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Guidance Counsellor Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Guidance Counsellor interview questions and answers.

  1. Why did you choose to become a guidance counsellor? See answer
  2. How would you handle a situation where a student reports abuse from an adult? See answer
  3. There will be times when students are repeatedly disruptive. How do you handle this? See answer
  4. Why do you think we should hire you over other candidates? See answer
  5. Which part of your studies prepared you to become a guidance counsellor? See answer
  6. How do you work in interdisciplinary teams? See answer
  7. How has your counselling style changed over time? See answer
  8. How do you handle constructive criticism? See answer
  9. Have you ever worked beyond school hours to complete work or notes? See answer
  10. Have you ever performed group interventions? What was your experience like? See answer
  11. How to you manage your time when you have multiple students to see in a day? See answer
  12. Where do you see yourself in five years? See answer
  13. How have you managed situations when you had to collaborate with multiple professionals to help solve a student’s problem?
  14. How would you use your position to support the school’s values? 
  15. Which therapy approaches do you use the most? 
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Hire your next Guidance Counsellor today.

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Hire your next Guidance Counsellor today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Guidance Counsellor Interview Questions and Answers

Why did you choose to become a guidance counsellor?

Asking this question allows you to determine why the candidate wants to be a guidance counsellor and how their career has been shaped by their experiences. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Vulnerability and honesty
  • Passion for this career
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Example:

"My mom was a guidance counsellor and my grandmother was a social worker, so I naturally gravitated toward this field when I graduated from high school. I've always wanted to help people, and my own guidance counsellor made a big impact on my life. Being able to speak to someone who didn't judge me and who wouldn't tell my parents what I was going through made a big difference when I was growing up. It only made sense to become a guidance counsellor." 

How have you managed situations when you had to collaborate with multiple professionals to help solve a student's problem?

Schools are made up of different departments and professionals. That's why candidates should have a good understanding of what it takes to work with other types of people. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Good communication skills
  • Flexibility when working with interdisciplinary teams and finding solutions
  • Understanding of how different teams work and how they interpret situations

Example:

"My priority is my student, which is why I believe in working with interdisciplinary teams to create the best solution possible for each individual. It's often professors or students' parents who refer them to me, so interdisciplinary teams are common. As long as we're working toward the student's goals, I value and crave the opinion of others."

How would you handle a situation where a student reports abuse from an adult?

A good candidate will need to navigate situations like these when dealing with students. Guidance counsellors need to have a good grasp of legislation and their duty to the student when doing so. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Empathy and compassion for students' situations
  • Ability to provide solutions while respecting students' confidentiality
  • Understanding of legal ramifications

Example:

"When managing cases like this, there has to be a balance between respecting the student's confidentiality and following legal guidelines. The first thing I would do is visit my supervisor to see whether they have additional insight on the matter. I would also empower my student to be their own advocate. If I deem that the student is in danger, I would have to report the issue."

There will be times when students are repeatedly disruptive. How do you handle this?

A good candidate is one who knows how to manage situations like these. When working in a school, students may be disruptive, and the guidance counsellor needs to provide a balance between supporting the student and explaining why they can't continue to be disruptive. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of school policies
  • Friendly but professional attitude
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Example:

"Disruptive students are often students who are hurting. That's why I would work one-on-one with the student to get to the route of their issues and find the best way to help them through their situation. More than anything, these students need support, and it's my job to provide it to them."

Why do you think we should hire you over other candidates?

The candidate should demonstrate experience working with adolescents and children who have precarious socio-economic situations. This is the candidate's chance to set themselves apart from the competition. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Demonstrates real-life experience
  • Demonstrates educational experience
  • Strong communication skills

Example:

"I have extensive experience working with children and have worked as a gymnastics coach throughout my schooling and career. I like working to help children realize their full potential. Moreover, I also know that children are really little adults and that they're capable of making their own decisions about their lives. That's why I communicate with them as such."

How would you use your position to support the school's values?

The candidate should know the school's values and mission. By asking this question, you'll know whether they've done their research. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Refers to the school's mission statement
  • Understands what it takes to be a guidance counsellor
  • Explains how they can contribute to the school's mission

Example:

"A guidance counsellor is someone who knows how to help students align their behaviour with that of the school's values. This school looks at the lives of their students holistically and believes in their overall well-being. Part of maintaining a student's overall well-being is to promote their emotional stability, which is what I aim to do."

