How to Prepare for a School Counseling Job Interview (and Land the Role!)

By Noelle Rizzio, PEL, LCPC

Interviewing for a school counseling position is exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. You’re not just selling your skills; you’re showing who you are and how you’ll support students, families, and staff every day. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional, preparing thoughtfully makes all the difference. Here’s how to walk into your next interview feeling confident, authentic, and ready to shine.

1. Do Your Homework on the School and District

Before you walk in (or log on), invest time in understanding the school’s mission, culture, and priorities.

✔ Visit the school/district website and social media
✔ Note any specific challenges — achievement gaps, attendance goals, SEL initiatives, graduation rates
✔ Learn about counseling priorities already in place

When you can reference something specific about their program or student needs during the interview, you immediately stand out as someone who cares about their school — not just any job.

2. Study Common School Counseling Interview Questions

School counseling interviews tend to blend typical interview questions with position-specific scenarios and program-related inquiries. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) offers a robust list of sample interview questions that reflect real expectations from hiring committees.

Here are examples you might encounter:

• Role & Vision: How does the school counselor’s role support the school’s mission?

• ASCA Alignment: How do you use the ASCA National Model in your planning?

• Scenario Questions: Imagine a struggling student — what steps would you take to support them?

• Equity & Access: What does equity mean to you — and how would you promote it in this school?

Resources like sample interview question maps or prep guides can also help you categorize and organize your responses rather than simply memorizing answers.

3. Build a Strong Personal Narrative

You’ll likely be asked questions like:

• What influenced you to become a school counselor?

• Tell us about a success — and a challenge — in counseling work.

• Why this school?

These are opportunities to share your story. Connect your journey to your counseling philosophy, your values, and your why — not just your résumé bullet points.

4. Prepare Evidence of Your Work

If appropriate, bring a portfolio (in person or digital) that illustrates your experience:

✔ Sample guidance lessons or group outlines
✔ Needs assessments or data summaries
✔ Examples of collaboration with teachers/parents
✔ SEL or crisis response artifacts

A portfolio can help your answers feel concrete and not just abstract concepts. (If you include student work, always protect confidentiality.)

5. Practice — With Reflection

Mock interviews with a friend, mentor, or supervisor can help you refine responses and practice staying calm under pressure. You might:

• Record yourself

• Practice responding to scenario prompts

• Get real feedback on tone and clarity

Ask for feedback and tweak your answers — not to sound perfect, but to feel confident and natural.

6. Engage with Warmth and Professionalism

Counseling is relationship-based work, so your demeanor matters. Interviewers are listening not just for what you say, but how you say it.

✔ Be warm, authentic, and present
✔ Communicate professionalism without being robotic
✔ Show enthusiasm for student support and your potential role in the school community

7. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Remember — you’re interviewing them too. Thoughtful questions blend curiosity with professionalism and show you’re evaluating fit.

Consider asking:

• What’s unique about the counseling program here?

• What challenges do you hope this position will help address?

• How does the school support professional development?

Bonus Tips from Real Candidates

School counseling communities online share additional practical insights:

• Bring multiple copies of your résumé; it looks professional.

• Know ASCA standards — many interviews reference them directly.

• Be ready for situational questions (e.g., crisis responses, parent interactions).

Final Thoughts

Interviewing for a school counseling role honors both heart and skill. Preparation means:

❤️ Showing up as your true self
🧠 Knowing the landscape of comprehensive counseling
🎤 Communicating clearly with purpose

And always center students: every answer that references student success, relationships, or advocacy resonates deeply with hiring committees — because that’s what this work is fundamentally about.

You’ve got this!