Counselor Interview Questions in United States

Counselor Interview Questions in United States

A counselor's primary focus is to help their clients improve their mental health. Whether it's for a school setting or a part of a company dedicated specifically to counseling services, your interview will focus primarily on your ability to connect with and help your clients. You'll need exceptional listening skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and proper education and experience in this position.

8,530 Counselor interview questions shared by candidates

Top Counselor Interview Questions & How To Answer

Here are three top counselor interview questions and how to answer them:

Question #1: How would you try to communicate with a client who does not want to speak with you?

How to answer: Depending on the type of counseling position you're interviewing for, you may come across a client who is hesitant to speak to you. This question gives you an opportunity to explain your approach to more difficult client situations. Focus on your ability to connect with your clients and maintain your patience.

Question #2: What makes you a good counselor?

How to answer: This question gives you an opportunity to sell your personality, though you may also touch on your education and experience. Think about what makes a good counselor in general and which of those aspects and skills you have.

Question #3: What is one of your proudest moments in your experience with counseling?

How to answer: Questions such as these are opportunities to display your passion for being a counselor. Think of times you were able to help someone with a problem or a situation you were excited to be a part of.

Top Interview Questions

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YMCA
After School Counselor was asked...October 25, 2011

What is your general attitude toward disciplining children?

3 Answers

I said that kids need structure, but it's important to be flexible and patient and always to remember what it was like to be a kid. Less

Where I work we just tell them. There are consequences for actions. If you make a bad choice, you may lose 5 minutes of something for example, if you make good choices, sometimes you get rewarded, but we always praise good choices. Less

Nice, Hard Spanking, WITH THE BELT! and if they continue, pepper spray on the genitals. Less

San Mateo - Foster City School District

How do you intervene with at risk students?

2 Answers

I start by talking to the students and work with them to set personal goals. I often suggest getting involved with sports teams or after school programs. Less

Listen, talk, empathized, together find a solution. But, put the power back in the student’s hands. Less

Bay Area Community Resources

Interviewer asked how a Counselor should and would work with a family who doesn't respond to communication and doesn't show much interest in working with the School Counselor. Interviewer also asked how a Counselor should handle a case of suspected child abuse.

2 Answers

After reaching out through phone contacts, emails, and mailed letters, I will make a home visit in attempt to visit with the family. I will discuss with the family any problems and together come up with a solution. I worked 17 years in CPS and our agency received calls of suspected abuse from schools. I will first discuss the concerns with my superior and follow their guidelines before contacting CPS. Less

I would try to reach out to the parents in whatever way possible to make a connection with them in the hopes they would be more willing to work with me. I would also work more closely with the student to figure out why his/her parents are not interested in working with a counselor as well as what the extent of the abuse is. Every case is different, so it is hard to say what I would do if the student does not admit to being abused but I still strongly suspect it is happening. Less

New Community Corp

Did I have experience with working people in recovery

2 Answers

Absolutly over fourteen years

Yes, I have over a decade of experience. This next job is hopefully just the next step in my career. Less

YMCA

How well do you do under pressure with children?

2 Answers

I've been a counselor before with children. I can manage the pressure by getting my students under control by a distraction with games or a movie. Less

I can manage and control tense situation with children because I'm very empathetic towards them and they always look up to me. Less

the Fortune Society

What are 2 things you feel is important to convey to your clients when working with you?

2 Answers

They need to feel safe and supported.

Clients need to feel cared for, that I know what I am doing, and that I will always use my best judgement when working with them. Less

Options for Community Living

What would you do if a client said they wanted to kill themselves, someone else, etc.

2 Answers

Talk them down get them some help make sure nothing around so they can hurt they self Less

Be sure to note that if they were a risk to themselves or someone else, that you would try to de escalate any current situation, keep them with you/where u can see them while you call 911. Less

Ramsey County

How does racial equity play a role in todays workforce?

1 Answers

Racial equity plays a very specific and important role in our workforce as it addresses root causes related to social injustices. Looking at how government, policies, practices, community attitudes effect individuals of color in comparison to their "white" coworkers. Discovering systemic hidden messages and advocating for tomorrows workforce and communities plays a vital role to our county's economic wellbeing and wellbeing as a whole. Less

University of Texas at San Antonio

What trends in career counseling am I aware of?

1 Answers

The popularity of E-portfolios

Zeiders Enterprises

Give an example of a free resource you would refer a client to if they needed additional non biased and no cost information.

1 Answers

Military Onesource

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