Why this matters:
Guidance counselors need to establish trusting and open communication pathways with students to fully understand their needs, but not every student is ready to discuss the issues they’re facing. Some students may be shy or reserved, while others may be fearful of repercussions. A strong candidate will have strategies to motivate noncommunicative students to open up.
What to listen for:
- Specific approaches for building trust like listening actively and expressing empathy
- Strategies for easing student nerves, like using humor or asking them about their interests
- Instinct to disclose reporting mandates to students
Why this matters:
Mediating conflict is an inevitable part of a guidance counselor’s job. When two students are unable to reconcile their differences on their own, the guidance counselor will have to guide the students through their feelings, help them communicate those feelings to one another, and find a resolution that all parties can agree on.
What to listen for:
- Steps for mediation, including listening and encouraging mindfulness
- Familiarity with conflict resolution strategies like restorative justice
- Willingness to listen openly to both sides
Why this matters:
A guidance counselor should be able to listen to a student’s goals, evaluate their academic standing, and provide helpful advice and guidance throughout the college application process. They should have a strong understanding of the college landscape and requirements, and should encourage students to apply to a range of reach, match, and safety schools.
What to listen for:
- In-depth knowledge of a vast array of colleges and universities
- Understanding of the application process
- Ability to provide advice based on a student’s goals
Why this matters:
Guidance counselors do not work in a vacuum. The vast majority of the time, solving student issues requires collaboration with teachers, administrators, and even parents. Counselors should be strong student advocates, comfortable communicating student needs to their colleagues, and adept at brainstorming solutions to students’ problems.
What to listen for:
- Collaborative mindset
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to advocate for students
Why this matters:
Successful guidance counselors are excellent listeners. Before proposing any solution, counselors should listen to and understand their students’ reasonings behind decisions. The ideal candidate will be able to encourage students to continue their education while also setting up genuine support to help them do it.
What to listen for:
- Excellent listening skills with attentiveness toward student needs
- Problem-solving abilities
- Familiarity with school and regional resources that can provide additional support to students
Why this matters:
Many guidance counselors serve students from a range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Consequently, it’s important they’re aware that students with marginalized identities face unique challenges due to societal pressures and expectations. The counselor should be able to address their implicit biases and prioritize respect and inclusion.
What to listen for:
- Commitment to embracing diversity
- Sensitivity toward challenges commonly faced by people with marginalized identities
- Specific strategies to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students
Why this matters:
Guidance counselors should always have their students’ best interests in mind when making decisions and offering advice. Understanding the factors that led your candidate to becomeing a guidance counselor can help you get a sense of their daily motivations, passion, and goals when it comes to helping students.
What to listen for:
- Genuine passion for helping students
- Strong daily motivations
- Shared student goals
Why this matters:
Guidance counselors are responsible for developing intervention plans, communicating with parents and colleagues regarding student progress, and documenting meetings. At the same time, they must make themselves available to address immediate student needs. Carrying out both of these duties requires careful planning and balance. A strong candidate will have clear methods they employ to address this challenge.
What to listen for:
- Clear methods for managing time and maintaining balance
- Ability to perform all functions of the job
- Excellent organizational skills
Why this matters:
While being a guidance counselor is a rewarding career, it comes with its share of emotional challenges and stressors. A counselor may be called upon to help students cope with serious issues, and keeping their own personal wellness in check will better prepare them to help students. Make sure your candidate understands the challenges of the role and has personal practices in place to address them.
What to listen for:
- Understanding of the challenges of the role
- Ability to stay calm and professional in stressful situations
- Strategies to practice personal wellness, like meditation or exercise
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