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School Counseling Job Market Linky Party

3/13/2013

27 Comments

 
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I've received a LOT of emails about how to prepare for a school counseling interview. This process is definitely nerve-racking, especially when open positions may be few and far between. This linky party will connect you with tips to get you through that interview - hopefully with a new job!
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When I interviewed, I brought sample lesson plans in a binder, organized by grade level. This showed my interviewing committee that I have experience with all grade levels and have resources at my disposal. Since you are typically on your own as a school counselor, your committee will be searching for individuals who are independent, creative, and intrinsically motivated. Show that side of yourself! However, you must also demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. I know that sounds like conflicting advice, but school counselors wear many hats.

I also brought data (refer to my annual report). My future principal was impressed by this and frankly, I think it may be the big reason I was hired. Administrators want their employees to show their effectiveness and be thoughtful about how they spend their time. Through my annual report (I created this using my internship data), I demonstrated my scope as a school counselor. Whatever information you have about the effectiveness of your services will help you stand out from the crowd. Seriously! 
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1. Unique ideas that have proven to be effective, either from your internship or previous school(s).
2. Your passion for school counseling. However, you don't want to come off as a starry-eyed newbie. This is not an easy job, so your committee needs to know that you love school counseling even on the most exhausting and trying of days. You need to be ready to walk the halls with a smile on your face, even when you feel like things are falling apart. Students, staff, and parents come to school counselors for help and, unfortunately, sometimes that can leave you feeling drained. Show the interviewing committee that you know school counseling is tough, but you're prepared.
3. Your personality. Smile, be warm and inviting. As a school counselor, you are expected to be approachable, so control your nerves and try your best to relax. Also, be yourself. If you're faking it, it will show.
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Every school counseling position is different and every district is different. It would help to do some research prior to your interview to get a better idea of what they are looking for. That being said, you will probably have questions about:

1. Academic support structures. For my position, I need to know about RtI, 504 Plans, IEPs, DIBELS, progress monitoring, interventions, etc. This is what comes up in meetings and as a facilitator, I need to understand my school's process. Also, these are services that my students receive, so how can I support them if I have little to no understanding of their academic environment? Parents sometimes call me for information, as well, so I have to know the protocol.
2. Handling conflict. They want to know that you can manage the stress and pressure of the job, while still maintaining positive working relationships with students, staff, and parents. What makes you great to work with?
3. Managing negative student behaviors. Have you ever worked with students with violent behaviors? Do you know how to address significant behavior concerns? Your committee is looking for someone who can jump right in and help if a child is in crisis.
4. Experience. What skills do you have? Hopefully, you know how to run individual, small group,  and classroom-based counseling sessions. Talk about that. Also, did you run a particularly effective school-wide program? The school may be looking to shake things up and your experience may be the key to doing so.
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Want to participate?

Create a blog post titled "School Counseling Job Market Linky Party"
Place the Linky Party logo (above) in your post.
Answer the questions. You may copy and paste my headers if you'd like.
Submit your blog post link (below). Be sure to link to the actual post.

Don't have a blog?

No problem! Just add your thoughts to the comment section.

Giveaway

One random participant will receive a free set of school counseling notepads (left), perfect for a new OR veteran school counselor. Courtesy of Counselors Corner.

27 Comments
Melissa
3/13/2013 10:47:41 am

Thank you for this post! I graduate in May and am so anxious about the job search process. These are some great tips.

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Marissa Rex link
3/13/2013 11:03:12 am

You're welcome! Glad you found them helpful. Keep checking back - hopefully more school counselors will post their thoughts.

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Lori Hauskins Sims
3/13/2013 11:26:37 am

Thank you for these helpful hints. Interviewing is never easy, so this is great.

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Marissa Rex link
3/13/2013 12:25:10 pm

No problem! Glad to help! :)

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Kristy
3/14/2013 03:15:56 am

I just finished the interview process (and landed a job - woo hoo)! It was taxing, but well worth it. The more time the district spends getting to know you, the more you spend getting to know them too!

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Marissa Rex link
3/16/2013 02:30:37 am

Congratulations, Kristy! Best of luck with your new position!

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Tanya
3/19/2013 12:46:41 pm

One of the best things I did to prepare for interviews was to anticipate questions that would be asked and work on wording things in a way that communicated what I wanted effectively and quickly (I didn't want to ramble...) It was through this process that I decided on the key points I wanted to communicate about myself and my abilities and directed all of answers in those specific directions.

