<p>Okay I'm doing this for a stressed out friend of mine...</p>
<p>She needs to be an RA or she can't dorm on campus (financial issues, long story), but she's worried sick she's not going to get the position. Is there any tips you guys could give her that would almost secure the position?</p>
<p>What do kids get in consideration for being an RA ? ( free room ? stipend ? ). Thanks.</p>
<p>Free dorm and you don’t have a roommate (perk for her)</p>
<p>Nice to both.</p>
<p>If it were that easy everyone would be an RA. Rock the interview.</p>
<p>I never thought it would be easy but like what questions to expect or maybe another tip or two that would give a bit of an upper hand</p>
<p>(1) Be nice to her current RA? I think they are supposed to give a recommendation or something like that. I mean, if you treat your RA like crap, do you really think she/he will be willing to recommend you?</p>
<p>(2) Maybe show a bit of personality in the interview. By personality I don’t mean you have to be all bubbly and crazy, but show some sort of demeanor that screams “confidence” – meaning, don’t hesitate when answering questions during the interview. Be prepared!</p>
<p>(3) Also, I’m sure they will be looking for someone who is responsible, especially when it comes to your social life. Some RA in my dorm got replaced a month ago because she came back to her dorm s***faced. Not a good example for the other students dorming there. I mean, if your friend is the type to go and get drunk every Thursday night to the point where she is stumbling in and yelling at 3am, then she might have to reconsider whether she wants this position or not. She can have fun, but she needs to know when and to what extent.</p>
<p>I don’t know that the whole interviewing process but I’m guessing they will ask her questions like:
(1) Why do you want this position? Mention how it will relieve her of her financial burden and maybe how she wants to be able to get involved to help and contribute to the residential community – or something like that =
(2) Why do you think you would make a good RA? In this case, I guess she would list experiences or qualities she possess – like patience (which you definitely need for a position like this)
(3) How would you handle students or certain problems that arise in the dorm? Can you handle the stress of having to watch over 30 something other undergrads?</p>
<p>Just tell her to relax and have fun with the interview. I’m sorry about her situation, but maybe she should have a back-up plan just in case. But I wish her all the luck and hope that she get’s the position! =)</p>
<p>Remember that the interview is… I can’t remember the word for it- I think it’s a situational interview? They ask questions like “Tell us about a time when xyz”.</p>
<p>It’s hard to get and she shouldn’t count on it at all. I’ve had friends apply who I thought would make great RAs and they got rejected. I also think that a big factor is what campus she puts down as her first choice.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help guys. Anyone else wanna throw their two cents in here?</p>