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what makes a great resident assistant

by Mollie Frami Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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RAs should also possess patience, a sense of humor, strong communication skills and the ability to complete paperwork in a timely manner.

What are good qualities for a resident assistant?

What Makes a Great Resident Assistant?Recognize that experience does matter. ... Live by a good set of ethical standards. ... Posses a good attitude. ... Proactively request feedback so they can improve. ... Be able to challenge peer attitudes and behaviors when needed. ... Demonstrate the ability to facilitate individual conversation.

Why would I be a good resident assistant?

Why do you think you can be a good resident assistant? Tell them that you have a good understanding for the ins and outs of life at the dormitory. You can also say that you believe to have the right personality for the position, and good communication skills, and an ability to work independently.

What characteristics do you feel make you an ideal candidate for a RA position?

Sample Answer: A great RA is someone who is a leader, has strong communication skills and is able to work with a variety of people. I think I have all of these qualities. I'm a leader because I'm always willing to help out my friends and I'm always looking for ways to improve my community.

How do I ace a resident assistant interview?

Before the InterviewReview Residential Life policies.Think about what type of community would be a good fit for you. ... Reflect on your personal characteristics, skills, and knowledge.Consider how past experiences connect with the RA position.Know the job. ... Think about why you want to be an RA.More items...•

Why do you want to be an RA interview question?

As an RA, I want to be able to not only continue to make new friends but also provide a safe environment for new students to come together and begin their college journey. Working as an RA would also allow me to continue to live on campus, which can help me stay close to my classes.

What is the most challenging part of being an RA?

One of the most difficult aspects of a resident assistant's job is handling student conduct violations.

What do you say in RA application?

Be yourself. An RA application is not the time to embellish your résumé. Be honest, and be yourself! Residence life professionals are attracted to students with those ideal qualities like organization and responsibility, but they also love people who are creative, open-minded, and outgoing.

What does being an RA mean to you?

A resident assistant or resident advisor, is live-in position held by students. Generally, the goal of an RA is to create a safe and comfortable environment for the residents of a dorm. Depending on the school and dorm, the list of responsibilities and tasks may vary, but typically include things like: •

How do you answer tell me about yourself?

Your answer to the "tell me about yourself" question should describe your current situation, your past job experience, the reason you're a good fit for the role, and how you align with the company values. Tell the interviewer about your current position and a recent big accomplishment or positive feedback you received.

How do you nail 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?

How should I dress for an RA interview?

Preferred dress is business casual. Appropriate dress typically includes slacks/khakis, a dress shirt/blouse, open- collar or polo shirt, a dress or skirt at knee- length or below, a tailored blazer, knit shirt or sweater, and loafers or dress shoes. A tie or sport coat is optional, not necessary.

What does a resident assistant do?

Resident advisors (RAs) — also known as resident assistants — are trained, college-aged mentors. They help create a supportive and safe environment for students living in dorms and other student housing.

What are two actions and or behaviors you think are important for an RA to have?

As an RA you need to reach towards higher standards, by role modeling kindliness, honest communication and respect.

Should I put being an RA on my resume?

On your resume, describe your Resident Advisor experience in the same way you would describe other campus involvement and work/internship experiences. During your time as an RA, you have developed numerous transferable skills and abilities that are going to be relevant to many professions.

Does being an RA look good on a resume?

A resident advisor is usually a paid position, so it is worth including on your resume if you don't have other work experience, and sometimes even if you do. If you take care to come up with a high-quality description, listing an RA job can help your resume stand out in a positive way.

What is the primary role of an RA?

The primary role of an RA is to lead and facilitate a community that supports the academic and personal development of each individual in the residence halls/apartments.

What does a Resident Assistant do?

A Resident Assistant helps residents by overseeing fun activities, assisting residents in eating, bathing or doing chores, and maintaining care rec...

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Resident Assistant?

A Resident Assistant has many responsibilities, such as promoting activities with residents and attending staff meetings throughout the year.

What makes a good Resident Assistant?

A good Resident Assistant must have excellent communication skills since they need to work directly with residents on a daily basis along with prov...

Who does a Resident Assistant work with?

A Resident Assistant will work with many professionals like a Supervisor who sets the daily schedule and ensures that all residents receive the car...

What is a resident assistant at UWL?

That student’s resident assistant, a fellow student under the employment of UWL’s Office of Residence Life, has a great influence over that experience. The role of a resident assistant is a highly sought-after position by UWL students, with hundreds of applicants each year. The chances of being selected for the role are becoming increasingly slim.

What is the residence hall with the biggest party atmosphere?

Coate Hall is notoriously known for being the residence hall with the biggest party atmosphere, but the question is not why they are known as this, but if there is anything being done to stop it?