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Marissa Rex link
3/22/2013 11:54:05 pm

Thank you for the tips, Tanya! :)

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Heather Fusinetti link
3/21/2013 08:48:49 am

Thank you for sharing. I am new to the blogging world and just started a blog. I don't have any followers and am still in the setting up stages but am hoping to make something out of it:)

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Marissa Rex link
3/22/2013 11:57:31 pm

Thanks, Heather! I saw your post. Be sure to add it to the list on this page so everyone can see it. That will be a good way to gain new followers.

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Heather Fusinetti link
3/24/2013 11:08:40 pm

How do I add mine to the list?

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Heather Fusinetti link
3/24/2013 11:10:19 pm

http://schoolcounselingconnections.blogspot.com/2013/03/school-counseling-job-market-linky-party.html

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Marissa Rex link
3/29/2013 02:07:20 am

This works! :)

Lisa
3/21/2013 10:28:31 am

Hi Marissa, thank you for posting about the job and interview tips I can sure use it. I am from New York and finished my program in 2011 and the Advanced Certificate last year. I have not been able to find a job at all. I am honestly starting to feel discouraged. Your tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks agian.

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Marissa Rex link
3/23/2013 12:04:13 am

You're welcome, Lisa! I know it's hard - I only had one school counseling opening to apply for when I graduated because I was locked into a specific area. Often, there are not a lot of openings at one time, which makes it harder to get an interview. One thing to consider would be working within a school district (one with many school counselors, so you'll have a higher likelihood of an opening), even as a substitute teacher, because if they get to know you and your work ethic, you will have an upperhand when they have a school counseling opening.

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Fran
3/26/2013 10:22:47 pm

Marissa,

I just "found" your site! I'm currently in my internship and will be graduating in June. I'm in an awesome school, that has two great counselors. I keep telling them if they want to make a third opening that I'm their woman! I've got applications out right now and found your interview tips to be very helpful! Hopefully I'll get one or two interviews soon! Thanks so much for posting these!!

Fran~

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Marissa Rex link
3/29/2013 03:01:48 am

You're welcome! I wish you the best of luck. I was hired a few days before the start of the school year, so don't lose hope! :)

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Marissa Rex link
3/29/2013 02:11:06 am

The winner of the giveaway, picked at random, is...
Alyssa Hall from Classy Counselor!

Thank you to everyone who posted a link or gave their suggestions in the comment section. You've been so helpful! :)

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Alyssa Hall
4/7/2013 03:23:54 am

Thanks! That's exciting! :)

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Marissa Rex link
4/14/2013 01:27:53 pm

You're welcome :)

Carol Miller link
4/3/2013 04:31:04 am

I have added your Linky Party to my blog:http://themiddleschoolcounselor.blogspot.com/2013/04/school-counseling-job-market-linky-party.html

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Marissa Rex link
4/5/2013 03:28:31 am

Thank you! :)

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Marissa Rex link
4/17/2013 05:43:33 am

Another great post about the job market: http://carlicounsels.blogspot.com/2013/02/above-and-beyond-job-search-tips-for.html

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Mehwish
12/7/2013 01:59:16 am

Thank you so much for this post. I graduated in may and am looking for a job. I am starting to feel discouraged but I am not ready to give up!

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Marissa Rex link
12/14/2013 12:15:20 am

You're very welcome and good luck with the job search!

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Kevin Mcilnay
6/28/2015 09:30:16 am

Thanks for the post!! I've got your site bookmarked so I plan on visiting frequently. I've got 9 years firefighting experience and now I'm moving into School Counseling. I find myself at a serious disadvantage when interviewing, as many of the applicants are, or have been, teachers. Been working hard at overcoming that. In fact, I have an interview at an elementary school tomorrow, so I'm browsing whatever I can to help me nail this one. I've been through quite a few interviews already and it's tough not to get discouraged. Your site has given me some good tips. Thanks again!!

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Marissa Rex link
7/5/2016 05:50:42 pm

Best of luck to you, Kevin! The job market can be exhausting, but I hope you're able to find the school counseling position of your dreams!

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    My name is Marissa Rex and I am a 1st Grade teacher and an elementary school counselor from Ohio. I hope you enjoy my site!

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