I recently applied for an open administrative position at a local college.

Anonymous

April 24,2023 at 11:07PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I recently applied for an open administrative position at a local college. I received an email today letting me know they are reviewing applications, and, btw, we just posted this position we think you might be interested in: Coordinator of Student Success and Retention. Based on the job description, it sounds like it's essentially a position to manage an on-campus tutoring site.

My resume/cover letter did not specify any sort of supervisory experience OR interview experience (both of which are part of the job description) and I have limited experience creating schedules, but I'm less concerned about that. All the other duties are similar enough to things I've done that they shouldn't be an issue. this is also a 9-month contract position rather than a 12-month contract, which I might be ok with, depending on the rate of pay (not listed)

I'm not sure how I should read this overture - I've never had it happen before, especially for what seems to be quite a jump up from an administrative assistant position.

What do you guys think? Any suggestions, tips? I'm half tempted to apply, if only for the experience if nothing else.

I've never really considered this type of position before.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

15 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

15 Comments

Join the conversation

Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 24,2023 at 11:24PM UTC
I wouldn't read too much into it. It's most probably a system-generated email.
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 12:43PM UTC
I agree. Even if you don’t have all the required experience it probably picked up on a couple of keywords.
AnonymousApril 25,2023 at 4:29AM UTC
On the other hand, this could be a bait and switch. A door-to-door vacuum sales company lured me in once with a "marketing" role.
customer JohnsonApril 28,2023 at 12:31PM UTC
Oh, go for it! They looked at your resume and want you to apply there as well. Supervising, interviewing and scheduling are big skills that don’t just fall on you overnight. If the position you applied to wants those skills enough to put them in the job description and you lack those, you may not be a viable candidate for the first job. Reply to the email with interest and ask for a job description and further details. You might find it will work better for you.
A family member just started after applying for an Associate Director position where the company suggested she apply for the Senior Director position that was not posted. And that’s who she is now.
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 12:59PM UTC
Yes, I agree with the other posts. You should be open to all opportunities they are willing to give you. How refreshing that they actually read and digested your resume enough to offer what they think would be a better fit!
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 1:12PM UTC
I work in higher education and this is not uncommon. Nor is it uncommon for them to take weeks/months in the hiring process. The nice thing about getting into a college is that usually you become a state employee, so your benefits go with you as long as you keep a state job, and while the pay isn’t always so great, the benefits/retirement package can be. I’d say go for it!
AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 4:58AM UTC
This is a private college, so I don't think state benefits apply, but I am applying at the state universities, too!
Lisa ApolisApril 28,2023 at 1:58PM UTC
I would at least talk to them about it to get more information. I once interviewed for a job that I wasn't super thrilled about, but it was something I knew I could do and wasn't a stretch. I received a call from the dept VP one day saying "I have a different job that, based on your background, I think you would be great at". It was in a completely new area that I had never done before, but I accepted the challenge. I read, studied, found a mentor, and loved the job. I have moved on to other companies, growing with each one, and 20 years later, I am a recognized expert and consultant in that "new" area. So you never know - go for it!
Rachel SteinerApril 30,2023 at 1:47AM UTC
I have a similar experience. I was rejected from a job less than 24-hours after I applied for it, but the rejection was accompanied by a "btw, we're posting this job soon". I applied for that job and have now been in the industry for nearly a decade. Similar with the husband; he jokes that his bossed "fished [his] resume out of the trash". The position he applied for wasn't a good fit, but his resume was forwarded to another department where he was a great fit.
OP: Apply! If they're taking the time to let you know about a position, you have a shot.
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 2:29PM UTC
Apply! I've applied for college positions before and never had this happen. If you are an administrative assistant, this is not a stretch for you-I would be flattered that they offered up the position as a possibility.
Jessica FerlandApril 28,2023 at 2:36PM UTC
You have nothing to lose by applying. In fact, if nothing else, good opportunity to network.
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 6:59PM UTC
Apply,
You won't know if you don't try! take the experience you have align it with their requirements in a well drafted cover note. Use the experience to see if you can get an interview and if so then go for it!
AnonymousApril 28,2023 at 8:05PM UTC
Go for it! There are probably too many applications for that admin job for you to have a chance (or it's rigged), and someone saw something in you and wanted you to apply for that other job. Supervising can be learned, and everyone who has been a supervisor was a first-time supervisor once.
AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 2:19AM UTC
They think of it as what is available and suitable for your resume. Go ahead and apply.
Liz MilneApril 29,2023 at 11:58PM UTC
That job title sounds more like admin with a bit of management to me, from what I know of a couple of years working in a UK university: making sure tutors are following through with students if attendance drops, or if they're always failing, or to be a point of contact that students can bring grievances if tutors are out of line etc, chasing up students and organising mental health support, learning difficulty assistance, that sort of thing. More a co-ordinator, if you see what I mean?? I would apply - if it's not what you want during the interview, you can always back out gracefully?