how do i get hired as an ra

Getting an RA position involves three key steps:

• Finding RAship openings
• Submitting applications
• Evaluating offers

Full Answer

How do I become an RA?

To become an RA, you must first earn at least 40 undergraduate credits at your chosen university or college. Many RAs start off as first year undergraduate students and then apply for the position for the second year of their degree.

Is being an RA a good job?

Being an RA is a job, and like any job, you will need to dedicate time and hard work to the position. But there are several perks to being an RA and they could make the position worth pursuing. You should weigh the perks of the position against the expectations of the position to ensure it is the right fit for you.

What is the job description of an RA?

The job of an RA encompasses many things and they may not all be the same on all campuses. Typically, a Resident Assistant is an upperclassman who is responsible for a single floor in a dorm.

How much do ra students get paid?

Overall Compensation The total amount you receive for your service varies depending on the average housing and living costs at your school. Due to the variables affecting overall room and board costs, total RA compensation can range anywhere between $3,000-$18,000 in terms of covered housing costs and stipend.

How do I get a job at RA?

Getting the Necessary Experience and Skills. Earn at least 40 undergraduate credits. To become an RA, you must first earn at least 40 undergraduate credits at your chosen university or college. Many RAs start off as first year undergraduate students and then apply for the position for the second year of their degree.

How hard is it to get an RA position?

One of the hardest is the role of a Resident's Assistant. A study done about the role of RAs stated: “The resident assistant (RA) position was one of the most demanding assignments on a college campus.” It also said it was a 24-hour job, which I agree with.

What qualities do you need to be an RA?

Common characteristics include: personal warmth, social maturity, a sincere desire to assist in students' personal development and transition to college, openness to new experiences, willingness to be challenged, capacity to deal with change, ability to manage personal emotions, ability to deal with a wide range of ...

How do you stand out in an RA interview?

Talk to current RAs from different buildings to find out their opinions of the position. Gathering more than one opinion can help you see different sides of the job. Additionally, by talking to RAs from different buildings, you will gain knowledge of buildings other than the one(s) you may have lived in.

Do RAs get their own room?

Some colleges give RAs their own private dorm room. This perk is a huge benefit, especially for students who want more privacy but can't afford a single room. Beyond the increase in quality of life, living without a roommate can allow you to focus more deeply on your studies and get a better night's sleep.

Can RAs sleep with residents?

No, in fact it is encouraged. Often the RA will exert dominance early on by bedding the weaker floor mates. God willing, the RA will have their minions operating like a well oiled machine in no time.

Does RA look good on resume?

It looks good on a resume. If you're looking for ways to demonstrate your leadership skills, being an RA looks great on a resume. And you can always use some of your experiences to demonstrate your "practical experience" in a job interview.

Can RAs be friends with residents?

You won't automatically become BFFs with the other RAs. Not everyone is going to be best friends. But even if you don't get along with someone, you have to put aside your personal feelings and establish some sort of connection with every RA so you know you can go to them if something happens with a resident.

How can RA applicant stand out?

really, everything! Include Co-Ops, internships, volunteering, jobs, academic projects, co-curricular activities, and involvement with on-campus organizations. Then, look at the job description. Highlight key skills, experiences, and traits that ResLife is seeking.

What questions do they ask in an RA interview?

Identify the three most important skills an RA should possess and explain why. How do you feel the RA position would change your lifestyle? How could you justify enforcing a policy that you yourself might not believe in? What role do you typically play with your friends?

What kind of questions do they ask in an RA interview?

Learn How to Answer The Most Common Resident Assistant Interview QuestionsWhy do you want to become a RA? ... Why do you think you can be a good resident assistant? ... How do you imagine your typical week, from the position of a resident assistant? ... What is the most difficult aspect of working as RA, from your point of view?

Why should we hire you resident assistant?

Example answer: "I think a good resident assistant is, first, an effective leader and an example for students. Strong communication skills and the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of people are also important for job success.

1. Reflect on why you're attracted to the job

To answer this standard interview question, you can first consider what about the job appeals to you most.

2. Determine which skills and traits you'd bring

After you've determined why exactly you'd like to become an RA, you can establish the specific traits, skills and characteristics you would bring to the residence hall if you were an RA.

3. Use the STAR method

To formulate an answer, describe your experience or skills using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym that means "situation, task, action and result." Using this method allows you to create a response that showcases how you used your qualifications to solve a problem or achieve a specific outcome.

