Step 1 – Learn about the roles: Read the position descriptions carefully. Talk with your Junior Advisor or Community Advisor. Consider attending a winter info session to learn more before applying.

Step 2 – Engage in self-reflection: Identify the aspects of Residence Life work that interest you, the intersection of values, and the impact you hope to have.

Step 3 – Identify your 2 (two) references: Ask 1 (one) Bates community member to serve as a reference. This can be a current or former member of the student Residence Life Staff or a professional faculty or staff member. Identify 1 (one) additional reference. Your second reference can be provided by a member of the Bates community or from another position you’ve held outside of Bates. The important thing is to make sure they know they’re your reference and be sure to get their preferred email addresses.

Step 4 – Edit your cover letter and resume: The application requires a simple resume and cover letter. These are weighted significantly less than your interview and do not need to be a source of stress. However, we recommend that applicants check out the Center for Purposeful Work’s online resources or schedule a meeting to get a professional eye on their application materials.

Step 5 – Complete the Application (Google Form): Be sure to complete and submit the Google Form Application by the deadline. You will need to upload your cover letter and resume and provide the names and contact information for references as part of the application process.

Step 6 – Provide your interview availability: Once we receive your application, we will send a follow-up form where you can provide your interview availability. We will use the information collected through that form to schedule interviews.

Dates: Interview dates for applicants will be finalized the week before interviews begin. Interviews for the 2025-2026 Academic Year are listed above.

Location: Interviews will likely be facilitated via Zoom, making it possible for students who are studying remotely or off-campus to participate in the process. This is subject to change.

Length: Each interview will last approximately 20-25 minutes.

Interviewers: Interviews will be facilitated by a committee made up of current Residence Life Staff members, professionals in the Office of Residence Life and Health Education, and other Bates faculty and/or staff members.

Structure: Committees will ask 4 to 6 questions — depending on time — and will leave a few minutes at the end of the interview for applicants to ask questions of their own. See below for examples of interview questions:

• Sample Question #1: What interests you about [position], and what experiences or values would you draw upon for this role?
  
• Sample Question #2: One of your residents comes to you complaining about another resident making a mess and not cleaning up after themselves. How might you address concerns raised by one member of your community about another?
  
• Sample Question #3: As a JA or CA, how would you approach your role to foster communities that are reflective of the values of inclusion, social justice, and anti-racism?
  
• Sample Question #4: What sources of strength — i.e. knowledge, skills, experiences, relationships — would you draw upon in this role? And what kind of supervisor support would help you to thrive?