Section 2

Administrator Interview: Things to Consider

As at most colleges and universities, administrative positions at U.Va. vary by type, primary responsibility, and overall purpose. Administrative positions typically focus on academic affairs or student life but also include technology and development officers as well as deans, associate deans, program and center directors, and department chairs, among others. The job descriptions for these positions differ accordingly-there are, for example, deans of academic affairs, academic programs, research, graduate programs, undergraduate programs, students, and advising-just to name a few. Lists of different A&S administrative positions, programs and centers, and department chairs (and links to other schools) can be found online.

Once you have identified an administrative position of interest to you, it's time to contact the individual holding that position. Keep the following points in mind as you arrange and conduct the interview.

• Request the interview either by phone or email. Be sure to:
  • briefly introduce yourself
  • explain why you are requesting the interview
  • give an example of the type of questions you will be asking
    
  • mention (and/or send via email) the Confidentiality Clause
    
  • suggest (or ask the interviewee to suggest) a date and time for the interview; mention that you'll be happy to meet at his/her office and that you'll be sure to limit the interview to 30 minutes
  • provide your contact information (e.g. email address, phone number(s)).
• Confirm the meeting date, time and location a few days before the interview.
• Arrive at least 5 minutes early for your scheduled interview.
  
• During the interview:
  
  • re-introduce yourself and explain why you requested the interview. The interviewee will likely be interested in why you chose him/her.
    
  • mention and hand the interviewee a copy of the Confidentiality Clause.
    
  • use the questions below, or others you're interested in, to guide the interview.
    
  • be respectful of the interviewee's time and follow your established time limit.
    
• Before leaving the interview, thank the interviewee for his/her time. Also, be sure to send a hand-written thank-you note to the interviewee via Messenger Mail within 2-3 days. (A good rule of thumb for all informational or job interviews.)