TPE’s Over… Now what? Presented by: Christine Thoorsell, Texas A&M University

Candidates all around the country are going to be receiving job offers throughout the coming months, but once you do receive an offer what do you do next? Christine Thoorsell provides candidates with a step-by-step plan that helps address the tough questions. This interactive presentation imparts the following steps that candidates should use for critical reflection while preparing for their new job.

TPE's Over... Now what?

Presented by: Christine Thoorsell, Coordinator of Residence Life - Texas A&M

What do you need to do now... if you haven't already

• Identify your "deal breakers"
• Make a list of other important items for you
• Spend time reflecting on your TPE experience
• Send Thank You E-Mails or Cards

The On Campus Interview

• Know the institution's financial policy on travel expenses
• Consider your current employers needs and expectations
• Do your homework...literally and figuratively
• Travel day - Wear business casual when you arrive to campus. Make a good first impression!
• Once you are on campus, you have been as qualified, now it's a matter of "fit". Be yourself!
• If you have 2 or more on-campus interviews, ask your employer if you can take more time to make a decision

The Offer!

• Know what you want (salary, professional development, meals, tuition, etc.)
• Take time to make your decision - most give 2-3 days
• Negotiations - If you negotiate, do NOT reject the position if they follow through with what you want
• Once you accept a position write all other potential employers

By Robert Brown

I’ve Accepted the Position: Now What? Presented by: Renee Kashawlic, UNC at Chapel Hill

Candidates all around the country are going to be receiving job offers throughout the coming months, but once you do receive an offer what do you do next? Renee Kashawlic provides candidates with a step-by-step plan that helps address the tough questions. This interactive presentation imparts the following steps that candidates should use for critical reflection while preparing for their new job.

**Recognize that you will get a job, but what do you do when you get a job offer

The Plan

1. Hurry Up n' Wait!
   1. Everything will go very fast prior to the job offer, then communication will slow down rapidly
   2. Understand that your employer still has work to do prior to your arrival
2. Determining Your Start Date
   1. You should have a conversation beyond what is placed on your contract
   2. Sometimes your start date will be set in stone, but other times it can be negotiable
3. Navigating Relocation
   1. Where are you moving? - Research the area
   2. Are relocation expenses paid for?
   3. Realize what you need in the area to fit with your various identities
4. Saying 'See Ya Later'
   1. Make sure you say goodbye to your former institution, so you're not trying to recreate your current institution into your next institution
   2. Don't leave cohorts/programs on bad regards
   3. Make sure to thank former employers/mentors/references before leaving AND keep in touch
   4. Make sure to say 'see ya later' to former students, whether that be providing phone numbers, emails, or social networking info
5. Preparing for Transition
   1. Take some time to learn and observe the culture of your new institution
   2. Understand that will have to develop your own new social support group
   3. First 6 months on the job: LEARN YOUR JOB, before asking for more
   4. Make sure you have clear expectations about your role
   5. The structure of your job and 'hand-holding' WILL change
6. Surviving Paperwork
   1. You will be bombarded with paperwork
   2. Talk to someone in your current position to learn how they made their decisions about benefits, housing, partner benefits, etc

By Robert Brown

Public vs. Private Institutions -Presented by: Jeff Grim, Washington University in St. Louis

The higher education landscape is vast and diverse. Jeff Grim provides candidates with the necessary knowledge of varying institutional types and how they may affect their future positions. The presentation provides the following factors that candidates should be conscious of before selecting an institution.

Differences at Institutions

• University Mission: Often vary based on institutional type
• Ask how Structure/Accountability affect the overall institution and division of student affairs
• Some privates are religiously affiliated; how does that affect your experiences?
• Interpretation of guidelines
• Funding/Professional Development - endowment usage, state funding, tuition, etc.
• Understand the Economic influence on job availability and security
• Know what kind of flexibility there is for conversations with parents (FERPA)

Reminder: Make sure you are upfront and ask how/if these factors affect your position

By Robert Brown

Making Your 30 Minutes Count -Presented by: Tera Munroe, Western Illinois University

Tera Munroe provides some useful tips that will help candidates make their 30-minute interview count!

TO DO LIST: Pre-Interview Tips

• Do your homework - research the school & position
• Know your skills and how they relate to the position
• Dress appropriately
• Bring paperwork [i.e. resume, application, portfolio (to show what you've done), etc.]
• Be prepared with one or two questions
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early

TO DO LIST: First 20 seconds

• Carry your portfolio in your left hand... don't fumble when giving a handshake
• Practice a nice firm handshake
• SMILE & make eye contact
• Exercise good posture: appear business like, but not too rigid
• Relax... be yourself... don't pretend to be something you're not

TO DO LIST: Beyond 20 seconds

• Analyze the interviewer
• Be concise in your answers and highlight your skills and knowledge of institution
• Silence for thought/reflection is okay before answering the question
• Be ready for skill related questions:
• Relate 2-3 goals you have set for yourself
• Describe how you have handled a large problem or challenge
• Prepare for the conclusions and exit gracefully

TO DO LIST: Post Interview

• Send thank you notes
• If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask
• Send additional information that is required
• Take time to analyze your interview: Examine Strengths, challenges, etc.

