Job Search Tips for School Counselors
Ø Individual career counseling sessions
Ø Library resource materials, videos, and handouts on the job search process
Ø Resume Critique and Mock Interview sessions
Ø Networking Information and Strategies
Ø Credential File Service
Ø Resources on our website under Job Search:
· Riv Full-time professional job listings - posted weekly in conjunction with the New Hampshire College and University Council (NHCUC) on JOBLINE.
· Riv Part-time professional job listings – posted weekly
· Employment Positions and Job Search Resources on the Net- Links to: best career websites for job seekers, job listing sites by career/major field, researching employers and industries online (National public and private school directories), resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, local resources (classifieds and job banks), relocation assistance, and networking information on the Net.
· Annual NHCUC Job Fair & other Job Fairs – See our online News/Events link
I. LEARN HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF
A. List and assess your strengths and weaknesses - Include the following:
Ø Specific knowledge and skills related to school counseling (job-related skills).
Ø Transferable skills gained from work, volunteer, and community service positions.
Ø Traits, which reflect your personality, character, and ability to get along with others.
Ø Leadership qualities (ie. organizational skills, taking initiative, decision-making)
B. Be prepared to give specific examples of your greatest strengths
C. Minimize your weaknesses by presenting them in a positive way
D. Pursue that extra credential, certificate, or field expertise - Consider:
Ø Multicultural and/or Bilingual Counseling
Ø Specialist in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (SAIF)
Ø School-to-Careers or Career Development Facilitator Training
Ø Special Education Expertise
Ø Substance Abuse Counseling Specialist
Ø Parenting Education
E. Create a School Counseling Portfolio - A sample of your very best talents:
Ø Resume
Ø Mission Statement - Can include your skills, strengths, guiding principles, dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others, and future professional goals.
Ø Professional letters of reference
Ø Educational transcripts, coursework samples (special projects or research)
Ø School Counseling Certifications and any other relevant certifications or credentials
Ø Awards, honors, publications, and presentations (include brochure)
Ø Certificates of attendance and participation in relevant workshops and seminars
Ø Outstanding supervisory evaluations of your internship experience
Ø Letters from parents commending you for your work with their children
Ø Photos of you presenting a classroom or small group guidance activity
Ø A creative lesson plan/activities you developed and presented on a relevant topic
Ø Photos of special activities or mentoring programs (ie. coaching, club advisor)
Ø Examples of motivational activities and progress rewards utilized with students
Ø Newspaper articles/photos of you as a leader, organizer, team player, or role model
Ø Letters of invitation to share your expertise to train, consult, mentor, or counsel others
Ø Letters from school administrators praising your performance (ie. crisis intervention)
Ø Projects you initiated and implemented (ie. parent newsletter, peer mediation program)
II. GETTING YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR
To obtain an interview, you must get through the initial screening process. To make the paper cut:
A. Prepare an Outstanding Resume - Most important primary tool of your job search
B. Complete the School District Application - Type neatly, no errors or misspellings
C. Include an Impressive Cover Letter - Tailor it to the specific job vacancy
D. Obtain 3-5 Superb References - Character and counseling ability affirmations.
Ø Professional Reference Letters - Internship supervisors, school counselors/directors, administrators, graduate counseling program directors, faculty members, etc.
Ø Personal Reference Letters - Previous employers, community leaders, etc.
View the CDC’s online Job Searching for Teachers guide @ www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/Getajob.htm
Ø Make a list of school districts and specific schools that interest you (public, private,etc.)
Ø Prioritize the list, placing your first choices at the top
Ø Set up a schedule of in person visits (cold calls) to the schools on your list
Ø Ask to speak with the principal, personnel director, or anyone on the hiring panel. If you are granted an informal visit with someone who has hiring power, be prepared to explain your intentions. For example:
“My name is ______ and I’m seeking a school counselor position. I’m interested in your school (or school district) because of its excellent reputation. When positions become available, I plan to apply for them. In the meantime, I was hoping to personally meet you and learn more about your school (or school district).
