School Psychologist Interview Questions and Answers

Sample Interview Questions

• How do you use creativity to engage students during counseling sessions?

  Purpose: To gauge the candidate's ability to make sessions interesting and effective for students.

  Sample answer

  “

  I often use art and play therapy techniques to help students express their feelings in a non-verbal way. It makes the sessions more engaging and less intimidating for them.

• Can you share a time when you solved a complex problem involving a student?

  Purpose: To understand the candidate's problem-solving skills and their approach to difficult situations.

  Sample answer

  “

  Once, I worked with a student who was struggling academically due to undiagnosed ADHD. By collaborating with teachers and parents, we developed a comprehensive support plan that significantly improved the student's performance.

• How do you celebrate small victories with your students?

  Purpose: To see how the candidate motivates and encourages students.

  Sample answer

  “

  I love using a 'star chart' where students earn stars for their achievements. We celebrate with small rewards and positive reinforcement, which boosts their confidence.

• What strategies do you use to stay updated with the latest in educational psychology?

  Purpose: To assess the candidate's commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

  Sample answer

  “

  I regularly attend workshops, webinars, and read the latest research articles. Staying updated helps me apply the best practices in my work.

• How do you build trust with students who are initially reluctant to open up?

  Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's interpersonal skills and ability to connect with students.

  Sample answer

  “

  I start by creating a safe and welcoming environment, using active listening, and showing genuine interest in their lives. Building trust takes time, but it's essential for effective counseling.

• How do you handle a situation where a student is displaying disruptive behavior in class?

  Purpose: To understand the candidate's approach to behavior management.

  Sample answer

  “

  I work closely with the teacher to understand the root cause of the behavior and implement strategies like positive reinforcement and behavior modification plans.

• How do you support students with special needs?

  Purpose: To assess the candidate's experience and approach to working with special needs students.

  Sample answer

  “

  I collaborate with special education teachers to create individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide tailored support to meet each student's unique needs.

• How do you promote inclusivity and diversity within the school environment?

  Purpose: To see how the candidate fosters an inclusive and diverse school culture.

  Sample answer

  “

  I organize workshops and activities that celebrate different cultures and backgrounds, and I work to ensure that all students feel valued and included.

• ️ What tools or assessments do you use to evaluate a student's psychological well-being?

  Purpose: To understand the candidate's familiarity with psychological assessment tools.

  Sample answer

  “

  I use a variety of tools such as the BASC-3, WISC-V, and behavioral checklists to get a comprehensive understanding of a student's psychological state.

• How do you involve parents in the counseling process?

  Purpose: To evaluate the candidate's approach to family involvement in student support.

  Sample answer

  “

  I hold regular meetings with parents to discuss their child's progress and collaborate on strategies to support their well-being both at school and at home.