Sorry it's been a while since I've posted...this will be my final blog! I hope to make it short and sweet.
To everyone who has read my blog - thank you! If my words entertained, informed, elicited laughter, annoyance or any type of emotion, then I have been successful. It has surely been a wild, crazy, stressful and emotional roller coaster ride for me. But I can say the days, months and weeks of searching for job postings, creating and editing resumes and cover letters, researching institutions, phone interviewing, campus interviewing, and writing thank you notes, has all paid off. I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!! A few days ago I was offered a position in Residence Life and I was happy to accept. I love the school, I love the staff and students I met, and, although I had my reservations before, I am very excited to be working in Residence Life.
The moral of the story is: Often what you end up with is different than your original expectations. Life (God, fate, whatever you believe in) throws you a curveball and you have to change your swing so you don't strike out. (This doesn't mean settling for a mediocre position. Only say "yes" to a job you will love.) It just means you should expand your horizons and open your mind to new possibilities. I know I have and I am better for it.
Thanks again. Goodbye and good luck. May the force be with you.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #18
Just to give a rough quantitative summary of what a job search can look like (for those who don’t/didn’t do the whole ACPA/NASPA Placements):
I’ve applied for approximately 40 positions (including AmeriCorps VISTA positions).
I’ve had:
7 phone interviews
7 on-campus interviews (2 of which skipped the phone interview step)
1 offer (AmeriCorps), which I turned down
I do not know how typical this is, as far as numbers go, but it’s an example.
Otherwise, not much is new. I have been playing phone tag with the Director from AMC. Since he hasn’t been insistent about calling me back I am assuming he is NOT offering me the position I interviewed for. Disappointing. I have one more on-campus interview next week and I should hear back from the other two institutions where I interviewed within the next week.
I’ve applied for approximately 40 positions (including AmeriCorps VISTA positions).
I’ve had:
7 phone interviews
7 on-campus interviews (2 of which skipped the phone interview step)
1 offer (AmeriCorps), which I turned down
I do not know how typical this is, as far as numbers go, but it’s an example.
Otherwise, not much is new. I have been playing phone tag with the Director from AMC. Since he hasn’t been insistent about calling me back I am assuming he is NOT offering me the position I interviewed for. Disappointing. I have one more on-campus interview next week and I should hear back from the other two institutions where I interviewed within the next week.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #17
It’s interesting how every on-campus interview is different. Actually, it’s interesting how, in general, every interview process is different. For example:
1) Some institutions call references BEFORE the on-campus interview and some only call AFTER the on-campus interview
2) Some institutions skip the phone interview all together. I’ve had two of those.
3) My on-campus interviews have ranged from 2 hours (no tour, only met with two different groups of people) to half day (tour, interview with the office staff, meet the head honcho, meet with HR) to a full day interview where (I am sure my fellow job seekers will agree with this metaphor) they run you through the gauntlet. During one interview, I met with 3-4 groups with 6-7 different staff members, faculty members and students. Throw in an individual interview with the office director and then the department Dean/VP/Chancellor/whatever they call it, a campus tour and a lunch and you are ready for a nap. It’s like working an 8-hour a day without getting paid.
4) Some institutions have you meet with HR and some don’t. I like it when they do because I can ask about and understand the salary and benefits earlier.
Speaking of salary and benefits…negotiating is something I have never done before and which makes me NERVOUS. They say women are the worst at negotiating and don’t do it as much as they should. I have plenty of handouts of the subject, but when I am actually attempting it (if that day ever comes) I might pee my pants. Okay, hopefully not, but I know I will at least be shaking and red-faced, so it’s a good thing negotiations occur over the phone. If anyone has any tips, please feel free to share them!!!! They are most welcome!!!!
1) Some institutions call references BEFORE the on-campus interview and some only call AFTER the on-campus interview
2) Some institutions skip the phone interview all together. I’ve had two of those.
3) My on-campus interviews have ranged from 2 hours (no tour, only met with two different groups of people) to half day (tour, interview with the office staff, meet the head honcho, meet with HR) to a full day interview where (I am sure my fellow job seekers will agree with this metaphor) they run you through the gauntlet. During one interview, I met with 3-4 groups with 6-7 different staff members, faculty members and students. Throw in an individual interview with the office director and then the department Dean/VP/Chancellor/whatever they call it, a campus tour and a lunch and you are ready for a nap. It’s like working an 8-hour a day without getting paid.