Example 1

"I hope to become an RA for Smith and Brown House to gain experience in the hospitality field. While I'm just a freshman here, I'm interested in declaring a major in hospitality soon, and I think that as an RA, I could get some solid experience in work relating to hospitality and housing to reaffirm the major I'm choosing to pursue.

Example 2

"I'm interested in being an RA at Wildwood Hall because I had the most wonderful RA my freshman year of college and I want to serve this school the same way he did. During my first year of school, I was homesick, but every time I had a conversation with my former RA, Rodrick, I felt motivated.

Example 3

"I want to be an RA at this dorm for a lot of reasons, but primarily because of the social aspect. I love getting to know fellow students, making friends and forming connections. As a hospitality major, I get to combine my passion for hospitality and my desire to engage with others.

Example 4

"I'd like to be an RA because I believe I can best serve the school that I love through this role. I'm skilled at leadership, management and forming connections, as shown through my manager position at the school library.

What is RA training?

RA training generally involves preparing you for different emergency situations, including evacuation plans, as well as briefing you about more mundane protocol (hours you’ll be required to serve, who you’ll report to, what days you need to be on campus, etc.). This training generally takes place over the summer.

What are the benefits of being an RA?

Another socially advantageous benefit of being an RA is the potential to “pull” your friends into housing with you. Though each school has a different housing selection process, at some colleges, RAs are assigned their rooms before any other students; if a given RA is placed into a suite, they can choose which friends live with them.

What is a resident assistant?

Typically, a Resident Assistant is an upperclassman who is responsible for a single floor in a dorm. In some schools, that responsibility could stretch to an entire wing in a dorm. As you can imagine, being an RA involves a number of different responsibilities.

What does it mean to be an RA?

Working as an RA also demonstrates leaderships, problem-solving skills, creativity, teamwork, and time management, along with a host of other soft skills. Those are attractive qualities to future employers as well.

How long does RA training last?

The intensity of this training varies, though at some schools it may last for several days or up to two weeks.

What is your primary duty as a resident?

Overseeing Residents. Your primary duty, of course, is to the residents you oversee. While you’ll plan floor meetings and decorate your hall (s) no matter which students you supervise, if you’re assigned to freshmen, you might have extra responsibilities.

What does RA stand for in college?

In looking up ways to save money on room and board in college, chances are you’ve seen someone mention being a resident assistant (RA) as an option. But how does one become an RA? And what does an RA do, anyway?

What is a resident assistant?

Becoming a resident assistant, also known as resident adviser or RA, while in college is a great way to build personal and professional skills and save money, too. Most RAs get free or discounted housing in exchange for taking on the role of monitoring and supporting undergraduates in college campus housing, such as a dormitory.

What is the job of a residence life officer?

1. Enforcing the rules and policies of the residence life department, along with those of dining services, security and the college or university administration, too. 2. Conducting regular room/suite checks. 3. “Floor duty,” which may include having to check visitors in and out of the residence hall. 4.

Do they still refer to me as RA?

And, yes, they still refer to me as their RA . There’s also so much to be said about your own personal development and the skills you learn, working with all types of personalities, temperaments, work ethics, scholastic efforts and [even people with different] hopes and dreams.

Is being an RA good?

The good news is that being an RA can yield countless personal, professional and financial benefits. Though it may occasionally seem like a burden too heavy to bear, many of the responsibilities you’ll handle will provide you with great, real-world experiences that can help you grow as a person. Collapse All.

Does Talladega College offer stipends?

Some campuses also offer stipends, hourly pay and discounted meal plans too. “For me that has meant having more money in my pocket to buy books and other necessities,” asserts Alexius Sims, a resident assistant at Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, and a social work major who plans to attend graduate school.

Free room and board

Wow, bet you never heard that before! I know this is the number one reason people are interested in the job so let’s get that one out in the open.

Your staff bonds are irreplaceable

Just like with any position or job, unless you were or currently are an RA you will never fully understand the lifestyle of an RA.

You will learn about your leadership style

As an RA you’re looked at as a role model of sorts, a leader of the floor, and ultimately a representative of the school.

Growing as a person

Branching from the above point, not only do you grow as a leader – you grow as a person.