Why is it difficult to get kicked out of residence life?

Because of the social hierarchy that is residence life, there is an unsaid rule that once you are in, it is difficult to get kicked out. Residence life values the aspect of manipulation of many of their candidates instead of individuality. What makes a good resident assistant versus what makes a bad resident assistant purely comes down ...

What is resident assistant?

1) The ability to be an authority figure. Resident assistants have to be able to maintain authority as is necessitated by their position while simultaneously being a friend and mentor to every student who is living on their floor or wing of the floor.

Why do students go to resident assistants?

Students will often go to their resident assistant to talk about a problem they don’t feel comfortable discussing with anyone else. Sometimes the R.A. can help them by being an objective outsider, and sometimes they help simply by referring the student to the appropriate resource to get them help.

What do dorm administrators look for in a candidate?

When dorm administrators are looking for people to choose for the positions, they look for candidates who have a total package. These are people who can deal with all sorts of situations and who can handle all of the stress that is oven heaved upon them.

Why do you need an exemplary grade point average for a resident assistant?

A resident assistant will have to have an exemplary grade point average because they also serve as mentors to the students for whom they are responsible.

Do you have to undergo drug testing for a resident assistant?

Resident assistants have to be alert and are of everything that goes on in the area for which they are responsible. Some colleges and universities may require their resident assistants or prospective resident assistants to undergo drug and alcohol testing. They may even insist on doing this often.

Who can recommend resident assistants?

Resident assistants always have a wide array of recommendations from people who know them in varying capacities. These recommendations can come from professors, their own faculty assistant, from former employers, and from people who can vouch for their responsibility.

Do resident assistants have a high grade?

They are able to maintain a high- grade point average despite their social involvement and job as a resident assistant, so that speaks to the fact that these students are extraordinarily adept at managing their time.

What does a Resident Assistant do?

Resident Assistants typically work for assisted living facilities or retirement communities to provide support to residents and their quality of life. They coordinate with other staff members to ensure that residents receive the medical support and nutrition they need. Their job is to make residents feel valued by engaging in positive interactions with them and making an effort to provide them with fun activities and group programs. They may also be responsible for contacting a resident’s relatives to notify them of changes in their loved one’s health or behavior.

What are the skills needed to be a resident assistant?

Some of these skills and qualifications can include: Ability to act professionally at all times and as a strong role model for residents.

What education do you need to become a nursing assistant in Ohio?

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED. Ohio Nursing Assistant exam and previous gerontological nursing experience preferred. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate in a diplomatic and compassionate manner is essential. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously is necessary.

How much does a resident assistant make?

Resident Assistants make an average of $12.08 per hour. In addition to hourly pay, some Resident Assistants may receive free or discounted housing since they are often required to stay in the dorms with residents. Pay rate may depend on geographical location and institution.

What are the qualifications for a resident assistant?

Since this position involves regularly interacting with students and boosting morale, a Resident Assistant needs many skills to successfully do their job. Some of these skills and qualifications can include: 1 Ability to act professionally at all times and as a strong role model for residents 2 Personable, friendly and outgoing personality 3 Effective communication and listening skills to interact with students 4 Ability to maintain a calming presence in case of emergency events in order to direct and assist residents safely 5 Good organization and planning skills 6 Great time management

What are the skills required to be a good resident?

Ability to act professionally at all times and as a strong role model for residents. Personable, friendly and outgoing personality. Effective communication and listening skills to interact with students. Ability to maintain a calming presence in case of emergency events in order to direct and assist residents safely.

What is the job of a resident?

Their job is to make residents feel valued by engaging in positive interactions with them and making an effort to provide them with fun activities and group programs. They may also be responsible for contacting a resident’s relatives to notify them of changes in their loved one’s health or behavior.

What can I learn from being a resident assistant?

Building a strong relationship with the people I interact with is very important to me; yet another lesson I learned from being a Resident Assistant. Through perseverance and never giving up on any one individual, change can occur. Every person who is on this planet is a good person with wonderful gifts. Often times, individuals lose motivation and drive simply because they doubt a lack of interest from others. Unfortunately, many individuals are never really told that they are important or special. My goal, because of my experience as a Resident Assistant, is to simply let those individuals know how important they are. We can positively affect people’s lives with the gifts that we possess.

What is a resident assistant?

The Resident Assistant is all of these people wrapped up into one young student leader bearing down in the trenches wishing and hoping that they are making a difference in the lives of their residents. More often than not, you will never know if, when, and how you impacted your residents.

What is the role of a RA?

The RA, although sometimes the least liked role, is a police officer: monitoring floor behavior and documenting offenses to the code of conduct. The RA is a tutor: often putting aside his or her own studies to help students pass that impossible mid-term exam.

