Guidance Counselor

Guidance Counselor interview questions

Your ideal Guidance Counselor candidate will vary depending on the role, institution type and age of students—but whatever the work environment, you’ll always need a candidate with awesome communication skills and high emotional intelligence. They’ll be active listeners with an understanding and appreciation of the diversity in your institution. 

Top tips: 

• Listen: Keep an eye out for your candidates’ ability to prepare students for life beyond school, as well as during.
• Look for qualified candidates: Counseling is specialized work and requires credentials (think: MA in school counseling or social work/psychology specialization/state certification in school social work or school psychology).
• Grow together: Hire candidates you can grow with by making sure their personal career goals align with your company's mission.

Role-specific interview questions

• What’s your favorite thing about working with (elementary/middle/high school) students?
• How is your role different from that of a social worker, mental health counselor, or school psychologist?
• How much experience do you have with LGBT students?
• How much experience do you have with special education students?
• Describe what you’d look for with an at-risk student.
• How do you balance cultural differences in a school setting?
• Do you have group counseling experience? 
• What's the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP plan?
• When would you use a behavior management plan?
• Have you ever resolved a problem with an angry parent? What happened?
• How do you balance the needs of students, parents, and school admins?
• Have you ever had to help students cope with grief, loss, or mental health issues? How?
• What factors would you consider before recommending an outside agency referral?
• Have you ever coordinated efforts with other school specialists?
• How do you stay up-to-date with current guidance counseling trends?