, as most hiring managers have the identical broader targets. Consequently, you should use most of the extra widespread faculty counseling interview questions to organize.
Right here’s a have a look at our high ten faculty counselor interview questions and solutions.
1. Why did you resolve to turn out to be a college counselor?
In lots of circumstances, this query is used as an icebreaker. It permits the hiring supervisor to study extra about your core motivations and fervour for the work. Ideally, you’ll need to provide a private story that showcases why you took an interest on this discipline.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“My preliminary curiosity in changing into a college counselor started in highschool. Throughout my sophomore yr, I used to be fighting a house matter, inflicting my grades to drop dramatically. Considered one of my academics took discover of the change and referred me to the college counselor for assist.
Finally, that faculty counselor was a blessing. She took the time to get to know me, demonstrating a transparent curiosity within the challenges I used to be going through, and I shortly considered her as a trusted confidante. She made suggestions, linked me with assets, and gave me the instruments to beat my difficulties. Ultimately, I grew to become a profitable pupil as soon as extra due to her, and that impressed my need to do the identical for others.”
2. What do you take pleasure in most about working with college students, and what do you take pleasure in least?
In lots of circumstances, this two-part query feels tough, primarily as a result of the second half requires talking about elements of the job you dislike. Nevertheless, you possibly can craft a robust reply that doesn’t contain badmouthing college students.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“What I take pleasure in most about working with college students is the power to supply younger folks with essential assist. Many college students face powerful obstacles and challenges, together with academically, socially, and emotionally. Having an opportunity to supply them with assets and steering is extremely rewarding.
Moreover, I drastically take pleasure in having the chance to forge robust relationships with college students. I get the occasional go to or message from former college students, thanking me for offering them with the assist they wanted to finish faculty and, finally, launch profitable lives. That makes any of the challenges I expertise extremely worthwhile.
As for what I take pleasure in least, the one factor that sometimes will get to me is once I put in a major quantity of effort to assist a pupil, and the state of affairs finally doesn’t resolve. It leaves me questioning if I took the flawed path, even when I do know that I exercised sound judgment and gave it my easiest. It’s merely disheartening to see a teenager proceed to battle, so I take into account that essentially the most difficult facet of working with college students.”
3. Are you able to inform me a couple of time once you efficiently resolved a battle between a instructor and a pupil?
Faculty counselors usually play an important position in resolving conflicts between college students and academics. With this query, you need to present an instance of a time once you succeeded in tackling these tough conditions.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“In my final place as a college counselor, there was a battle between a more recent pupil who had transferred in that yr and an English instructor. The coed was a senior, had a strong educational document, and was even taking AP English.
In response to the instructor, the scholar was disengaged throughout a module a couple of particular e-book. The coed was usually shirking requests to participate in classroom discussions or related group actions referring to the e-book, which was disruptive.
After talking with the instructor in regards to the points, I requested about their efficiency in regard to their homework assignments, exams, quizzes, and related work. The instructor admitted the scholar was receiving very excessive marks.
I then spoke with the scholar to see why they weren’t engaged. It turned out that this was the scholar’s third highschool, and the opposite two have been in different states and used completely different approaches to the curriculum. This was the scholar’s third time overlaying this e-book, as the opposite two faculties additionally used it, simply at completely different grade ranges. Finally, the difficulty was boredom.
I met with the instructor and pupil to current what I’d realized. Collectively, we have been then in a position to create a plan that allowed the scholar to discover different works for particular person classroom assignments in alternate for partaking in group discussions whereas this e-book was the main target. Finally, it boosted the scholar’s engagement and prevented disruptions, resulting in a optimistic end result.”
MIKE’S TIP: For those who’re searching for your first job as a college counselor, chances are you’ll not have an instance to supply. If that’s the case, you should use one in all two approaches. First, you possibly can let the hiring supervisor know that, as a brand new counselor, you don’t have any expertise resolving conflicts between a instructor and pupil, and observe that up with the steps you’d take in case you encounter that state of affairs. Second, as a substitute of outlining the way you’d hypothetically deal with it, you possibly can talk about a time the place you performed a task in resolving one other kind of battle, equivalent to between two former work colleagues or two college students on a venture you labored on in faculty. Both possibility permits you to showcase your abilities, so select the one which showcases you in one of the best gentle.
