So You Want To Be an RA? Tips for Upcoming Interviews

Sylvia Kline ‘28

Photo By Sylvia Kline ‘28

The application cycle for prospective Resident Advisors (RA) has come to a close, and the interview process is now in full swing. The role is highly competitive, with Residential Life (ResLife) receiving over 80 applications each year and typically only offering 10-15 new positions each year. 

Students who hope to become RAs for the upcoming academic year submit applications in the beginning of each spring semester, with first- and second-round interviews occurring mid- to late February. First round interview notifications have been sent and interviews will continue in the coming weeks, with candidates awaiting their final decisions from ResLife, which are typically sent out before spring break. 

Resident Fellow Bart Brown states that qualities of prospective RAs include individuals who are engaged in the campus community but not overcommitted, individuals who are kind and considerate and individuals who take initiative. “We want RAs who can balance the personal and professional,” Brown stated. 

Additional traits prioritized by ResLife include the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to take constructive feedback and the ability to handle and mediate conflict. Each of these aspects are taught during RA training, but are all elements that require a personal foundation for success. 

Resident Advisor Autumn Panahon ‘28 stated that the first round interview functioned more as an introduction, and that she took advantage of the second-round interview to prove herself as deserving of the position. “The best preparation I did that helped me the most was brainstorming ways I’ve demonstrated my abilities like leadership and community building beforehand that could easily work with any questions I was anticipating.” 

Panahon said that she approached the interview as more of an “extended conversation” which helped to ease any anxieties she had, “which shifted the experience from one of imbalance and anxiety to that of open communication and getting to know each other.” 

Additionally, like with any job interview, it’s always helpful to bring questions of your own. “It also helped me feel more comfortable asking questions knowing that the interview is an opportunity for both the ResLife team to get to know me and for to know them and know it’s a mutual fit,” Panahon stated. 

A few more tips from Brown include talking to your current RA and using them as a resource, highlighting ways you build community, attending ResLife and RAs’ events and showing a genuine dedication to fostering community. 

The RA positions are highly competitive and the cycle can be stressful, so Brown assures prospective students, “it does not matter if you are an introvert, an extrovert or somewhere in between, there is room for you on our staff. Different personality types are required to have a strong team.”