by Stefanie Lucas
@stefanie_lucas
You survived The Placements Exchange and the first round of
phone interviews… congratulations! Some of you are likely getting offered
on-campus interviews, and are now thinking about next steps. If you have not
been offered an on-campus interview, please do not start to panic. I have
talked about this in previous posts, and everyone’s timeline is different.
Folks in your cohort who are looking at housing positions are going to probably
be moving along faster in the process based on the housing search timeline.
My on-campus interviews each had a different feel, but I was
able to determine the pluses and challenges with each place. Here are five tips
I would like to share:
1.
Review
Interview Schedule- I was sent an interview schedule at least a day in
advance, and each one laid out whom I was meeting with and who would be taking
me to meals. At most places I interviewed with campus partners, staff from the
department and students. I got a good sense of what the department’s values
were based on the campus partners around the table and whether or not students
were involved in the process. Take time to review the list of whom you are
meeting with, and look up campus partners’ websites and read through their
bios. This was extremely helpful to ask questions about collaboration and
programs.
2.
Preparation-
Along the same lines as reviewing your schedule, you will want to take time to
prepare. This might seem obvious; however, I was in your shoes once too and
this is often an extremely busy time with assistantships, completing/defending
your thesis or portfolio, and just trying to graduate. Be confident in the knowledge
you have gained. Have someone in your cohort ask you questions, meet with your
graduate advisor to prepare, and talk with other folks you know in the field to
ask about his or her on-campus interview experiences. If you are asked to
present on a topic, practice with students you supervise or work with and
colleagues. Get feedback and make improvements before you leave.
3.
Ask Good
Questions- At the end of each interview you will likely have time to ask
folks questions, so make sure you have a good variety prepared. Folks will give
you a lot of information about their feelings of the campus culture and climate
if you give them plenty of opportunity. Some of my favorite questions include:
·
How do you celebrate the success of your student
staff and colleagues?
·
What ways does the office collaborate with your
office and how are partnerships formed?
·
What are some of your favorite campus traditions
and how do you/your office participate?
·
What types of things do you do for fun outside
of work?
·
Any question to find out more about the city and
state where you will live in.
You will also want to find out more
about job specifics, but the above questions should give you some real insight
into the campus environment and how folks care for each other. You will spend a
lot of time with these folks, so make sure you see yourself spending 40-60
hours a week together.
4.
Carry on
Interview Attire- Either wear a suite on the plane or carry one on with
you. One of my biggest fears is checking a bag and it getting lost. Do not be
stuck in jeans for your interview day!
5.
All About
Fit- No job is going to be perfect, but in the end you need to find the
right fit for you (and partner/family). On-campus interviews can be
overwhelming because you are there for such a short amount of time and meeting
with lots of folks, but be observant of your surroundings and how folks
interact. Be authentic with your interactions and you will find many will do
the same. Showcase your true self.
Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are
interviewing you. Best of luck with your on-campus interviews and please feel
free to tweet me with any questions!
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