4. If a pupil expressed an curiosity in dropping out, what would you do?
For candidates which can be making use of for varsity counselor positions in excessive faculties, there’s a superb probability you’ll encounter this query. The hiring supervisor needs to know that you’ve got a technique in place for aiding college students who imagine that dropping out if their best choice.
Ideally, you need to stability empathy and assist with a agency perception that finishing highschool is the scholar’s best option.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“If a pupil informed me they have been fascinated about dropping out, my first step can be to ask them why. That offers me a chance to see what’s probably motivating their resolution, permitting me to find out what kind of assist or assets could assist them overcome obstacles and full their training.
At that time, I’d work to develop a assist system for the scholar whereas additionally guaranteeing that they know I’m obtainable. Moreover, I’d join them with varied assets. As an example, in the event that they have been struggling academically, I’d discover tutoring choices or interact with the academics to see if they may present extra help.
Finally, the purpose can be to create a path for them to graduate, guaranteeing the scholar had all the pieces they wanted to succeed.”
5. How does the college counselor assist the college’s general mission?
Right here, the hiring supervisor is attempting to see in case you perceive the core position of a college counselor within the broader context of the college’s mission. Usually, which means specializing in educational and social success, in addition to forging connections and offering entry to assets to supply emotional assist.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“General, I imagine faculty counselors assist a college’s mission by offering assist, steering, and entry to assets that assist college students obtain educational targets whereas making a tradition that’s supportive, inclusive, and secure. Advocacy and collaboration are large elements of the job, guaranteeing college students’ wants are met and that any conflicts or challenges are promptly and appropriately addressed.
Moreover, faculty counselors play an important position in aiding academics. Whereas faculty counselors can lay the groundwork for enhancements within the classroom, academics are those who must execute many plans. Consequently, open communication with academics is important, in addition to offering them with assist.
Lastly, faculty counselors additionally work with mother and father to encourage involvement. Since parental engagement is a major a part of the success equation, it’s a essential accountability that may additionally assist the college’s mission.”
6. What would you do if a pupil didn’t need to discuss to you?
In lots of circumstances, faculty counselors spend a major period of time working with college students who’re experiencing emotional or social struggles. Whereas some could also be fast to open up, others will resist the concept. Consequently, the hiring supervisor needs to know that you’ve got a primary technique for encouraging them to debate their challenges so as to present help.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“First, I firmly imagine that attempting to power a pupil to discuss their challenges is usually ineffective. As an alternative, I start by guaranteeing college students view me as a secure particular person to speak to, so I concentrate on growing a common rapport to extend their consolation stage.
Moreover, I make it possible for they know I’m at all times obtainable and that I’m keen to adapt to their wants. For instance, in the event that they’re involved in regards to the social ramifications of assembly in my workplace throughout faculty hours, I’ll discover another location – equivalent to an unoccupied classroom – or make myself obtainable after hours to offer them a way of privateness.
In lots of circumstances, college students initially want some house. In the event that they aren’t prepared to speak instantly, then I’ll hold specializing in the rapport and plan for normal check-ins. That approach, as soon as they’re prepared, I’ll be there.”
7. What have you learnt about FERPA?
This is likely one of the faculty counselor interview questions designed to check your data about relevant legal guidelines. This one focuses on the Household Instructional Rights and Privateness Act (FERPA).
The hiring supervisor’s purpose is to make sure you have a strong concept of what it entails and the way it applies to your position as a college counselor. Whereas FERPA is complicated, your reply may be simple. A easy overview is often sufficient so long as it reveals you’re acquainted with the legislation.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“FERPA is a federal legislation that focuses on privateness. It gives mother and father with particular rights concerning their minor pupil’s instructional data, together with the power to view them, request sure adjustments, and management the disclosure of knowledge. As soon as a pupil turns 18 or begins attending a postsecondary faculty, the rights outlined underneath FERPA are transitioned to the scholar, giving the scholar management, together with limiting or eliminating parental entry to data.
There are some exceptions in FERPA concerning the discharge of data with out a mother or father’s or eligible pupil’s consent. Nevertheless, which organizations can entry the data with out consent varies primarily based on the state of affairs, so it’s essential to assessment any request for legitimacy.”
