JUNIOR LEVEL

Can you give an example of a time when you had to refer a student to additional institutional resources for support?

Sample answer to the question

Sure, I can give you an example. Once, I had a student who was struggling with a difficult course and was feeling overwhelmed. During our advising session, I empathized with the student and listened to their concerns. I realized that the student needed additional support beyond what I could provide as an academic advisor. So, I referred the student to the tutoring center on campus, where they could receive one-on-one assistance from subject matter experts. I also provided the student with information about study groups and academic workshops that could further support their learning. By referring the student to these resources, I ensured that they had the necessary tools and assistance to succeed in their coursework.

A more solid answer

Certainly! I can provide an example of when I referred a student to additional institutional resources for support. In one particular case, I had a student who was struggling with managing their time effectively. During our advising session, I actively listened to the student's concerns and asked probing questions to understand their specific challenges. It became apparent that the student needed assistance in developing time management strategies. Drawing on my knowledge of the campus resources, I referred the student to a time management workshop offered by the student services department. I explained how the workshop could provide practical techniques and tools to help the student prioritize tasks and improve their overall productivity. Additionally, I suggested the student utilize an online planner and shared some tips on creating a study schedule. By referring the student to these resources and offering personalized advice, I ensured that they had the necessary support to overcome their time management challenges and succeed academically.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details about the situation and the candidate's actions. It showcases the candidate's active listening skills, as well as their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities in identifying the appropriate institutional resource and providing personalized advice to the student. The answer also highlights the candidate's knowledge of campus resources and their ability to offer practical solutions.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share with you an exceptional example of when I referred a student to additional institutional resources for support. I had a student who was experiencing significant personal challenges that were impacting their academic performance. During our advising session, I created a safe and non-judgmental space for the student to share their concerns. Through active listening and empathy, I discovered that the student was going through a difficult breakup and was having difficulty focusing on their coursework. Recognizing the need for holistic support, I referred the student to the counseling center on campus, where they could receive professional guidance and counseling to address their emotional well-being. Additionally, I reached out to the student's professors to inform them about the situation and request any necessary accommodations. Furthermore, I connected the student with the campus support group for students dealing with personal challenges, as they could benefit from sharing their experiences and receiving peer support. By taking a comprehensive approach, I ensured that the student received the necessary emotional support, academic accommodations, and community resources to overcome their challenges and thrive academically.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed example that showcases the candidate's excellent active listening and empathy skills. It highlights the candidate's ability to address not only academic issues but also personal challenges that may impact a student's overall well-being. The exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's resourcefulness in referring the student to multiple institutional resources, including the counseling center and support groups, and their proactive approach in communicating with professors to ensure appropriate accommodations.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the institutional resources available to students, such as tutoring centers, counseling services, and support groups. Understand how these resources can address various student needs.
Reflect on past experiences where you provided support to students and consider how you referred them to additional resources. Practice discussing these experiences in a concise and clear manner.
Demonstrate your active listening skills by paying attention to the interviewer's question, taking a moment to gather your thoughts, and providing a thoughtful and empathetic response.
Highlight your problem-solving and critical thinking abilities by explaining how you assess students' challenges, explore potential solutions, and identify the most appropriate resources for support.
Emphasize your adaptability and ability to work in a fast-paced environment by sharing an example that showcases your ability to quickly assess student needs and respond accordingly.

What interviewers are evaluating

Active listening and empathy
Problem-solving and critical thinking