The next part was group interviews. After submitting my application, I was informed to apply for one of the group interviews, so you go into the ResLife office and sign up for one of two dates. I signed up for the one on Saturday Morning.
When arriving, there are many chairs set up in a circle and people just randomly sit down where they wanted. The Resident Dean and Assistant ResDeans introduced themselves and told us our first activity. It was to take a paper bag, draw/write things that describe you and in the end, do an ONE minute(people went over and there was a buzzer) introduction of yourself. I don’t remember what words I described myself as but the one thing I remember is drawing a turtle.
After decorating, people went in a circle introducing themselves. Personally, I was shaking like I was in a blizzard, super nervous. When it was my turn, I stood up, hands still shaking and introduced myself. I mentioned the turtle, and if I remember correctly, I said “I drew a turtle because I have a hard exterior, but once you get to know me, I am pretty soft.” When I sat back down, my friend sitting next to me said “You were shaking so much!” I never was good with crowds and presenting in front of large groups was something I wanted to improve on. Hence, apply for this position.
In the next part of the interview, we were separated into groups of 4-5 and were given scenarios of possible situations one might have to deal with on the job such as bullying, roommate problem, hate speech, and such. Afterwords, the entire group reconvenes and discusses. Pretty typical stuff. I am not very talkative, so I never spoke up, which might have been a downfall because it seemed like I would not be able to ‘handle’ the job as I was quiet.
The final part of the interview, we were given a list of different scenarios and were to rank how ‘bad’ each one was. ALL of the scenarios were horrible, so it was a matter of how one’s morals affect ones judgement. I think the point of this exercise isn’t about being right, but how one can back up one’s argument as well as come to a consensus as a group. My group had small disputes here and there, but in the end, we all agreed, which was a good thing. (This part of the interview was the most fun personally, and it just happens that two people in my group are now my fellow RA’s =])
And this concluded the group interviews for me. I learned that the group interview themselves are not used to show how amazing one person is, but how well one can work in a group situation. So while you might think that you are not fit because you are different in an aspect, they might want YOU because you are different.
Sixth College does not go for the cookie cutter ‘perfect’ RA who excels in every aspect. They hire people who they think would be beneficial to the Sixth family. I never thought that I would have been offered the individual interview, but I was, and I am glad.