8. How would you deal with it in case you couldn’t attain the mother and father of an at-risk pupil?
In lots of circumstances, faculty counselors have to have interaction with mother and father as a part of offering assist to college students. Whereas some mother and father are extremely engaged, others aren’t. At occasions, that may imply that folks received’t reply to calls or messages from you, and the hiring supervisor needs to know you may have a plan for coping with that.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“If I repeatedly tried to achieve the mother and father of an at-risk pupil and am finally unsuccessful, my first step can be to get help from faculty directors, as mother and father could take a name from a principal or related authority. In that case, I’d coordinate with the administrator to rearrange an avenue for me to attach with the mother and father.
My purpose can be to stay versatile, as the dearth of contact might be as a result of circumstances I’m unaware of. Consequently, I’d provide to have the dialogue each time and wherever is finest for them, as establishing communication is extra necessary than my comfort.
Ought to that show ineffective, I’d discover different avenues. For instance, if there was an upcoming parent-teacher convention, I’d coordinate with the academics to create a chance for me to talk with the mother and father. If I’m in a position to attain different members of the family, I’d strive that method, as effectively.”
9. What would you want to perform throughout your first 30 days on the job?
With this query, the hiring supervisor is attempting to gauge a handful of issues. Together with assessing your common imaginative and prescient, they need to see if in case you have a plan that may finally assist you succeed.
Whereas it looks like you must talk about adjustments you’d make or varied methods that might profit the scholars, it’s usually higher to steer off your reply with one thing else. Usually, your major purpose initially ought to be to get to know the scholars, permitting you to see what adjustments or strategies could be helpful.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“Throughout my first 30 days on the job, my major focus can be on attending to know the scholars, each as a complete and as people. Studying in regards to the faculty’s present tradition firsthand will give me essential insights, permitting me to find out which methods may match finest.
Moreover, I’d work to ascertain an organizational system that can guarantee I can discover essential data with ease. Lastly, I’d familiarize myself with the assorted assets within the space which can be obtainable to college students. That can assist me decide what assist mechanisms are at their disposal, permitting me to make sounder suggestions.”
10. For those who witnessed any bullying, what would you do?
Faculty counselors usually have tasks relating to making sure bullying incidents are addressed. Consequently, the hiring supervisor could ask this query to see if in case you have a plan for fast intervention and any wanted follow-up.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
“If I witness an incident of bullying, my first step is to intervene. My common method is calm however authoritative, guaranteeing that the scholars who’re doing the bullying know that the conduct is unacceptable.
Subsequent, I’d schedule occasions to fulfill with all the concerned college students. For the scholar that was focused by bullies, my primary purpose can be to assist them heal after the occasion, in addition to develop instruments that may assist them both keep away from or navigate related conditions.
Then, I’d meet with the scholars who have been doing the bullying. Together with reasserting that such conduct is unacceptable, I’d communicate with them to attempt to decide what spurred their actions. At occasions, the underlying trigger is sudden, so speaking with them may give me essential insights.
Lastly, I’d mediate a dialogue between the scholars with the purpose of stopping such occasions from occurring once more. The precise method would differ relying on the character of the state of affairs, however the purpose can be to revive a stage of peace, guaranteeing that they’ll coexist with out incident.”
5 Good Inquiries to Ask on the Finish of a Faculty Counselor Interview
Once you get to the top of your faculty counselor interview, you’ll sometimes get an opportunity to ask the hiring supervisor some questions. By having clever questions prepared, you possibly can collect extra insights in regards to the place and college. Plus, it helps you come throughout as engaged, making you a stronger candidate.
With that in thoughts, listed here are 5 good inquiries to ask on the finish of a college counselor interview:
-
- What’s the greatest problem this faculty faces as we speak, and the way can the brand new faculty counselor assist clear up it?
- How would you describe the tradition at this faculty?
- Are the mother and father of scholars right here usually engaged and concerned? If not, what obstacles to mother or father involvement are commonest?
- What’s the student-to-school counselor ratio at this faculty?
- Are there any upcoming adjustments on the faculty that the brand new counselor ought to concentrate on?
Placing It All Collectively
At this level, you must have a strong concept of how one can method faculty counselor interview questions. Use all the data above to your benefit. That approach, you’re extra prone to impress.
—
Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and profession professional and the pinnacle author at TheInterviewGuys.com.
His recommendation and insights have been shared and featured by publications equivalent to Forbes, Entrepreneur, CNBC and extra in addition to instructional establishments such because the College of Michigan, Penn State, Northeastern and others.
Be taught extra about The Interview Guys on our About Us web page.