Remember, administrators are impressed by candidates who have taken the initiative to introduce themselves and visit their schools. It also helps to them to connect faces with names on an application, another way to market yourself and your skills.
Ø More people obtain jobs by networking than using conventional job search methods
Ø Ask teachers, counselors, and administrators where you’ve interned, volunteered, or worked, about job openings in the school or district. Ask for key contact referrals in other school districts as well. Conduct school surveys through these contacts.
Ø Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest as a way to learn more about their job, educational background, career path to current position, industry pros and cons, and to obtain referrals that broaden your networking base. See the CDC’s online Informational Interview guide @ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/talk.html
Ø Ask friends, relatives, and community members if they can refer you to contacts with hiring power or have information about local school counselor vacancies.
Ø Join national and local professional associations to develop a professional support network and obtain current employment information through journals and newsletters.
· American Counseling Association
5999 Stevenson Ave. phone: 800-347-6647
Alexandria, Virginia 22304-3300 website: www.counseling.org/
· American School Counseling Association
801 North Fairfax St., Suite 310 phone: 800-306-4722
Alexandria, Virginia 22313 website: www.schoolcounselor.org/
Ø Research Employers Online @ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/companies.htm Lists National Public and Private School Directories
Ø Job Postings Online – Visit the CDC’c Job Search web page
@ http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/Getajob.htm - Links of particular interest include:
· NHCUC Jobline
· Job Sites Listed by Career/Major Field (Jobs in Education)
· Local Resources
Ø State Departments of Education websites :
· New Hampshire Department of Education – www.state.nh.us/doe/
· Massachusetts Department of Education – www.doe.mass.edu/
Ø Specific schools and school district websites:
· Massachusetts School and District Profiles – http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/
· NH School District Profiles - http://www.measuredprogress.org/nhprofile/
· New Hampshire Schools (public and private) –http://www.ed.state.nh.us/NHPublicSchools/nh1.htm
· New Hampshire Schools on the Internet –http://www.state.nh.us/educate/k12.html
Ø Newsgroups:
· COUNSGRADS – graduate counseling educators- listserver@lists.acs.ohio-state.edu e-mail message: subscribe COUNSGRADS<your first name><your last name>
· International Counselor Network – listserv@utkym1.utk.edu e-mail message: subscribe icn<your first name><your last name>
Ø State Licensure and Certification Guidelines – www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu/aaee/certoffice.html
A. Research schools/districts of interest - Impresses the interview committee
· State Schools Directory – CDC has NH State School Directory – Regina Library
· Individual School directories or handbooks – available at each school
· School Profiles accessed through State Department of Education websites
B. Visit the schools – Spend a few hours observing and meeting staff members
C. Prepare clear, concise, and relevant responses to possible interview questions
· What is/are your greatest strength/s?
· What are your weaknesses?
· Why do you want this school guidance position?
· Why do you think you would be a good school counselor at this school?
· What is your experience in special education?
· Please give us a brief summary of your educational background and experience
· What experience do you have with outside agencies (i.e. DCYF, Counseling Agencies, Rape and Assault Centers)
· Could you discuss the issue of confidentiality and when to refer?
· How do you build rapport with staff and students?
· What methods do you use to incorporate parent participation into the educational and behavioral process?
· If a student tells you he/she was molested by an uncle, what proper protocol would you follow?
· What types of issues would you bring to your guidance director or principle?
· What is your experience in dealing with the following issues?:
1. Behavioral problems
2. Substance abuse and violence
3. Eating disorders
4. Divorce related issues
5. College Admissions
6. School-to-Work or Career Development programs
7. Crisis Situations
8. Suicide
9. Sexual Harassment
D. Potential Applicant Questions
· What is the level and type of parent involvement in this school
· What kinds of new or innovative guidance programs have you implemented recently?
· Do you offer professional growth opportunities for school counselors?
· How do administrators offer counselors support if the need arises?
· Do you offer cross-cultural activities to students (if ethnic diversity exists)?
· I consider myself to be a team player and feel it is a productive way to accomplish tasks. Do faculty, counselors, and staff plan or work on projects together? (showcase skills)
· When will you be notifying candidates of your decision?