I'm a Big Girl Now

Well, after 12 phone calls for interviews, and 9 actual interviews... I did it! I landed a job. I am unofficially the new 9-12 counselor at a high school I am so far in love with.

The reason I wanted to start this blog (other than a friend telling me I should) is because there seems to be SO MUCH information out there for elementary counselors, and not as much for secondary counselors. I know that each high school is different with requirements and whatever, but how nice would it be to have a place where I can post all the cool links I find, and all the wonderful stuff I learn?

This entry isn't for posting cool things I've found though. This post, I wanted to talk about my interview process. I can tell you from experience that being rejected 8 separate times is absolutely heart breaking. You get everything from "You were a great candidate, but ultimately we went with someone else," to "You were one of our top candidates but it came down to experience". Experience, experience, experience.

For the most part, a lot of my interviews were the same. At least 3 people sit around a table and ask you questions. I've had as many as 6 people interview me. Questions about how you'd handle certain situations, questions about things you know/have experience with, and questions about you. Majority of the time, I was drilled (at least that's what it felt like) and then given a tour of the school. But my last interview... the one I landed. When I walked in, they offered me a cup of coffee. Now, that may seem small to you, but I am an Iowa girl and manners are a big deal. That was my 9th interview, and the only one to offer me something  to drink. And that's just one reason I knew I picked the right school.

My interview with them was more of a conversation than it was being drilled. I talked about me, and they talked about their school. So not only did they not just shoot questions at me, but I felt like I actually had a sense of the school and staff when I left. The principal wasn't even phased when I admitted that my experience in scheduling is limited. "Well that's okay, AEA has classes on that. I might even go to one with you." Can you believe that!?

I know this is going to be a huge learning experience, and I'll be honest that I'm already feeling a little overwhelmed. However, more than anything I am excited and ready to share my experiences and what not with this blog along the way!