The International Schools Review Forum

Hello
Spouse has been offered an interview for a counselor position. School in Asia, mostly local though high achieving students. Any interview tips specific to this kind of position welcome. Position is for social emotional focus, not university / college entry.

Just a general tip applicable most situations: Give them what they want. If they have given you a brief of what they are looking for then sell/spin any and all applicable (or even stretchable) education and experience to show knowledge and success with pastoral roles, social and emotional well being, mentoring, counseling etc.

The fact that it is a boarding school will mean they generally want someone who will commit and/or is eager to spend time on after school duties. The fact that it is a British boarding school often means they are looking to recreate that type of environment (or at least sell that type of environment to prospective families). So any personal and professional experience of boarding schools, British schools etc should be prominently spun.

In short, find a way to give the people what they want (but also make certain that you/your husband are prepared to fulfill the type of role they foresee for this position). Good luck!

There is an alternative to giving them what they want. It's telling them who you are. That way you get the employer that suits you. The reality is of course that the middle ground is where it's at - but don't sell yourself down the river before you even arrive at the place.

I concur with @WT123, interviews arent really about competence, they are about fit. Usually the first interview is about how well you fit with the ISs academic needs, and the second interview how well your personality fits with the ISs ethos. Give them what they want and you make the decision of fit far easier to determine, show them who you are and you may simply be talking yourself out of a job. No educator is really who they are at an ISs all of us wear a professional mask, so show them the mask they want and then be close to that persona on the job.

Expect a significant focus on pastoral and spiritual care, counselors are seen as a head parent in such situations often the liaison between the students school life, after school life and home life (which is still school life). Imagine being a head camp counselor and you have a general understanding of the role.

Explore the ISs spiritual/religious ethos what is it and how serious do they take it, and be sure your comfortable with it.

I assume your familiar with the British NC, if not some study on common terms, etc. would be prudent.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I am now seeking specific interview questions that may arise for this kind of position. The interview is being conducted by the line manager, a head of department.

Yes, my wife is familiar with those types of schools; she graduated from one and we are well aware of the extra duties that come with being on staff.

Interesting thoughts regarding 'be yourself' versus 'be who they want.' As PsyGuy notes, surely we all have a professional mask - even if that is simply a heightened or variation of who we really are.

Thank you everyone for your replies. We are familiar with British schools from having studied and worked in them in Asia.

Are there any specific interview questions relating to counseling?

@alwaysadjusting

Some Questions:

1) Describe your crises plan for a student in distress?
2) What is your experience with students having SEN/LS needs (have you just been part of the assessment committee, or have you actually provided services. In ISs without SEN, the counselor is the one that works with parents and leadership in developing an IEP/Action Plan)
3) How do you describe your relationship/communication style with leadership, faculty, and parents?
4) How do you balance collaboration and working independently?
5) Describe the activities you would include and address during new and returning staff orientation (do you understand the needs of the IS and do you know legal aspects)?
6) How do you feel about hosting weekly events such as luncheons with parents (a lot of the tasking for a counselor is student management and liaison types of tasking)?
7) Are you familiar with the WISC (or some other instrument)?

Thank you @PsyGuy . Appreciate the response. They were the kinds of questions we were seeking.