Talking Stick - January/February 2010 - 11

VIEWPOINT: Who Stole My Bread Plate? Despite many generational and societal changes in professional practices on campus, some customs and practices have withstood the test of time and remain highly valued by hiring authorities: from what to wear in an interview to where to keep your cell phone. A housing professional who starts as a hall director, progresses to a senior housing ofﬁcer, and then on to a vice president of student affairs position will have multiple opportunities to interview for new positions. Fortunately, there are clear rules for any interview. One easy one is “dress for the position you are seeking.” In other words, you can’t be overdressed in an interview situation. Business casual has been the ruin of more than one professional; there is no such thing as an outﬁt that is both business attire and casual attire. A more complicated set of rules relates to the etiquette of dining. If you have no idea how to excuse yourself from a luncheon table, which bread plate to use, or the mechanics of eating at a cocktail party, take the plunge and buy a book on etiquette. No one will say your table manners lost you the job, but that doesn’t mean they don’t matter. Simple etiquette also governs the use of communication devices. Resist the urge to check your phone for messages during an interview. In fact, don’t check your phone at any time that you’re in the presence of your prospective employers: between meetings, in the car, while being driven back to the airport, or when meeting with students. If you feel you may be tempted to make a phone call or check for messages, leave your phone behind. Remember too that your interpersonal communication style is being assessed as the interviewer envisions working with you. Being engaging, articulate, and friendly, showing appropriate humor, and maintaining (and building upon) a topic of conversation wins the day. In the realm of written communication, it is now okay to send an electronic thank-you note; however, even an e-mail must contain full sentences and carefully crafted paragraphs. Finally, there is the rule of representation. Whether interviewing for a position, attending a conference, or sitting on a campus committee, you represent your department and your institution. Resist the urge to complain about your supervisor, your institution, or your position. How you present yourself is very important. Showing up at a conference session in sandals and shorts is obviously not appropriate, and complaining about your current position will not get you a new one. The higher education community is small, and your reputation will be cast early in your career and continually reafﬁrmed by your work, how you present yourself, and how you represent your institution. So as you sit down for dinner at the end of a successful day of interviews, remember your bread plate is the one on the left. Ellen Heffernan is a partner with the Spelman & Johnson Group. She and her team will be a part of The Placement Exchange in Chicago, Illinois, March 3-7. DOES THE TALKING STICK REACH ENOUGH OF YOUR STAFF? Call (614) 292-0099 or e-mail talkingstick@ acuho-i.org for more information about additional membership subscriptions. IN THE NEXT TALKING STICK Coming in the March + April issue: • How to write a comprehensive RFP • The state of the amenities war • How do you manage the long days of move-out for both the students and staff? And much more about the college and university housing profession. JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2010

Talking Stick - January/February 2010

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