Tips for How to Interview for a Residence Hall Director Job

As a former hall director at both public and private universities, I have had experience conducting residence life interviews at conferences, over the phone, and on-campus. I’ve also been a candidate myself in all three of those settings. In the years I spent as a residence life professional, I’ve seen stellar interviews, decent interviews, and downright awful interviews - all from people who were otherwise qualified on paper. While most people applying for hall director jobs (including those coming directly out of college) have basic experience as a resident assistant or student leader, not everyone uses their interview to showcase their skills effectively. Whether you are looking for a full-time job or a graduate-level position in residence life, here are ten tips for a successful residence life interview.

First off, congratulations for making it to the interview process. If you’ve applied for residence life jobs and been offered an interview (via phone, at a conference, or on-campus), you’ve done something right already. Now, how do you set yourself apart from other candidates and demonstrate your worthiness?

1. Research the university and the residence life position BEFORE the interview. One way to demonstrate your initiative (and to learn about your potential place of work!) is to do some homework. Visit the school’s website, and learn about their academic offerings, their “brand” of education, their athletics, and of course, their overall student life program. Take note of anything that stands out as special about the student population. Then visit the housing website to get a handle on the philosophy of the residence life department or student affairs division. If there’s a student handbook, peruse it. If there are pictures, check them out. Then, during the interview, you might be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the school by dropping some nuggets. (Just don’t overdo it.)

With some reflection, research, and planning, you can nail a university hall director interview

Credit: Tom Spitznas

Copyright: www.sxc.hu