About the Episode
About the Episode: This episode is a conversation I had with two amazing senior leaders - Jennifer McClendon and Aaron Cook. We discuss what to look for when hiring new employees, great interview questions to ask, onboarding do’s and don’ts, strategies to develop a strong and positive team culture, and the process of letting a team member go. Timestamps:
Key Takeaways
- Hire for Skills, Not Just Fit
Focus on candidates with transferable skills, such as communication and adaptability, rather than solely seeking alumni or individuals with direct admissions experience. - Clear Onboarding Plans Are Critical
Provide a detailed onboarding schedule and clear expectations to set new hires up for success. - Celebrate Wins, Big and Small
Recognizing accomplishments fosters team morale and builds a culture of positivity and accountability. - Don’t Shy Away from Tough Conversations
Address performance issues early with honesty, support, and clear documentation. - Leverage Technology to Support Teams
Use tools like Slack, Teams, or CRM platforms to stay connected, especially with regional or remote staff.
Episode Summary: Key Questions and Answers
How can hiring managers identify strong candidates?
Jen and Aaron emphasized the importance of attention to detail in resumes and cover letters. Look for candidates who demonstrate flexibility, customer service skills, and a passion for student engagement. Involvement in campus activities and mid-career professionals transitioning into admissions can also bring valuable perspectives.
What makes for an effective onboarding process?
- Share a detailed schedule in advance, outlining the first 3–6 months.
- Include shadowing opportunities with different team members.
- Conduct daily check-ins to ensure new hires feel supported and can ask questions.
How can admissions teams foster a strong culture?
- Celebrate small wins by sharing positive feedback from students and families.
- Create traditions like themed dinners or lighthearted group activities to build camaraderie.
- Prioritize work-life balance by encouraging team members to flex their schedules during busy seasons.
What’s the best way to handle performance challenges?
Begin with open, honest conversations to identify issues. Offer support through regular check-ins, additional training, or time management strategies. When necessary, use formal performance improvement plans with clear documentation.
Actionable Tips for Building and Sustaining High-Performing Teams
1. Set Clear Expectations Early
Jen and Aaron recommend using 90-day reviews to establish goals and identify areas for improvement. Make sure expectations are transparent and revisited regularly.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Leaders should model vulnerability by asking questions and seeking feedback from their teams. This fosters an environment where team members feel comfortable addressing concerns.
3. Embrace Flexibility
Flex schedules to accommodate long work hours during travel-heavy seasons, ensuring team members maintain a healthy work-life balance.
4. Celebrate and Acknowledge Success
Share positive feedback and recognition widely, both within the team and with senior leadership, to highlight team members’ contributions.
5. Focus on Fit, Not Just Qualifications
As Aaron and Jen noted, hiring for cultural fit and transferable skills, rather than only experience, can lead to a more dynamic, diverse team.
About the Show: Jeremy Tiers, a well-known speaker in college admission, enrollment marketing, and leadership circles is your host for Mission Admissions. Join him every other week as he sits down with industry leaders and difference makers from both inside and outside of Higher Ed. You'll walk away with advice, tips and strategies you can apply in your day-to-day life.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytiers/
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mission Admissions is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Application with Allison Turcio.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — many of your favorite Enrollify creators will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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