Interview Tips for RA Candidates

These interview tips were compiled by current Resident Assistants. We hope that the suggestions in this list help you prepare for the interview process. If you have specific questions about the position, you can talk with a current RA or Hall Director, attend the information session in your area, or email Res Life. Best of luck!

Before the Interview

• Review Residential Life policies.
• Think about what type of community would be a good fit for you. Consider the size, class years represented, location on campus and other demographics that may impact your role as an RA in that area.
• Reflect on your personal characteristics, skills, and knowledge.
• Consider how past experiences connect with the RA position.
• Know the job. Talk with current Residential Life staff to learn about the many aspects of the position.
• Think about why you want to be an RA.
• Read the Residential Life website.

During the Interview

• Provide detail and examples in your answers. Let the interviewers learn as much about you as possible.
• Body language matters. Try to maintain eye contact, refrain from fidgeting, and remember to smile.
• Take a few moments to compose your answer before you respond to questions.
• Ask questions.
• Be yourself. We are hoping to hire a diverse group of students who have different personalities, experiences, and characteristics.
• Dress professionally.

After the Interview

• Refer to the Residential Life website for information about the hiring process.
• Residential Life staff will do their best to place candidates in a community that is a good fit. Trust that you are being placed in a specific area for a reason.

How to ACE The Peer Leader Interview Workshop

    Date/Time: Wednesday, February 22, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
    Location: Goodhue Superlounge
    Goals of Program: Prospective peer leader applicants will...

• Understand the basic purpose of an interview
• Learn how a Peer Leader interview may be different than another type of interview they may have had in the past
• Learn the different formats of peer leader interviews (being interviewed individually, interview by current peer leaders, group interview format)
• Learn the proper etiquette and attire for an interview
• Learn tips and suggestions for how to best prepare for the interview
• Sample some of the types of questions that may be asked to them in a peer leader interview (provided by all of the different offices)
• Interact with other peer leaders from the different offices, and have an opportunity to ask them questions specific to their position
• Learn what additional resources the Career Center has to offer to prepare prospective applicants for their interview