Resumes

Resume Tips

Provide an objective that will help the employer to understand what are your intentions to seek a position his/her institution. The objective should also indicate what experiences you are seeking within the position.

Provide an indication of computer familiarization -- institutions are now seeking individuals with some basic knowledge of computer/software. This can be illustrated on the resume in various ways -- under your "Name/Address category," list your e-mail address. Also, within the body of the resume, indicate the type of computer hardware/software familiarity.

Languages -- are you bi-lingual/tri-lingual? Nice to know if candidate can assist with different student groups.

"Show Me the Beyond..." This the "what have you done beyond the job expectations category. Granted, it is the hope all candidates seeking positions within our profession will indicate they have had some type of housing/res life/student affairs experiences, however, it is also important that the candidate indicate what he/she has done beyond the typical job expectations. For example, if candidate assisted with the development of a RA Council, Coordinated a "Take Back the Nite" event, or was the point person for a Community Service Project (i.e., Bone Marrow Drive or Habitat for Humanity), I think that is important stuff!!! When comparing candidates, employers look for what will make a candidate more marketable than one that would list the obvious. Institutions seek individuals that will enhance their housing/res life programs -- not just those that can maintain the status quo.

Resume should be "C & C": Candidates should keep in mind that the resume is the introduction of self and therefore, resume should be "Clear & Concise." Employers only have so much time to review a resume and it should be obvious that once an employer reads the resume, he/she will find all the brief bio information that is essential for the interview.

Picking Colors for the Resume: I have a tendency to encourage candidates to stick to the basic white or soft pastel color for the resume. Drawing too much attention to the resume (i.e., having a Fuchsia or Lime Green resume) can become more distracting than attractive.

Consider using different resumes for different positions. If your job search includes interests in residence life, programming and activities, or multicultural affairs, your resume should reflect this in it's focus.

Interviewing Tips

Types of Interviews

Conference Interviews - Initial interview(s) which are used to screen. The goal is to get an offer to come to the campus. The interview usually last 30 minutes and will take place at a small table with one or two representatives from the school. Expect to be in a large ballroom with up to 100 of these tables in one section where interviews are also being conducted. Candidates will have a mailbox issued during registration. Check your box and read the employer updates that lists institutions offering positions.

Telephone Interviews - May replace a conference interview or follow-up a conference interview. This may be a conference call with two to three staff from the office in which you hope to work. These will usually last 30-45 minutes. The employer will ask the candidate for a reasonable day and time to call the candidate. Pick a quiet place to receive the phone call where there will be no interruptions or distractions.

Campus Interviews - Can last all day. The candidates may be evaluated during meals and travel from/to the airport/bus/train. The interview will usually consist of a series of interviews with different individuals or groups throughout the day. You may be interviewed by students and people from other offices. You may be asked to make a presentation. (If the interview is out of town, you want to attempt to arrive a day early or stay an extra day to get a chance to explore the area and campus.)


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Interviewing Skills

1. Set up a mock interview: This is a general practice that all candidates should participate with prior to attending any placement conference, telephone or on-campus interview. Mock interviews can be conducted by your mentor. See "Questions You Could Be Asked By An Employer" for samples of questions to practice answering.

2. Schedule an appointment with the Director or designee for an interview. Candidate should come properly attired for the interview and bring an additional resume (it is with the understanding that a resume has been submitted prior to the interview). This interview is to not be taken lightly and the Director or designee should provide constructive feedback to assist the candidate.

3. Research the desired institution: There is nothing worse than a candidate seeking the opportunity to interview with a desired institution and he/she have not done their homework!!! Attempt to learn something about the culture of the institution(s) you are hoping to interview with (or have already established and pre-scheduled interview(s). this clearly shows that the candidate has made a serious investment into learning about the institution and the housing/residence life program. Most institutions' web sites can be found at http://cutter.clas.ufl.edu/CLAS/american-universities.html  (broken) or through most web search engines.

4. Take the tools for a successful interview: Candidates should prepare a portfolio that will represent a cross - section of paraprofessional skills he /she have obtained. If possible, provide copies to leave with employers. Additionally, candidates should have the proper tools to complete the interview: Stapler, thank you cards, pens, references/listing of references.

5. Stay focused on the interview: Sometimes, candidates can become discouraged or distracted during the interview, however, candidates must stay focused in order to complete the interview process. Whether or not the interview was what you hoped for, it is essential that all efforts are exhibited as the interview process convenes.

6. "Don't Burn Bridges!": This is self-explanatory, however, candidates are to avoid discrediting any individual or institution during the interview. The old cliché, "This is a large profession with a small network," would definitely apply here and your comments will show a lack of professional courtesy and maturity.

7. Pace yourself when scheduling interviews at conferences: Candidates should avoid scheduling as many interviews as they can in order to pace themselves and to minimize the fatigue level which will evident to the employer.

8. Always ask questions of the interviewer at any opportunity during the interview process. This demonstrates interest in the position and the institution. See "Interviewing the Employer."