Counselor Up!
  • Blog
  • About
  • Speaker
  • Author
    • Book Summary
    • Book Discussion Guide
  • Things I Love
  • TPT Store

Landing the Job: Top Five Interview Tips

4/14/2015

2 Comments

 
Picture
In the last few weeks, I have been holding interviews for a few positions within our grant.  I also participate in our local counseling program's mock interviews for their graduate students. Being on the other side of the table isn't something elementary counselors often experience because we can be the only counselor in our building. I have learned so much in these interviews and here's my Top Five Tips:

#1: Dress Up and Stand Out

Please, please, please don't wear a black business suit. Wear something that stands out a bit but still looks professional. Sometimes when interviewing several people in a row, I remember something about their appearance to help me separate candidates in my mind. I might say "the woman with the blue shirt," or "the guy with the striped tie." If you look exactly the same as every other candidate, you don't stand out. That said, don't go crazytown either. You can check out my pinterest board for interview outfits (guys too!).

#2: Meet, Greet, and Make Eye Contact

Make a statement when you walk in the room. Greet each person and shake their hand. I was once interviewed by a panel of 10 people around a giant table and shaking hands would have been awkward but as the principal introduced each person, I smiled and said a hello to each one. I always bring copies of my resume just in case anyone needs one. I know exactly what it feels like to race into a meeting and realize you forgot the materials you need in your classroom. 

#3: Land This Job- Not Your Last One

When asked a question, answer specifically. Include details from your previous experience but always relate back to the job you are seeking. This is especially important if you are changing careers or even counseling levels. It's great that you worked with first generation college bound students but if you are applying for an elementary position, that won't be very relevant. However, collaborating with community resources to meet the needs of students and parents is. Also research the school where you will be working so that you can include that knowledge in your answers. 

#4: Bring a Portfolio

Not everyone will agree with me here but I say bring a portfolio. The best candidates have something to relate back to what they are speaking about. They can show you specific data from the academic intervention that they implemented, they can share pictures from the career day they planned, or they can show you student work that resulted from a student group on organization. In your portfolio: print in color, keep it short (15 pages max), and use examples that don't require close reading.

#5: Follow Up

Send an email to each person in your interview. Share an example of the connection you made with them. It can be short but make it specific. If you have a website, include it in your signature line to make it easy for them to click and find out more about you. Every person in your interview is significant so email each one. 

More Resources

Job hunts are hard- hang in there! Need more tips - check out my best resume tips!
Picture
Land a job with these 5 tips!
2 Comments
Dr. Dovie Gray
5/16/2017 09:16:05 am

Those were great tips for an interview! These will be helpful for new counselors. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Rebecca Atkins
5/16/2017 10:47:12 am

Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Rebecca Atkins

    Welcome to my blog where I talk about all things school counselor and encourage others to Counselor Up!

     Subscribe in a reader

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies
    Picture

    Interrupting Racism: Equity and Social Justice in School Counseling

    Links may be affiliate links. If you link and purchase, I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support of Counselor Up.

    Categories

    All
    ASCA National Model
    Behavior
    Counseling Career
    Equity
    Freebies
    Groups
    IMO
    Individual Counseling
    Just A Little Thing
    Lessons
    Office
    Organization
    Parent Book Club
    Parent Communication
    Professional Development
    #tbt
    Technology

    Archives

    July 2021
    June 2021
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014