Remember PREPARATION is key.

By Robert Brown

More Than What’s in the Bank -Presented by: Steve Wood and Renee Kashawlic, UNC Chapel Hill

Have you ever wondered what all is included in benefit packages? What questions should you be asking your new employer? Well, Steve Wood and Renee Kashawlic have the questions to ask employers for both new and seasoned professionals. Here are some of the key points and suggestions.

1. Benefits
   • Prepare for your HR session before on-campus interview
     • What do most "insert position title" tend to use?
   • Retirement Options
     • Vesting: Complete ownership of investment money
     • Contributions/matching: 6-8% contribution from your employer, but often requires employment of 5 or more years
   • Professional Development
     • What is the dollar Amount???
     • Guidelines to use
       • Ask what types of professional development questions take place on your campus before conference questions.
   • Continuing education options
     • What are the benefits/opportunities?
     • Is there any flexibility for class scheduling?
2. Live within your means
   • Use general cost-of-living calculators to understand where you're moving
   • Know the Local taxes!
     • Sales Tax can range anywhere from 5 - 10% Income Tax
     • Find out if there is a tax on housing or meal allocations?
   • For the live-in staff member
     • Ask about the Partner and/or Pet Policy
     • Find out if you can have a Non-partner roommate
     • Will the apartment be Furnished/un-furnished?
   • Check for staff gym and wellness memberships
   • Healthcare
     • Ask about medical, dental, and vision!
     • How close is the nearest hospital?
     • Does the university insurance acceptable throughout the state?
     • Are their benefits for partners?
   • Parking Fees: Included, excluded, or tax-deductible?

By Robert Brown

Placement Interview Tips for Candidates, Scott Lewis

Scott Lewis, President of ASCA and Partner of the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management, Ltd. facilitated an engaging and highly interactive discussion focusing on interview tips. He asked the candidates for their "burning" questions, the questions that they most needed answered to better prepare for interviews. The candidate responses included:

1. When religious institutions ask about faith, how should I respond?
2. When asked about my long-term goals, what are the employers looking for?
3. What if I'm a "go with the flow" type of person and don't know my long-term goals? How should I respond?
4. I was surprised by the length of some interviews. If it's an hour-long interview, what's the best way to utilize that time? Do I need to use the full hour?
5. When asked about supervising and advising, what are employers looking for?

Scott addressed each of these questions in detail, emphasizing honesty in responses and a sincere answer. His advice (see below for notes) provided strategic and direct approaches to answering those tough interview questions.

1. It is only appropriate for religiously affiliated universities to ask about religion. If they do, answer honestly. You do not have to go into deep detail, but if there's an issue for you, consider whether the institution is a good fit.
2. When you're a "go with the flow" individual, answer the question about long-term goals truthfully but at the same time with a positive perspective. For example, discuss why you like to consider all opportunities and how you follow what peaks your interest. A candidate can also discuss the pros of being involved in many different aspects of higher education.
3. If your goals are different, speak to how the position you're applying for provides skills and experience that will assist you in reaching your goal. Also note the benefits of diversifying your experiences.
4. Length: 15 minutes too short. 30-45 minutes could be a good sign. Engage employers in good conversation and ask questions. Also from a longer interview, you might get a better feel if it's a good fit or not. That's why employers are there and why you're there. If it's not a fit "take it and move on." There is something out there just perfect for you!
5. Be truthful, what's your true style? Micro-manager? Do you prefer to give space to your employees? Truthful answer about how you supervise will provide them with a better idea of how you will fit (or not fit) what they're looking for

Some last notes from Scott included taking notes directly after an interview. After you leave the interview area, write down with whom you interviewed and what you said. If you're invited back for a 2nd interview, it is wise to use some new examples in your responses!

By Jasmine LeFever

Interactive Interview Preparation Workshop, Ron Gaschler

Candidates are on the hunt for information and helpful tips! Ron Gaschler of Bridgepoint Education provided an interactive session focusing on interview questions and ways to improve candidate responses. Using a candidate in a mock interview, other participants were able to observe his responses, providing an "on the other side of the table" experience and allowing the group to give constructive feedback that they too can utilize. Ron ended the session by providing a handout entitled "Three Steps to a Successful Interview" that outlined a preparation activity to complete before interviews involving resume and job description review, writing out candidate strengths with examples, and thinking about how you as a candidate are the best fit for the position.

By Jasmine LeFever