It’s that exciting season again, albeit a much different version of one.  Still, many of you have asked about interview tips, so I wanted to share those that I gathered from some amazing fellow School Psychologists on Instagram.

First, I will share that I am an over-preparer (if you’ve been to this website before, you probably have inferred that).  The same goes for me during job interviews.  I’ll always overdress, show up early, and bring my binder.  In my binder, I keep my resume (extra copies), letters of recommendations, transcripts, sample reports, and sample professional development presentations.  Being over prepared, makes me feel more confident!

Now, on to the tips!

1. Research the school and district:  There are many different ways to approach the job search.  Whether you are applying to anywhere and everywhere, or you are only applying to certain schools or districts, make sure to show the district that you are invested in them by researching the school and district. Know the demographics of students, who the district is structured.  No, you don’t have to study it for days, but also don’t go clueless about whether they have 2,000 or 20,000 students.
2. Ask about the role and connect to what you can bring:  The question “What are you looking for in a School Psychologist?” is always in my list of questions (see below), but one of you shared a great tip to connect this question to what you can bring to the position.  I love it!  Also, you want to know about the position to make sure that it will work for you.  Is it mostly a testing position?  Heavy on the counseling?  You’ll want to know.
3. Know your Testing:  I’m pretty sure this is one of those “standard” school psych questions, because I have never been to an interview and not answered it!  When I interviewed for a preschool position, they asked about preschool assessments I was familiar with (spoiler alert:  it was none), and in others, it’s been about sample batteries for LD, Autism, etc.  It’s a good one to think about ahead of time to make sure you don’t forget anything!
4. Prepare for situational questions:  Even when I had a few years of school psychology under my belt, these type of questions still made me nervous.  Still though, it’s generally the way that employers can get insight into how we would handle situations.  I’ve had to answer them both written and verbally.  I think it’s helpful again just to rehearse in your mind how you’d handle things like upset students, parents, physical behaviors, etc..
5. Keep your experience fresh:  I also think a common question to answer is “How have you handle a difficult student/coworker?” or “Tell us an experience where you excelled/didn’t excel as you wanted to”  I have always, always, brainstormed before interviews to think about students that have had an impact on my work in some capacity, so that I can be ready to share them.
6. Print out letters of recommendation and read them beforehand:  I loved this tip that a follower shared.  Before you head into your interview, reread your letters of recommendation for a confidence boost!
7. Be okay with not knowing the right answer:  I’m going to let you in on a little secret, no School Psychologist has all the answers.  So, don’t beat yourself up if there is a question in an interview that stumps you.  It’s fine to ask for a minute to think about it, or even to use the old default “I’ll have to consult with the team”.
8. Have a list of questions for the team:  I love when I’m on interview committees and people ask questions!  My first, if it hasn’t already been answered is “What are you looking for in a school psychologist?”, and then I also have a list of others, from the number of students in the school, to job duties.  I have these written down and have almost always had to pull out a piece of paper to remember them.  I think it shows interest!
9. Dress the part:  I polled you guys recently and over 85% of you agreed that it’s best to overdress for an interview.   The truth is, that as a School Psychologist, I’m overdressed for an IEP meeting one day, and wearing jeans and playing in the dirt with a Kindergartener the next.  For your interview though, put your best foot forward, and let them imagine you, sitting at a IEP meeting, reporting your results and rocking it.
10. Show yourself:  Sometimes, we can try so hard to be what we think other people want, that we try to hide our true selves. Guys, if you are going to work at a place everyday for years, you want it to be a place where you can be yourself.  If you are laid back and go with the flow calm, let that show.  If you make awkwardly funny jokes and constantly laugh at yourself, let that shine.  Be confident, and be yourself.

I’m so glad you all shared these with me, and best of luck to all of you as you interview!