Blog from the Job Hakr: Student Affairs Job Search
This article will define what it means to be an assertive student affairs job seeker. Reasons to be assertive will be covered as well as some unique gender based challenges. Steps are outlined on how to become more assertive during the job search. Finally, key takeaways and action items are provided to help student affairs job seekers become more assertive though their careers.
Read MoreThis article will review the positional alignment section of the briefing book preparation process for the on-campus interview. We will review what the positional alignment is and how well it informs how you would fit into this role. The positional alignment chart includes four columns: responsibilities, excitement level, experiences, and the summary. This article will review each column in depth as well as how you should prepare your own positional alignment chart. Finally, we will close on how to use the positional alignment chart as part of your briefing book interview preparation process.
Read MoreThis article will examine what the on-campus interview is and why you’re here. This is a high stakes position that you’re in. How you do from here willdetermine if you’ll receive an offer or be rejected. This article outlines the structure of the on-campus interview as well as research tips and preparation for representing yourself as the best candidate for the position.
Read MoreThe student affairs job search is a long one. On average it takes 119 days. That length can be very challenging; especially if you’ve never participated in a higher education job search before. That’s why it’s helpful to breakdown the specific stages of the job search. This makes each part more manageable. Breaking it down also makes it easier to focus. Examining the search in stages also allows you to dedicate your time and energy to the right areas. This article will address the area where most entry level student affairs job seekers find them themselves: in the earliest stages of the search.
Read MoreMost job applicants will need to get through a first round interview. Sometimes that happens in person. But most of the time it happens over the phone or via a video through Zoom, Skype, Hangouts or any online platform. No matter the medium, doing well at the first round interview is key to progressing through the process and in the search. That means that all job seekers, as well as entry level student affairs professionals, will need to adequately prepare for the first round interview. This article will help you determine two of the most common types of first round interviews; the logistical differences between them; participants involved n the process; and a summary of how to prepare for each step along the way.
Read MoreIf you’ve been on any interview in the past, then you know what it’s like to be bombarded by a slew of questions. One of the most challenging ones being “tell me about your greatest weakness.” This can be a difficult question to answer for some. Yet for others, it’s been a question they’ve been practicing responses to for a while. But why do institutions, hiring managers, and search committees ask this question? More importantly how do you answer the question “What is your greatest weakness?”
Read MoreWork life balance is something that comes up often in student affairs work. It’s hard to manage both the demands of the profession along with your personal needs. That is especially challenging when you’re a student affairs professional AND you’re on the job hunt. Managing to balance both your professional and personal life can be incredibly demanding. But here are some tips can that help you navigate both of them while conducting your student affairs job search.
Read MoreMany enter the student affairs interview not knowing if it’ll end in their favor. Though there are certain magical times when they do. That’s when the interview feels less formal and more casual. It feels less like an interview and more like a conversation. In fact it feels like you are having a good time with some future new colleagues. That’s when you know your interview went well. Here are some great signs that you’ve nailed your student affairs interview.
Read MoreIf you’ve gotten to this part of the student affairs job search, then some congratulations are in order! You are the top candidate! The institution wants to bring you on board! But sometimes that isn’t the news you want to hear. That’s because now you have to make a decision…
Do I take the offer or pass?
There are many things to consider when making your decision. An important thing to remember here is to pace yourself and review all of your options. This is a big step. This is the next stage of your career. That means that you owe it to yourself to take the time to make an informed decision.
Read MoreJob search consultants are often misunderstood. Most candidates don’t know if they work for their institution, the candidates, or both. There is definitely an air of mystery around the field, especially when it comes to presenting both candidates and institutions in the best light. What exactly do job search consultants do? And is it practical (and ethical) to hire them?
Read MoreThe most common mistake that most student affairs professionals is failing to write a specific and targeted cover letter. It’s an easy one to make as it’s much faster to fire off a template.
Read MoreInterviewing for dozens of positions can be tough. I know, I’ve lived it. I’ve flubbed my fair share of interviews over my career. But that doesn’t mean that you have to accept defeat. Instead, use this as a learning opportunity to help navigate future interviews!
Read MoreHow am I supposed to come back to student affairs after being away? It’s true, that you might have a gap in your employment history since you’ve left student affairs. Perhaps you took off time to start a family, pursue a different career path, or just wanted some time away. So how exactly do you re-enter the field of student affairs? There are certain steps you should take when you know that you’ll be away from the field for some time. Those include remaining connected, engaged, and informed. If you’re ready to return then you’ll need to make sure that your materials are ready to help re-launch your career.
Read MoreJob searching in student affairs is already a challenging activity. But doing so when you’re already employed can be even more challenging. How exactly do search for a new job with your supervisor?
Read MoreInformational interviews are always about professional development. That could be for curiosity, networking, or perhaps new career prospects. That’s the beauty of informational interviews. They are what you want them to be. This is why informational interviews are the most flexible and underrated development tools in the student affairs professional’s tool box.
Read MoreBeing asked to network as an introverted student affairs professional can be challenging. Especially if you are the kind of person that just wants to sit home and catch up on Netflix. As precariously balancing Introvert / Extrovert, I identify and empathize with you! Networking is definitely challenging if you just don’t feel like connecting with anyone. But meeting other people in the field and learning more about them is important. It’s just as important to share more about yourself for your own personal and professional development. Now let’s focus on 10 key areas to prioritize in order to successfully network as an introverted student affairs professional.
Read MoreMany entry level student affairs professionals conduct their first major job search right when their graduate programs are ending. That can be a stressful time. They need to finish their courses, search for job postings, and then prepare for their first round and on-campus interviews.
But the one question that comes up time and time again for new professionals is: “does the institution fit me?” There are many who argue what fit is and how to affects individual professionals. But when I get this question from my mentees, I point them to four major areas to look at when determining if an institution is the right fit for them.
Read MoreThe on-campus student affairs interview is the culmination of your long search process. You’ve successfully navigated past the 1st round phone screen; you’ve spoken to the hiring manager and select members of the committee. Now you’re at that critical stage: the on-campus interview.
Read MoreMy advisees have often asked me this question WHILE they are negotiating. But they would be in a better position IF they had addressed these question both BEFORE and DURING their job search. There really is no time like the present to think about your negotiation strategy and how you plan on getting compensated. So let’s get started early. Here are some tips that I’ve shared with an innumerable number of mentees on student affairs salary negotiating strategies BEFORE they apply for the job.
Read MoreIt’s important to show your best self in the student affairs job search. That “self” comes across in various stages. It starts with your cover letter, continues with your resume, and eventually leads to your first round on campus interview. But how about when it comes to making a final decision about a candidate? Much of that decision depends on your references.
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