Which therapy approaches do you use the most?

This question will provide you with information on the guidance counsellor's therapy techniques. Moreover, it may also reveal whether the candidate fits in with your place of employment. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of therapy techniques
  • Shows excitement for the position
  • Ability to use theory in practice

Example:

"I use CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy, most often. I believe children react the way they do because of their accumulation of experiences. With cognitive behavioural therapy, I can help children process some of those experiences and create more positive experiences in the long-run."

Which part of your studies prepared you to become a guidance counsellor?

This question will give you a better idea of what the candidate's educational experience looks like. Moreover, it'll also explain whether they can find a correlation between their theoretical and practical experience. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Demonstrates practical experience
  • Overview of education experience
  • Discusses correlation between studies and practice

Example:

"When I was in school, I participated in an internship, which taught me a lot about helping students grow and overcome challenges. However, I didn't have the same level of responsibility then as I do now. In my previous position, I was able to put the skills and knowledge I learned in school and my internship into practice, and I've loved every minute of it."

How do you work in interdisciplinary teams?

It's common for counsellors to collaborate with professionals from other disciplines, such as psychologists and therapists, when working with special needs children. A strong candidate should understand their own role and how it relates to those of the other individuals. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of how interdisciplinary teams function
  • Understanding of their own role in the team
  • Acknowledgement of their limits within the team

Example:

"As a counsellor, I often collaborate with healthcare professionals to help children with learning disabilities or sensory deficiencies. My role in these collaborative efforts is to act as an advocate for the child. My care involves understanding the child's needs and specific circumstances, which I convey to the other members of the team so that they can provide the best, most tailored treatment to the child."

How has your counselling style changed over time?

This question provides the candidate a moment to reflect on where they started and how far they've come. It also gives you an idea as to how they might fit in with your team. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Expresses appreciation for their journey
  • Discusses where they started
  • Shows excitement for their current therapy style

Example:

"My style has changed a lot over time. When I first started in this field, I tried to help everyone and solve everyone's problems. Now, though, I know that this isn't realistic. I do the best I can, and I try to find creative solutions the students haven't considered before, but I make sure it doesn't affect my own mental health."

How do you handle constructive criticism?

This question is useful because it gives you insight into how the candidate receives constructive criticism and whether they're able to apply it to their practice. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Demonstrates appreciation for criticism
  • Desire to improve themselves
  • Shows appreciation for team

Example:

"I think constructive criticism is essential to grow. I always try to find ways to improve myself and I want to know how I can be an effective member of this team."

Have you ever worked beyond school hours to complete work or notes?

This question will tell you whether the candidate is willing to put more work in and whether they can take on additional responsibilities. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Willingness to take on extra work
  • Strong time-management skills
  • Ability to put students first

Example:

"There have been times when I've had to take on extra work outside of school hours. While this isn't always ideal, my students always come first, and that's why I manage my time to work as efficiently as possible. If that means I have to work outside of school hours, I will."

Have you ever performed group interventions? What was your experience like?

This question will determine whether the candidate can take on more complex interventions. In cases of bullying or family struggles, group interventions may be necessary. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with group interventions
  • Willingness to work as a unit
  • Enthusiasm toward clients

Example:

"I love performing group interventions. These are great ways to get to the root of family problems or issues among several students. At times, I'll ask a co-facilitator to join us so that everyone is heard."

How to you manage your time when you have multiple students to see in a day?

Guidance counsellors typically see several students in the same day. The way they prioritize students will tell you a lot about their work style and how they manage their time. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Specific strategy for prioritization
  • Demonstrates consideration for students
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Example:

"When prioritizing my students, I first determine whether I have any urgent cases that need my attention right away. Then, I move down the caseload to see which ones are more complex cases. I try to go through my smaller cases first, and then I start to work on my bigger cases."

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question provides you with the opportunity to see whether the candidate sees themselves working for your company in the long run. Because students become attached to their guidance counsellors, it's important to have a candidate who is planning to stay long term. Here's what to look for in an answer:

  • Intention to work in job position long term
  • Knowledge of open job position
  • Considers the well-being of students when planning

Example:

"In five years, I hope to be working with more stability. I like to get to know the students I'm working with, which is why I plan to set up roots somewhere. I plan to one day move up in my career, but I'm really looking for a place to build a foundation."

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