How to conduct an advising job search Welcome! Please write down: Any job search advice you would like to share… Questions you would like to have addressed… How to conduct an advising job search

How to Conduct an Advising Job Search Alison K. Hoff, Academic Advisor Jill Parker, Director of Career Services Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) NACADA National Conference, Chicago, 2008

Agenda A bit about us Where to start? Plan of Attack: Self-Assessment Plan of Attack: Document Preparation The Search Networking Interviewing Considering an Offer References and Resources

A bit about us... Alison Hoff, M.A. Jill Parker, M.S., Ed.S., NCC Academic Advisor Chair of the NACADA Member Career Services Committee Experienced Search Chair for advising and career positions Jill Parker, M.S., Ed.S., NCC Director of Career Services Career Counselor

Where to start? Self-Assessment Document Preparation The Search

Self-Assessment Write down what you NEED (deal breaker) and what you WANT... New challenges? Offerings in doctoral studies? (discounted rate?) Supervisory position with more responsibility? Establish a new program? Work with __________ students? Type of institution? Others? (e.g., salary? location?)

Document Preparation Documents to have prepared Resume Cover letter Handwritten thank-you cards (Or typed letters, depending on legibility) References: 3-5 (professional and academic)

The Resume A resume is a 2D version of you, and it needs to summarize who you are and what you can do. The goal of a resume is to get you an interview, not a job. Develop one all-inclusive version, cut and paste as needed The 20-second rule View samples on the NACADA Member Career Services website Have professionals and mentors review your resume.

The Resume, continued A resume needs to be: Accurate and professional Targeted toward a specific position in a specific department at a specific institution Error-free; have several people look it over before sending it out Simple and organized; full of action verbs Quantitative: How many students do you advise? How many students attended the event? Include numbers and results.

The Resume, continued Parts of a Resume Identification information Career objective: be specific for one job and general for a posting online. Summary statement is optional Qualifications Education (and where to list it) Experience or employment history (related and unrelated) Activities, presentations, and leadership roles Honors/awards Relevant coursework National, regional, and state professional association memberships and related conference involvement

The Resume, continued References Letters or contact information? Requested with resume? Ask first! Update and notify– send copy of your resume to them and include specific position descriptions for which you have applied Communicate your career goal– it can lead to valuable opportunities through networking.

The Resume, continued Two types Discuss these topics, too! Chronological Combination Discuss these topics, too! Retention First Year Experience/ Living Learning Communities Student learning outcomes Assessment Experience working with faculty FERPA Technology experience related to position Banner, PeopleSoft, AdvisorTrac, DARS, etc.

Plan of Attack: The Search Do research on schools that have what you need/want. NACADA offerings Networking (national, regional, state conferences sessions, committees, lunch, sessions, etc.) Postings online at: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu and click on position announcements Postings at the conference booth Salary survey online

Plan of Attack: The Search, cont. Online Resources (Bookmark all websites) www.academic360.com (links directly to HR web sites) www.academiccareers.com Student Affairs .com Higher Ed Jobs .com www.chronicle.com Facebook University HR web sites NACADA online postings Other higher education professional associations (NASPA, ACPA, regional professional associations)

Plan of Attack: Networking NACADA conferences (regional, state, national, summer institute, etc.) Other professional association conferences Within the institution at which you currently work (e.g., on a personal or committee level) Community involvement Through Master’s/PhD classes Facebook, LinkedIn Internships/volunteering at another institution

Plan of Attack: Interviewing Questions to ask your potential employer Retention rate Advisor-student ratio Strategic plan of office and institution Budget growth or cuts Campus committee involvement level Decision-making level Professional development (funds and opportunities) Student or academic affairs– relationship between

Plan of Attack: Interviewing, cont. Do you need to give a presentation? Choosing a topic wisely Using the logo and mission statement The Little Things Matter Treats? Will you be reimbursed for travel expenses? Take an extra day to see the area if relocating Be prepared for a day-long interview, if not longer

Considering An Offer How much time is appropriate to ask for in considering an offer? Relocation funds** Request to discuss healthcare plans and insurance with HR rep Consider additional expenses (e.g., parking, commuting, and car insurance) Cost of living www.homefair.com and www.bestplaces.net

Final Thoughts Visit the conference Member Career Services booth to post openings, or to view postings and submit a resume Suggestions even if you aren’t job searching: Start an accomplishments folder Update your resume now Seek professional development inside/outside your field Stay current in your field, read journals, monitor current trends, etc.

Final Thoughts, continued More suggestions even if you aren’t job searching: Find a mentor Always be thinking about your next job Offer to: Help teach a class Present at a local, state, or national conference Take on new projects Join listservs and new committees Start an accomplishments folder.

References and Resources ACPA (College Student Educators International) http://www.myacpa.org/car/car_index.cfm Chronicle Website www.chronicle.com/search/jobs/ Academic Careers www.academiccareers.com IPFW Career Guide www.ipfw.edu/career/assets/_files/ACCSCAEERGUIDE07.pdf Higher Ed Jobs .com www.higheredjobs.com NACADA Website www.nacada.ksu.edu NASPA (National Association of Student Affairs Administrators) www.naspa.org/conference/career/index.cfm Student Affairs .com http://jobs.studentaffairs.com/#search

Thanks! And good luck! Feel free to email us with any further questions… Alison K. Hoff: HoffA@ipfw.edu Jill Parker: ParkerJS@ipfw.edu