Have you ever interviewed for a job at a college?

Question

I'm interviewing for a Admin position at a jr. college next week - any input as to the difference between this environment and a regular admin job?

What is the academic culture like compared to a regular office job?

Any tips - things to say, not to say etc???

This position is in the Public Relations department, which I think I would like. I'm interested in Marketing etc... I'll have to highlight the little bit of experience I've had with newsletters, events, proposals.

Yes I love to learn and many of my former co:workers my "age" don't always handle tha well.

And I do like to help people learn so this could work to my advantage.

I have to find the actual job ad (newspaper) that I saved, and the details that they had on their website that I printed. But I do remember that it did not require a degree.

I have only 1 year of college, some night classes and one on-line class.

I have loads of office & admin and overall experience. I have been and will keep checking out info about the college, the PR dept. and the idea of PR in general.

But I know every interview there's a question that stumps you - like "give us an example of when you....." and you never had to do that.

Answer 1

I have both interviewed and worked in a major university Dean's office. It was one of the best jobs I've ever had. It was a nice environment because there was little pressure. You didn't have things like quotas or sales numbers. Though you still have deadlines and budgets like any job, and life in general, it was mostly laid back and all about the students. The biggest thing they want is experience and education. Though I had a lot of experience I didn't have the masters degree that the job asked for. Best advice is to just go in and be calm and confident. Answer every question honestly and professionaly. Be sure to use your experiences as examples when you can. They will probably ask alot of senerio questions.

Answer 2

Usually, there is very little difference between an administrative assistant job within a university and the regular world. Highlight your computer, filing, organization, and communication skills. Also, try to show your familiarity with the Jr. College as a whole, as you might need to be in contact with different departments.

Answer 3

They'll want to know that you know at least a little about the college and are interested in learning.

Jobs in colleges exist for the sole purpose of serving students. Without students, you have no job. Show an interest in student needs, activities, and customer service.

The culture tends to be a bit more.... active than regular office jobs. At times it'll be snow and you can go down the street for coffee, but generally there are tons of activities of all sorts going on at the campus.

Answer 4

I'm not sure of your personal political background, but universities tend to lean to the left or liberal side of things. I refer to it as the 'Academia' thought process. School administration offices also tend to be very gossipy places.

Sometimes academic accomplishments (degrees, seniority, etc.) come before skills that fit the job at hand.