On Interviewing

I just returned from an interview with a college counseling center for an internship next fall as a Counselor. Growing up, my mom taught me to interview the place that I go for an interview. She has always emphasized that what I think of a potential site and supervisors matters as much as if not more than their perceptions of me. I agree with this wholeheartedly.

I am also one to have very strong gut reactions about things, that I believe I should pay attention to as they are most often correct. These gut reactions have saved me from ending up injured at work, as I have just felt to "move back" right before a client took a swing. These feelings happen long before I notice any logical reason to step back- it's not as if someone holds up their arm and I feel like I should step back. It's before logic and reason figure it out.

When I feel comfortable at an interview, I tend to be very confident and do a great job of "selling myself". Today, I did not feel confident though. One of the interviewers (who would be my supervisor for one of the semesters if I took the position) asked question after question and seemed very judgmental about my answers. I was not so confident after that and I found that my interview skills weren't so good at that point. I know I am very qualified for the position, but I'm not sure this site is a good match for me. I had a negative gut reaction. It's as if unconsciously I knew it wasn't right for me, and so I wasn't presenting myself best.

I didn't feel good about one of the interviewers. I felt that she was judgmental. One of the main qualities I believe is important in counselors is striving to be nonjudgmental. I don't want someone as a supervisor who will model otherwise. The most important thing for me in finding a good site is that I really connect with and feel good about my supervisor.

I will keep these things in mind on my quest to find the perfect practicum/internship site for me!