Question Overview: RAs are often the first people students turn to when they need help. This question reveals how a candidate would react in a crisis situation.
Sample Answer: I would assess the situation and determine the best course of action. I would then contact my supervisor and follow his or her instructions. If the situation was serious enough, I would call 911.
Question Overview: Favoritism is a serious issue for RAs. This question reveals a candidate’s ability to set aside personal relationships and treat everyone fairly.
Sample Answer: I would make sure that I was aware of my friend’s behavior and enforce the rules fairly. I would also make sure that my friend knew that I was not going to treat him differently than any other resident.
Question Overview: This question reveals a candidate’s character and passion. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the candidate’s personal life.
Sample Answer: My proudest achievement is my involvement in the Special Olympics. I’ve been volunteering with the organization for five years and have been a coach for the past three. I love working with the athletes and helping them achieve their goals.
Question Overview: This question is designed to help you learn more about the candidate’s personality and work style. It also gives you the opportunity to assess whether or not they have the skills and experience you’re looking for.
Sample Answer: I’m a great communicator and I’m always willing to help out my friends. I’m also very organized and I’m able to stay on top of my workload. I’m a hard worker and I’m always willing to go above and beyond for my friends.
Question Overview: This question reveals a candidate’s understanding of the role of an RA and their ability to effectively communicate their strengths and weaknesses.
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. I have strong communication skills because I’m always willing to talk with my residents and listen to their concerns. I’m also able to work with a variety of people because I’m open-minded and friendly.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn about a candidate’s self-awareness and self-confidence. It also helps you gauge their enthusiasm for the position.
Sample Answer: I’m a great fit for this position because I’m outgoing and love interacting with people. I’m also very organized and have a knack for problem-solving. I’m very excited to be an RA because it will give me the opportunity to help residents and build community.
Question Overview: Residence life is full of surprises, and this question helps you find out how a candidate will react to the unexpected.
Sample Answer: I was working at a summer camp for children with special needs when one of the counselors quit unexpectedly. I had to quickly take over her duties and organize a new staff schedule. I was able to handle the situation by staying calm and thinking through my options.
Question Overview: RAs are constantly making tough choices, from enforcing the rules to dealing with conflicts between residents. This question reveals how a candidate will handle these situations.
Sample Answer: I had to decide whether or not to report a student for smoking marijuana in his room. I knew that if I reported him, he would be kicked out of the dorm, but I also knew that he was a great resident who had never caused any problems before. Ultimately, I decided not to report him because he was a good guy who made a mistake.
Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to get a sense of a candidate’s motivations and interests. It’s also an opportunity to learn about their understanding of the role and their expectations for the position.
Sample Answer: I want to be an RA because I want to make a difference in the lives of students. I’m passionate about helping people, and I think this position would allow me to do that on a daily basis. I’m also interested in becoming an RA because it would give me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and learn how to manage a team.
Question Overview: A program is a great way to get residents involved in the hall and build community. This question reveals a candidate’s ability to think creatively and develop an effective marketing plan.
Sample Answer: I would create a program that would encourage residents to get to know each other on a deeper level. I would plan a weekly trivia night, where residents could win prizes for their floor. I would also create a Facebook page for my hall and use it as a platform to advertise programs and events.
Question Overview: RAs are responsible for enforcing the rules of their residence hall, and this question reveals a candidate’s ability to make decisions and take action.
Sample Answer: I’m a very decisive person, and I’m comfortable making decisions on my own. I’m also very organized and have a knack for planning ahead. I would first assess the situation and determine what the best course of action is. If I needed help, I would ask my supervisor or another RA for advice.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge a candidate’s experience with the responsibilities of an RA.
Sample Answer: I have been an RA for two years at my school. I am currently the head of the hall council and I have been a member of the hall council for two years. I have also been a member of the residence life staff for two years.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate will handle group projects and responsibilities.
Sample Answer: I divided the work evenly among the group members and delegated tasks based on each person’s strengths. I also made sure that everyone was involved in the decision-making process.
Question Overview: Community is the foundation of a successful residence hall. This question reveals a candidate’s understanding of the role of an RA in building community and their ability to effectively communicate their ideas.
Sample Answer: I would start by getting to know my residents and learning about their interests. I’d also plan fun activities that bring people together, like movie nights and ice cream socials. I’d also make sure that I’m always available to talk with residents about anything they’re going through.
Question Overview: Building a foundation of trust is critical to an RA’s success in building community, providing assistance for residents, and enforcing the rules of the hall. This question reveals insights about how a candidate will form these positive, meaningful relationships – and how they define those relationships.
Sample Answer: I would personally introduce myself to everyone on my floor and let them know that they can reach out to me at anytime. I think it’s important to be highly visible and down-to-earth so that residents feel comfortable coming to me with their issues. Although my goal is to form friendships with residents, my responsibility as an RA would be to remain professional and enforce the school’s policies.
Question Overview: Self-motivation is the ability to take initiative and complete tasks without being told what to do. This question reveals a candidate’s self-awareness and their ability to take initiative.
Sample Answer: Self-motivation means that I am able to take initiative and complete tasks without being told what to do. I am a very independent person who is confident in my abilities and willing to take on new challenges. I am also very organized and have a strong sense of time management.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that helps you find out what the candidate considers to be their best qualities.
Sample Answer: I’m a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile. I’m also a great communicator and I’m very organized. I’m a team player who is able to work independently.
Question Overview: This question reveals how a candidate would handle an ethical dilemma. It’s important to know how a candidate would react to a situation that is both difficult and common.
Sample Answer: I would talk to my supervisor about the situation and find out what the protocol is for this type of thing. I would also talk to the RA who was keeping the alcohol and let him know that I’m aware of what he’s doing and that it’s not appropriate.
Question Overview: This question reveals a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate policies and procedures to residents.
Sample Answer: I would explain the reasoning behind the policy and how it will benefit the community as a whole. I would also take time to answer any questions or concerns that residents had.
Question Overview: This question reveals a candidate’s ability to work with others and communicate effectively.
Sample Answer: I would approach my supervisor and let him or her know that I have a concern. I would then ask for time to discuss the issue and come up with a solution. I would also make sure that I understand the supervisor’s point of view before we come to an agreement.