4) Some institutions have you meet with HR and some don’t. I like it when they do because I can ask about and understand the salary and benefits earlier.
Speaking of salary and benefits…negotiating is something I have never done before and which makes me NERVOUS. They say women are the worst at negotiating and don’t do it as much as they should. I have plenty of handouts of the subject, but when I am actually attempting it (if that day ever comes) I might pee my pants. Okay, hopefully not, but I know I will at least be shaking and red-faced, so it’s a good thing negotiations occur over the phone. If anyone has any tips, please feel free to share them!!!! They are most welcome!!!!
Friday, May 29, 2009
We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #16
So…not much new this week. Had two interviews last week, as I previously mentioned and a phone interview this week. I believe all interviews went well. I will be hearing back from the on-campus interviews next week or the week after (by the way, I am loving how the timelines are so vague…). I actually received a call two days after my phone interview and I am being invited to campus. Yay! I really think I sound ridiculous in phone interviews, but apparently I do okay.
Interview questions that everyone should be prepared for because they are asked ALL THE TIME:
What are your future plans/where do you see yourself in 10 years? (I just remembered I mentioned this in my last blog…)
In student affairs there are often times where you have several projects on your plate. How do you manage your time/multiple tasks/priorities?
I don’t like this question because I am one of those people that just gets everything done. I make lists, calendars, etc. I stick to deadlines. I have tried really hard to think of a more detailed way to explain HOW I manage multiple priorities, but I have not been successful. I think it’d be easier if they gave a scenario like: Explain to me what you would do if: you had a report due in a few hours, other To-Do list items to get done, your office phone is constantly ringing today and a bawling student walks into your office needing to talk to you right away. Maybe I solved my problem. Maybe in response to the general question I should respond with this fake scenario and tell them how I would handle it.
Give us an example of a time you were in a conflict with a co-worker. How did you resolve it?
There are plenty more, but these are some that I have struggled with.
I am hoping Pat got the job that started off with the trip from hell, being stuck in the airport for 12 hours. Sounds like she liked the institution a lot, even if the travelling part sucked.
Interview questions that everyone should be prepared for because they are asked ALL THE TIME:
What are your future plans/where do you see yourself in 10 years? (I just remembered I mentioned this in my last blog…)
In student affairs there are often times where you have several projects on your plate. How do you manage your time/multiple tasks/priorities?
I don’t like this question because I am one of those people that just gets everything done. I make lists, calendars, etc. I stick to deadlines. I have tried really hard to think of a more detailed way to explain HOW I manage multiple priorities, but I have not been successful. I think it’d be easier if they gave a scenario like: Explain to me what you would do if: you had a report due in a few hours, other To-Do list items to get done, your office phone is constantly ringing today and a bawling student walks into your office needing to talk to you right away. Maybe I solved my problem. Maybe in response to the general question I should respond with this fake scenario and tell them how I would handle it.
Give us an example of a time you were in a conflict with a co-worker. How did you resolve it?
There are plenty more, but these are some that I have struggled with.
I am hoping Pat got the job that started off with the trip from hell, being stuck in the airport for 12 hours. Sounds like she liked the institution a lot, even if the travelling part sucked.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pat #9: So.... how's the weather?
I got off that plane and found The Director waiting for me by the front door. I wore a suit on the plane, which was very wrinkled and not-very-sharp-looking at that point. I made a pit stop in the bathroom to freshen up as much as humanly possible after spending 12 hours in an airport.
I'm not sure what I was expecting... perhaps a sign with my name on it, just like in the movies. It was a small airport, so there were only two people waiting by the gate (meaning I had a 50/50 chance). The Director met me with a smile, a handshake, and a "You must be Pat." She must have known, I was the only person in the place who wasn't wearing sweat pants.
The next 24 hours were super intense, but for some reason, I wasn't as stressed as I imagined I would be. The Director and I had dinner that night, and she told me not to be nervous. We ate a delicious meal and compared our Myers-Briggs types. I really liked her and I was starting to get the vibe that she liked me, too. After dinner, she dropped me off at my hotel and we parted ways for the evening.
Day two, The Director picked me up from the hotel and we made the ONE HOUR DRIVE to campus. Let me tell you, I had to learn to be a small talker very quickly. I tend to be a person who is okay with silence-- perhaps a job interview isn't the time for peace and quiet.