Connections with Residents

This is perhaps one of my most prized reason that I would stay an RA for the rest of my life if I could. I’ve had 60 residents last year and another 60 this year and getting to know each and every one of them is the reason I do this job. Some of them will only say hi to you, and others will text you everyday.

What can a veterinarian do to help with RA?

For example, a veterinarian can recruit and train a veterinary assistant capable of lifting heavy animals to perform certain procedures, and carry out tasks under their direction.

What is Jacobs' job?

As a board-certified ergonomist, Jacobs examines the tools and equipment people need to do their jobs properly. The Job Accommodation Network is also an invaluable resource for exploring your options, Jacobs says, because it can give you ideas about exactly what you can ask for to get your job done.

How many employees are required to provide reasonable accommodations?

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires employers with more than 15 employees to offer reasonable accommodations. When it comes to your job, take the time and care to identify which accommodations you’ll need, advises Karen Jacobs, EdD, an occupational therapist and clinical professor at Boston University.

Can a desk be modified for RA?

Jobs that primarily take place at a desk can be modified for people with RA, says Anne Hickley, PhD, a blogger who also runs a small business called Marbled Beauty in the United Kingdom. When Hickley was diagnosed with RA at age 39, she “already had things like a wrist rest for typing and another for using the mouse.”.

Is Carla Kienast a good fit for her RA?

Dallas-based corporate communications expert Carla Kienast returned to consulting after her last employer eliminated her position, but she says contracting is a good match for her RA. She was diagnosed in 2008 and says it’s been difficult to control.

Can RA cause you to retire early?

For years, people with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) were more likely than those without the condition to change jobs, lose jobs , retire early, reduce work hours, or struggle to find a job in the first place, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reports that at least one in four people with arthritis have ...

Why do interviewers ask, "Why do you want to be an RA?"

By asking candidates why they want to be an RA, interviewers are able to learn more about their motivation and any relevant experiences they had while they were a resident in the dorms. Since residential assistants serve as mentors to younger students, the position can be very sensitive.

Tips for answering the question, "Why do you want to be an RA?"

When preparing your answer to this question, it can be helpful to keep a few important principles in mind. Here are some tips for answering, "Why do you want to be an RA?"

Example answers for, "Why do you want to be an RA?"

Before interviewing for the residential adviser position, it's helpful to practice your answers ahead of time. It's likely that the interviewer will begin by asking why you want to be an RA, so having a well-crafted response to this question can be a good way to make a great first impression.

Why don't you become an RA?

1. Don't become an RA just for the free room and board. I've encountered people who become an RA solely because of the money it saves by covering housing and food. It's a lot of work, so if you're literally only there to reap the benefits of it and you don't have any kind of passion for it, you will be miserable when you have to give up your free ...

What to do if a resident sees you at a party?

If a resident sees you at a party and you're the one underage drinking, they could go ahead and tell your residence director. You have to follow the same rules you tell everyone else to follow. If you don't want your residents coming back to the dorm drunk, you can't do that either.

Do you have to be outgoing to be an RA?

14. You don't need to be outgoing to be a good RA. During the application process to become an RA, they have these classes where they observe how you interact with other students to get a feel for your personality.

What is the most rewarding thing about being an RA?

The most rewarding thing about being an RA is knowing that you’re helping someone else, in even the slightest way. I’ve worked with freshmen for the past two years, and now I have upperclassmen students. I have had residents who have never lived in America. Other residents have never left home before or have never shared a room. I’ve taught residents how to do laundry and do dishes, but I’ve also been there for them through their first day of college classes, their home sickness, any roommate conflicts, alcohol poisoning, and many other issues that college students may go through.

What is a resident advisor?

To some it is a resident advisor, others call it a resident assistant. RA’s are students who are hired to supervise and help other students in there buildings. RA’s plan events, they build communities in the halls, create bulletin boards, and yes, they do enforce policies.

Is being an RA a full time job?

Being an RA is a 24-hour job, if a resident needs you, it is your job to be available for them. Most residents are always surprised to hear that RA’s are full time students, as well.

The Benefits, Challenges and Responsibilities of Life as An Ra

Duties and Responsibilities of An Ra

Becoming A Resident Assistant in College

• RAs are the centerpiece of the residence hall experience, and it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have during your college career. But as your heart becomes set on being an RA, you should know that the path to becoming one usually requires showing that you are a good fit for the job through an extensive and competitive application process. ...

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Benefits and Drawbacks

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