RA position UCD

b0gg3r

Thanks, but I'm not actually going for an interview just yet. I'm currently an RA so went through the process last year.

By more personal, I mean that the questions are more about you and what would you do in various scenarios. The also try to get a good idea of your current skillet and see how much training you would require.

DreamByDay

b0gg3r wrote: »

Thanks, but I'm not actually going for an interview just yet. I'm currently an RA so went through the process last year.

By more personal, I mean that the questions are more about you and what would you do in various scenarios. The also try to get a good idea of your current skillet and see how much training you would require.

Oh, sorry! I thought you were a fellow applicant :-)

Thanks for letting me about the second interview, I hope what I would do in most situations isn't too different from what we're meant to do...

I was asked in the first interview what I'd do as a young female if a bunch of drunk lads got in my face and I pretty much said, at this point they're not going to listen to me so I'd probably get security as they're more likely to listen then...I hope I didn't kill my chances!

b0gg3r

That's literally what we are trained to do.

DreamByDay

b0gg3r wrote: »

That's literally what we are trained to do.

Ha, good to know! I was a bit worried coming out of the interview because I realise it looks like I am not self-reliant/able to handle drunk people but ... wouldn't really want to be an RA if I was in fact expected to keep 'arguing' with drunk people who aren't listening anyhow! ;-)

DreamByDay

Anyone else here got second interview for the RA position? :-) Really excited about this!!

b0gg3r

Are they sending out interviews now?

DreamByDay

b0gg3r wrote: »

Are they sending out interviews now?

Just got my second interview invite yeah :-) for after the holidays.

DreamByDay

By the way, does anyone know the answers to the following questions:

1. Is it possible to be an RA during the summer semester (rather than move out in May)? If so do I mention it at the interview or...?

2. Are you asked what residence you prefer (and if so any opinions on what residence would be relatively calm and friendly)?

3. Any interview tips? :-)

b0gg3r

1. Yup, it's a slightly different job though. I've never done it, but I understand that applications open in the next few weeks.
2. You are, I don't know how much it matters though. Many don't get their preference however. I don't feel like there's a huge difference between the on-campus accommodations in terms of volume, perhaps Roebuck is a bit quieter. Obviously Roebuck is the nicest accommodation and it's wildly believed to be the easiest RA job.

3. Be yourself, sell yourself well, but be relaxed. The people interviewing you are nice people (though maybe deep down). Pacni might have more advice for you.

DreamByDay

b0gg3r wrote: »

1. Yup, it's a slightly different job though. I've never done it, but I understand that applications open in the next few weeks.
2. You are, I don't know how much it matters though. Many don't get their preference however. I don't feel like there's a huge difference between the on-campus accommodations in terms of volume, perhaps Roebuck is a bit quieter. Obviously Roebuck is the nicest accommodation and it's wildly believed to be the easiest RA job.

3. Be yourself, sell yourself well, but be relaxed. The people interviewing you are nice people (though maybe deep down). Pacni might have more advice for you.

Thanks b0gg3r, that's very good to know! Does this means there'll be a separate application process for summer RA-ing then? I guess I'll keep an eye on the Residences website :P

I was just on the Roebuck side of campus earlier today actually, and found it really nice and quiet, I guess if I'm asked I'll express my preference (or maybe Glenomena) but not hope for anything then!

Thanks for all the info and advice, all that's left now is for me to practice my 'selling points' I suppose

b0gg3r

Yeah there is, I don't know much about it. I don't even know if they publicly advertise.

pacni

Just to respond to some more things brought up here...

They generally don't ask which residence you would prefer to work in as you don't get a choice. They very intentionally create their teams based on the strengths and weaknesses of the RAs and place them in residences accordingly. Of course Merville/Glen will be significantly busier than Blackrock and thus the more outgoing, confident RAs are generally Merville/Glen. Conversely Blackrock being so far away and the slightly different living situation, generally requires a more mature and responsible RA as they are left on their own quite a bit. I would strongly advise not stating a particular preference as you are unlikely to get it.

With regards to summer RA there are only positions available in Blackrock and they are only open to current or previous RAs. They are not advertised and only offered directly to current RAs. Campus is run slightly differently in the summer in that it is run like a hotel. There are various conferences and schemes that use campus accommodation and are provided with a slightly better service than the students would be. This comes in the form of a 24 hour reception which wasn't standard until recently, a room/apartment cleaning service etc. For this, 'Front of House' staff are recruited to run the reception as well as 'Auditors' and 'Runners' rather than RAs. It's a very different type of job. Blackrock however only has summer Smurfit students so the RA role still applies.

DreamByDay

pacni wrote: »

x

Hi Pacni, thanks for the info - very interesting! I'll avoid shooting myself in the foot by stating a preference in this case! Also interesting to hear about how residences are run over the summer - it does make sense that they'd want a more professional-grade service for conferences, etc. Hope everything is going well for you

b0gg3r

pacni wrote: »

They generally don't ask which residence you would prefer to work in as you don't get a choice.

...

For this, 'Front of House' staff are recruited to run the reception as well as 'Auditors' and 'Runners' rather than RAs.

Ah okay, I know a few who were asked their preference, I thought it was a standard question.

What's a "runner"?

Oghogho

How many days a week do RA's work?