The first thing on the agenda was an interview with the Chancellor of Student Affairs-- not intimidating at all, right? Psshhht. She was very pleasant and things went very well. Afterward she shooed me next door to the Vice Chancellor's office. I had spoken to the V.C. during my initial phone interview. We chatted about the campus and how she started out in student affairs. I felt very comfortable with these people... and I normally don't feel comfortable around anyone in that short amount of time.
Next, I got a tour of the campus, the office, and met the staff. The GA and the Administrative Assistant had a few questions for me, and oddly enough, this was the most formal part of my day. They were the only people who asked me traditional interview questions.
Lunchtime was awkward. My introversion was starting to become apparent and I was running out of things to say. Everyone kept asking me the same questions and I already asked most of mine. I didn't have much else to say-- I was in trouble.
My mind was racing, inside I was screaming, "SAY SOMETHING!!!!" But I had nothing. Finally, the V.C. asked the dreaded, "If you could pick any super-human power, what would it be?" question. I was actually relieved, because it finally opened up the conversation and we all took a shot at it.
I left the lunchroom feeling like maybe I wasn't doing as well as I thought.
... to be continued.
I'm not sure what I was expecting... perhaps a sign with my name on it, just like in the movies. It was a small airport, so there were only two people waiting by the gate (meaning I had a 50/50 chance). The Director met me with a smile, a handshake, and a "You must be Pat." She must have known, I was the only person in the place who wasn't wearing sweat pants.
The next 24 hours were super intense, but for some reason, I wasn't as stressed as I imagined I would be. The Director and I had dinner that night, and she told me not to be nervous. We ate a delicious meal and compared our Myers-Briggs types. I really liked her and I was starting to get the vibe that she liked me, too. After dinner, she dropped me off at my hotel and we parted ways for the evening.
Day two, The Director picked me up from the hotel and we made the ONE HOUR DRIVE to campus. Let me tell you, I had to learn to be a small talker very quickly. I tend to be a person who is okay with silence-- perhaps a job interview isn't the time for peace and quiet.
The first thing on the agenda was an interview with the Chancellor of Student Affairs-- not intimidating at all, right? Psshhht. She was very pleasant and things went very well. Afterward she shooed me next door to the Vice Chancellor's office. I had spoken to the V.C. during my initial phone interview. We chatted about the campus and how she started out in student affairs. I felt very comfortable with these people... and I normally don't feel comfortable around anyone in that short amount of time.
Next, I got a tour of the campus, the office, and met the staff. The GA and the Administrative Assistant had a few questions for me, and oddly enough, this was the most formal part of my day. They were the only people who asked me traditional interview questions.
Lunchtime was awkward. My introversion was starting to become apparent and I was running out of things to say. Everyone kept asking me the same questions and I already asked most of mine. I didn't have much else to say-- I was in trouble.
My mind was racing, inside I was screaming, "SAY SOMETHING!!!!" But I had nothing. Finally, the V.C. asked the dreaded, "If you could pick any super-human power, what would it be?" question. I was actually relieved, because it finally opened up the conversation and we all took a shot at it.
I left the lunchroom feeling like maybe I wasn't doing as well as I thought.
... to be continued.
Friday, May 22, 2009
We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #15
Job Search Update:
1) Not offered a position with College B. Tip: It’s important to ask for interview feedback, especially from the colleges who reject you. It shows maturity and interest in your professional development. If you ever decide to apply for another job at that institution or department they will hopefully remember this. Plus, you want to know what you can improve on so you can get a job, right?
So College B told me I gave a good interview, but other candidates had more housing experience. The advice was to develop a more defined answer to the question: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” (there are many varieties of this question). Make sure the answer includes how the position you are interviewing for will help you get where you want to be 10 years down the road.
2) My alma mater finally called about that admissions position and I interviewed for it. I really like the feel of the office and the camaraderie of the staff. I think I could fit there and do an excellent job. However, during one section of the interview I spoke with HR and they provided me a very low salary number. I did the math and I could not live on this salary with all the expense I will have. I do not know if the number was correct and hopefully I would be offered higher because I have a Master’s degree. I know I can negotiate, but if they start off with that number I will not get where I want to be even with negotiations.
Let me make this clear – I am not in this field for the money, but I do have to make enough to cover my expenses and I hope to save a little money, as well. So, I just have to wait and see if they offer me the position and at what price.
3) I have an on-campus interview at the institution I just graduated from. Yay. It’s for a position in the Alumni Office. I think I could do this position well and I already know the person who would be my supervisor. He would be very different from my previous supervisors…probably a little too unorganized for me…but I think that would be a good learning experience and I could balance him out (since I am uber-organized).
4) I have a phone interview for a residence life position at a small, private college. I am very interested in this as well. I think a Residence Life positions would stretch me/be a good professional development experience.
Keeping my fingers crossed. This process is taking forever. And it’s difficult to stay positive when it seems like everyone else already has a job.
1) Not offered a position with College B. Tip: It’s important to ask for interview feedback, especially from the colleges who reject you. It shows maturity and interest in your professional development. If you ever decide to apply for another job at that institution or department they will hopefully remember this. Plus, you want to know what you can improve on so you can get a job, right?
So College B told me I gave a good interview, but other candidates had more housing experience. The advice was to develop a more defined answer to the question: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” (there are many varieties of this question). Make sure the answer includes how the position you are interviewing for will help you get where you want to be 10 years down the road.
2) My alma mater finally called about that admissions position and I interviewed for it. I really like the feel of the office and the camaraderie of the staff. I think I could fit there and do an excellent job. However, during one section of the interview I spoke with HR and they provided me a very low salary number. I did the math and I could not live on this salary with all the expense I will have. I do not know if the number was correct and hopefully I would be offered higher because I have a Master’s degree. I know I can negotiate, but if they start off with that number I will not get where I want to be even with negotiations.
Let me make this clear – I am not in this field for the money, but I do have to make enough to cover my expenses and I hope to save a little money, as well. So, I just have to wait and see if they offer me the position and at what price.
3) I have an on-campus interview at the institution I just graduated from. Yay. It’s for a position in the Alumni Office. I think I could do this position well and I already know the person who would be my supervisor. He would be very different from my previous supervisors…probably a little too unorganized for me…but I think that would be a good learning experience and I could balance him out (since I am uber-organized).
4) I have a phone interview for a residence life position at a small, private college. I am very interested in this as well. I think a Residence Life positions would stretch me/be a good professional development experience.
Keeping my fingers crossed. This process is taking forever. And it’s difficult to stay positive when it seems like everyone else already has a job.
Monday, May 11, 2009
We're adults. When did that happen? And how do we make it stop? #14
How does time fly by so quickly? I am finishing up final papers and tests and will be graduating THIS WEEKEND! I should be excited but I really don’t feel like it’s that big a deal. After already having gone through two graduations (high school and undergrad), I just can’t get that excited. Especially when my future is in limbo.
That’s right, no job yet. And I haven’t heard back from College B. Which, I am not even sure it would be the right move to take that position if it was offered. I know people tell me not to worry about making a decision until I actually have to make it, but I can’t help thinking of the pros and cons of that position and “if I would take it…” or “if I didn’t take it…” I wish my mind would just STOP THINKING!!!!!!!!!!! That’s my biggest wish most of the time. Stop thinking. Stop thinking. Stop thinking. I think more than anyone I know. I am always thinking ahead or worrying about something: job search, relationships, etc. etc. I hate it.
I am just really in a bad mental place. I am not super excited about any position I think about right now. Not even the ones in fields I always thought I wanted to go into. It’s probably because my personal life is falling apart, but that’s just another story I don’t want to get into….
So that’s where I am. Basically back at square one.
That’s right, no job yet. And I haven’t heard back from College B. Which, I am not even sure it would be the right move to take that position if it was offered. I know people tell me not to worry about making a decision until I actually have to make it, but I can’t help thinking of the pros and cons of that position and “if I would take it…” or “if I didn’t take it…” I wish my mind would just STOP THINKING!!!!!!!!!!! That’s my biggest wish most of the time. Stop thinking. Stop thinking. Stop thinking. I think more than anyone I know. I am always thinking ahead or worrying about something: job search, relationships, etc. etc. I hate it.
I am just really in a bad mental place. I am not super excited about any position I think about right now. Not even the ones in fields I always thought I wanted to go into. It’s probably because my personal life is falling apart, but that’s just another story I don’t want to get into….
So that’s where I am. Basically back at square one.
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