Gordon: I would recommend that candidates work with a mentor as they put together their search information. Ideally, this should be someone who can be objective and offer sound advice. The mentor should be someone who is at least somewhat seasoned in the field and can help them navigate the intricacies of how the job (whichever one they're applying for) looks at different schools and how they can position their experiences to best match what a search committee might be looking for. Barile: I also have found that your employer's career service office might be willing to look at your résumé and cover letter - befriend career services! Ackman: I think Spelman Johnson will review either for free or a small fee. Another resource is HigherEdJobs.com. You can develop a search-specific query so that you receive emails every day, and you can load your résumé in case a college is looking for your specifics. I actually recommend to my staff that they review TPE prep information. They might not be attending, but they can see how it works so that they feel comfortable after. Barile: I think first-level staff could also review the interview questions for second-level positions and work with a peer to participate in a mock interview. What's one thing you think second-level candidates need to do to prepare for an interview? Gordon: Do their homework on the institution and how they are the best candidate. If they made it to a first-round interview, they have a foot in the door, and now they need to sell their experiences. For example, when I had my firstround interview at UCONN, I was able to provide examples of how my experiences at a mid-size school would translate to a very large school. It worked! ■ Camille Perlman is the managing editor of Talking Stick. cperlman@acuho-i.org Meet Bill. The loneliest repair man around since Brill furniture needs no repairs. Buy right the first time. Brill Company brillcompany.comhttp://www.HigherEdJobs.com http://www.brillcompany.com