8 Tips to Help You Land Your Dream School Counseling Job

Are you considering transitioning into the world of school counseling? Congratulations! There’s no better feeling than taking the next step in your career and helping students reach their full potential. But, landing that coveted job as a school counselor isn’t always easy. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to give yourself an edge over other candidates. Here are 8 tips for scoring that dream school counseling job.

Tip #1: Come Prepared & Know Your Stuff

Be sure to read up on the latest news and research in the field of school counseling before your interview. It’s also important to brush up on any state requirements or regulations pertaining to school counselors. This will show your potential employer that you’re knowledgeable and well-prepared for the job. Also, before going into an interview, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the position and what it entails. Research the school district or organization and familiarize yourself with their practices, procedures, and mission statement. Being knowledgeable about the district will show your interviewer that you’re serious about this position and have taken the time to learn about them.

Tip #2: Practice Interview Questions

Rehearsing common questions with a friend or family member can help you feel more confident during your interview. It’s also a great way to practice articulating your thoughts and answering questions succinctly. If possible, practice interviewing with someone knowledgeable in school counseling or someone who is familiar with interviewing techniques. Ask your mentor or advisor to provide realistic interview questions they think would be likely asked during an interview. Practicing these questions will help build your confidence when answering questions during an actual interview.

Tip #3: Role Play Scenarios

Many employers use role-play scenarios during interviews as a way to evaluate how well prospective employees handle difficult situations. So practice thinking through different ethical dilemmas. Come up with best practices decisions ahead of time so you’re prepared for anything they throw at you! Ethics are incredibly important when it comes to working as a school counselor. It’s essential that you demonstrate how well-versed you are in ethical decision-making when it comes to working with students, parents, teachers, administrators, etc. Showing examples of best practice decisions will show potential employers just how committed you are to do what’s best for everyone involved in the educational process.

Tip #4: Dress to Impress

Every school system has its own expectations when it comes to dress codes.  Make sure you know what those expectations are before heading into your interview! It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed when going for a job interview—so err on the side of caution and opt for professional attire. No matter where you go for an interview, always dress professionally – this shows respect for yourself as well as the employer who has invited you in for an interview. With a school counseling role, in particular, dressing professionally is especially important because this is what potential students may see first when they meet with a counselor; having someone who looks put together creates a lasting impression.

Tip #5: Submit Resume Folder

A resume folder is one of the most effective ways of making an impression on hiring managers because it gives them everything they need in one place. This is especially important if you’re applying for multiple positions within the same school system—make sure each folder contains all relevant materials tailored specifically for that position! When you submit your resume folder for a school counseling job interview, make sure it reflects you in the best possible light! Pull together all your credentials and materials – a tailored cover letter, attention-grabbing resume, references, and portfolio – into a neat package. Having all of these materials impressively presented gives hiring managers the opportunity to get to know you better. Presenting an organized and comprehensive package will give them the confidence that you can take up this position and demonstrate your qualifications. By giving it some extra TLC, you’ll leave them with a positive first impression!

Tip #6: Use a Nicely Printed Resume & Cover Letter

When submitting your resume packet, make sure it looks professional by using nicely printed documents (no typos!) with clear formatting that is easy to read at first glance. Using a nicely printed resume and cover letter to apply for a school counseling job is important. Not only will it show your attention to detail and professionalism, but the clear formatting gives employers a good impression at first glance. After all, no matter how awesome your qualifications might be, if they can’t easily read your documents they won’t be able to get the full picture of what you have to offer! Make sure whatever printing option you choose looks nice and neat – it’ll put you in great stead come interview time!

Tip #7: Make a Brochure Highlighting Your Strengths & How You Would Build Your Program

A brochure showcasing who you are as a counselor — from strengths and experiences down to how you would go about building your program — is another great way of making an impression on hiring managers who have multiple applicants vying for the same position! I love using canva.com this would be super helpful in coming up with a brochure, resume, and cover letter!

Tip #8: Share Your Online Portfolio

If possible, share links to any online portfolio pieces or projects (such as blogs or websites) created throughout your career with potential employers during interviews so they can get a better idea of who you are as an individual outside of just being “the candidate.”

Landing that dream school counseling job doesn’t have to be impossible —it just takes preparation and dedication! By following these 8 tips, teachers and counselors can make themselves stand out from other candidates while also showing their potential employer they are knowledgeable in their field and passionate about making an impact in the lives of students across their community. Good luck!

Want to read more tips for NEW COUNSELORS? Read 5 Tips for First-Year Counselors