What is a RA?

The RA is an event coordinator: planning and implementing social, emotional, and educational gatherings. The RA is a conflict mediator: helping to calm roommates ready to do battle over who took who’s laundry detergent without asking.

What does a resident assistant do?

A resident assistant is responsible for serving the needs of patients living in long-term care and retirement facilities. They help chronically ill, disabled and less independent residents with activities of daily living such as bathing, using the toilet, eating, dressing and washing. They also help with other tasks such as physical mobility and social and recreational activities.

What are the skills needed to be a resident assistant?

Resident assistants need several hard and soft skills to succeed at work. Some skills include: 1 Communication: Resident assistants must be able to listen to their clients and assist them as needed. They should be good at communicating their clients’ needs to organizations that can help them. 2 Organization: Resident assistants often work with many different clients and complete paperwork regularly. They must be organized to make sure that their clients are getting the help they need and the paperwork is filed properly. 3 Compassion: Resident assistants often work with clients who are in stressful and difficult situations. To build strong relationships, they must have empathy and compassion for their clients. 4 Interpersonal skills: Resident assistants must also be good at making their clients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics. 5 Problem-solving: Resident assistants must be good at helping clients find solutions to their problems. They must be able to determine their clients’ needs and propose practical solutions. 6 Time management: Resident assistants should be able to manage their time effectively to make sure that their clients are getting the attention and care they need.

Why do you need to be organized as a resident assistant?

They must be organized to make sure that their clients are getting the help they need and the paperwork is filed properly.

Why should a resident assistant be able to manage their time effectively?

Time management: Resident assistants should be able to manage their time effectively to make sure that their clients are getting the attention and care they need.

What is a CNA?

Issued by the state, the CNA designation is given to individuals who provide hands-on healthcare to patients in medical settings under the guidance of a registered nurse. To obtain this certification, candidates are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, undergo a nursing assistant training program and pass a CNA certification examination.

How to become a CNA in high school?

Individuals can prepare for this career while in high school by taking courses in social studies, mathematics, chemistry and biology. Some community colleges offer programs in which students can take CNA courses while they earn their diplomas. 2. Complete a training program.

Do resident assistants need to be trained?

Many resident assistants, particularly those without a college education, are required to undergo a period of on-the-job training. Because they are often dealing with multiple clients or patients from a variety of backgrounds, on-the-job training in case management helps prepare them to respond properly to the different situations and needs of their clients.

General resident assistant interview questions

These are some general questions that are likely to appear during a job interview:

In-depth resident assistant interview questions

These questions directly relate to the candidate's experience in the role:

Resident assistant interview questions with sample answers

Here are five questions you may hear during your next resident assistant interview, with an example answer for each:

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 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 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 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.

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 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?

Is a resident assistant a boon?

Your experience as a resident assistant will benefit you well beyond your college years. Employers are aware of how much responsibility RAs take on, so having a resident assistant position on your resume will be a boon for you.

How Does An RA Engage Residents?

An RA engages residents by getting to know them, learning about their interests, and finding ways they can help them. This can be done through a variety of activities such as making phone calls, setting up social events, giving tours of the building or apartment complex, or organizing transportation for seniors.

How Can I Be A Good RA?

Being a RA can be a difficult job. The responsibilities of the position can be quite demanding and require a lot of work. It is important to have an understanding of what it means to be a resident assistant, as well as how to provide assistance to residents.

What Are RA Responsibilities?

Residential assistants usually live in the dorms with the residents they serve, and they’re responsible for ensuring all residents feel welcomed and comfortable. Therefore, they need to be willing to provide a variety of skills and experiences that will help make their residents’ stay more enjoyable.

What Skills Should An RA Have?

They should have good communication skills and the ability to work independently. He or she should also be able to work in a team.

What is the best way to get everyone moving?

Physical Programs. Physical programs are a great way to get everyone moving, which is normally a favorite of college students. Getting active is also a great break from studies and to refresh them after sitting through classes or in their rooms studying.

Is academics a good RA?

Compared to newer students, upperclassmen regularly take academics more seriously, but again, they have a habit of showing a stronger footing in school. So, academic programs are good RA program ideas for upperclassmen.

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1.What Makes a Great Resident Assistant? - ACUHO-I

Url:https://www.acuho-i.org/resources/cid/5147

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2.Viewpoint: What Makes a Good Resident Assistant?

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Url:https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/resident-assistant

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6.Being a Resident Assistant: What’s Your Motivation?

Url:https://reslife.net/ra/being-a-resident-assistant-whats-your-motivation/

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7.Learn About Being a Resident Assistant | Indeed.com

Url:https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-resident-assistant-do

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