Your first interview can bring sweaty palms and racing thoughts– and that’s completely normal. As someone who’s been on both sides of the interview table, I want to share what makes candidates stand out and what questions demonstrate you’re ready to make a real impact in the field.

Showcasing Your Value: Go Beyond the Basics

Let’s skip the obvious stuff. Yes, you need to dress professionally and arrive early. But what really commands the hiring team’s attention?

First, bring specific examples of your work. When I interview candidates, I love hearing “During my internship, I implemented a group CBT intervention for test anxiety. We saw a 40% reduction in anxiety scores over eight weeks.” That’s much more powerful than “I have experience with counseling.” Numbers and concrete examples matter and make a lasting impression.

Also, share your problem-solving process. Instead of just listing your experience with assessments, describe how you approach complex cases. This will lead to deeper insight into how you approach problems and the resources you considered to reach the final recommendations.

Making Your Mental Health Focus an Asset

Here’s something many candidates miss, schools are increasingly prioritizing mental health support for students, but they don’t always know exactly how the school psychologist can be a part of those supports and interventions. This is your chance to bridge that gap.

Talk about ways to balance job responsibilities to include mental health support for all students.  For example, talk about ways you can help implement Tier 1 social-emotional learning programs and provide brief solution-focused counseling for Tier 2 intervention support. This will allow the team to see a broader range of services and support that you can offer to the district.

Questions That Show You’re Ready to Contribute

The questions you ask tell interviewers as much about you as your answers to their questions. Here are some that demonstrate deep understanding of your role:

“Could you tell me about your MTSS framework and where you see the biggest opportunities for growth as a school district?”

“How does the school psychologist collaborate with your PBIS team?”

“What role does the school psychologist play in your MTSS team?”

“What professional development opportunities do you provide for staff around mental health literacy and practices?”

“How does the district handle crisis intervention, and what role does the school psychologist play in that process?”

Things to Avoid

Don’t focus too heavily on what you want to learn. While it’s great to show enthusiasm for professional growth, schools need someone ready to contribute from day one. Instead of saying “I’m excited to learn more about behavior management,” try “I’m looking forward to applying my behavior management training while continuing to grow through collaboration with experienced colleagues.”

Avoid comparing schools to your internship site, even favorably. Each school has its unique culture and challenges. Instead, ask about their specific challenges and share how your experience has prepared you to be flexible and adaptive to meet similar challenges.

Show Your Human Side

Here’s what many new graduates miss, school districts aren’t just hiring a set of skills – they’re hiring a person who will work well within their school community. Share what drives you and your professional motivations. Maybe it’s your personal experience with a learning disability that drew you to the field, or perhaps it’s your passion for early intervention. Any time you can make a relevant, personal connection about your motivation or passion for the field, that kind of authentic connection is invaluable.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you’re not just looking for any job – you’re looking for the right fit. Use the interview to assess whether the school’s values align with yours. Pay attention to how they talk about students, families, and mental health. Let your authenticity and passion shine through in your interview.

The field needs dedicated, well-trained professionals like you. Walk into that interview knowing that you’re not just looking for a job – you’re offering valuable expertise that can make a real difference in students’ lives.

Good luck! You’ve got this.