How to Prepare for Your School Counseling Interview (and Feel Confident Walking In!)
If you’re gearing up for a school counseling interview, first of all—congratulations! Getting to this stage means your experience, education, and passion for supporting students have already stood out. But now comes the big step: nailing the interview and proving you're the perfect fit for the role.
I know firsthand that interviewing for a school counseling position can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time or if you're making a transition to a new district. To help, I’ve put together some key tips, along with a few resources that can make your prep smoother and give you an edge.
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Understanding What Schools Are Looking For
School counseling interviews often focus on three major areas:
Your Counseling Philosophy & Approach – Schools want to see that you have a strong foundation in counseling theory and can apply it in a school setting. Be ready to talk about your counseling style, how you support students in different areas (academic, social-emotional, and career development), and how you align with ASCA (American School Counselor Association) standards.
Real-Life Scenarios & Problem-Solving – Expect scenario-based questions like, “How would you handle a student in crisis?” or “How do you collaborate with teachers to support student success?” Schools want to know how you respond in the moment and how you balance student confidentiality with collaboration.
Data-Driven & Program Implementation – Many schools prioritize using data to drive counseling initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you use data to identify student needs, measure the effectiveness of interventions, and advocate for resources.
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Common School Counseling Interview Questions
Here are some questions you might encounter:
Tell us about a time you helped a struggling student.
How do you handle conflicts between students?
Describe how you would implement a new social-emotional learning program.
What role does a school counselor play in MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)?
Preparing thoughtful responses with real examples from your experience can set you apart from other candidates. If you're new to the field, consider using examples from your internship, coursework, or related experiences.
How to Stand Out in Your Interview
Know the School’s Needs – Research the school or district. If they emphasize trauma-informed care or college readiness, tailor your responses to highlight your experience in those areas.
Have a Counseling Portfolio – Bringing a digital or physical portfolio with sample lesson plans, data reports, or student success stories can demonstrate your impact in a tangible way.
Show Your Passion & Authenticity – Hiring teams don’t just want someone qualified—they want someone who genuinely cares about students and will be a great fit for their school culture.
Need More Help Preparing?
If you want to go into your interview feeling fully prepared, I’ve created School Counseling Interview Prep Resources to guide you! These include: ✅ A comprehensive list of practice interview questions ✅ Answer templates to help you craft strong responses ✅ A school counseling portfolio guide to help you showcase your experience ✅ A checklist to ensure you’re fully prepped before the big day
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Whether you're new to the field or just need a confidence boost, these resources are designed to make your interview prep stress-free and effective. You can check them out [here]!
You’ve Got This!
Remember—an interview isn’t just about proving you’re the right fit for the school; it’s also about making sure the school is the right fit for you. Walk in with confidence, be yourself, and trust that you have the skills and passion to make a difference. Good luck—you’re going to do great!
If you have any questions about school counseling interviews or want more tips, drop a comment below! I’d love to help. 😊
- School Counselor Interview Series - The Ultimate Prep Bundle! - Click here.
- School Counselor Interview Questions - Click here.
- Questions for Candidates to Ask During Interviews - Click here.
- School Counselor Interview: Tasks, Assignments & Counselor Portfolio Materials - Click here.
- Researching a School and Preparing Materials - Click here.
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