1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Where to start?
Self-Assessment
Document Preparation
The Search

6. 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?)

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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: and click on position announcements
Postings at the conference booth
Salary survey online

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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
and

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. References and Resources
ACPA (College Student Educators International) Chronicle Website Academic Careers IPFW Career Guide Higher Ed Jobs .com NACADA Website NASPA (National Association of Student Affairs Administrators) Student Affairs .com

22. Thanks! And good luck!
Feel free to us with any further questions…
Alison K. Hoff:
Jill Parker: