Selection Interviews of Students for Master's Programs in Counseling: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Nine faculty from 4 counselor education departments were interviewed regarding the evaluation criteria and decision‐making processes used during selection interviews. Ten characteristics were identified that participants looked for during interviews. There was a high degree of agreement among participants on the evaluation criteria they used. However, the same homogeneity was not found in decision‐making processes. Counselor educators seemed to use selection interviews to screen out applicants who were unsuitable rather than to select the most qualified applicants. Evaluation criteria and procedures should be refined to increase the benefits of using interviews in the selection process.

Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision Volume 2, Number 1

“…However, the literature abounds with references to the importance of the adage "counselor know thyself" (e.g., selfunderstanding and awareness) and of personal characteristics of the counselor (e.g. Corey, 2001;Locke, 1998;Hackney & Cormier, 2009;Nagpal & Ritchie, 2002;Ramirez, 1999;Sciarra, 1999;Seligman, 2009). Thus, despite these 21 st century challenges, counselor education programs need to reconsider the question of counselor self-awareness and personal characteristics as essential components in training.…”

“…This need focused on nonintellectual qualities that were perceived as essential to effective counseling (Carkhuff, 1969a(Carkhuff, , 1969bCarkhuff & Berenson, 1967;McKee et. al, 1979;Nagpal & Ritchie, 2002;Rothstein, 1988). Potential selection criteria included personality characteristics (e.g., selfactualization, interpersonal warmth, affective sensitivity, self-awareness) (Carkhuff, 1969a;Hurlburt & Carlozzi, 1981;Jones, 1974;McKee, et al, 1979;Nagpal & Ritchie, 2002;Rogers, 1975;Rothstein, 1988), social intelligence (e. g., social sensitivity, person perception, empathy) (Osipow & Walsh, 1973;Pope & Klein, 1999), cognitive flexibility (e. g., tolerance of ambiguity, complexity) (Mckee et.…”

“…al, 1979;Nagpal & Ritchie, 2002;Rothstein, 1988). Potential selection criteria included personality characteristics (e.g., selfactualization, interpersonal warmth, affective sensitivity, self-awareness) (Carkhuff, 1969a;Hurlburt & Carlozzi, 1981;Jones, 1974;McKee, et al, 1979;Nagpal & Ritchie, 2002;Rogers, 1975;Rothstein, 1988), social intelligence (e. g., social sensitivity, person perception, empathy) (Osipow & Walsh, 1973;Pope & Klein, 1999), cognitive flexibility (e. g., tolerance of ambiguity, complexity) (Mckee et. al, 1979) and communication skills (e. g., empathy, respect, genuineness, interpersonal communication) (Carkhuff, 1969a;Carkhuff & Berenson, 1967;King, Beehr & King, 1986;Pope & Klein, 1999;Rogers, 1970;Rothstein, 1988;Truax, 1970).…”

“…This approach to admissions allows for clinical judgment that is balanced with traditional admissions criteria. In a study that examined evaluation criterion and decision-making processes used during admissions in four counselor education programs, Nagpal and Ritchie (2002) found that the faculty appeared to utilize the admission interview to screen out applicants who were inappropriate rather than to choose the best qualified candidates. A strength of the admissions model presented here is its articulation of characteristics that are used for evaluation of applicants (e.g., ability to hear and address affect, listening and feedback skills, self-awareness, etc.…”

The Gatekeeping Imperative in Counselor Education Admission Protocols: The Criticality of Personal Qualities

“…In order to further understand the admissions process specifically, Nagpal and Ritchie (2002) addressed faculty perceptions of selection interviews, with some questions specifically addressing personal characteristics and how to assess for them in the interview process. This study expanded the focus of Pope and Kline's (1999) research by exploring professional and skill attributes as well as personal attributes.…”