Lessons from the Field: Three Tips to Strengthen Your Candidacy

Rev. Dr. William (Bill) Nelsen
Senior Consultant
The Registry

Following a career in higher education as a professor, college dean, university president, and president of the nation’s largest private sector scholarship organization, I have been a member of The Registry for 15 years.  During that time, I have had the privilege of serving in three Registry interim assignments as president or vice president for terms ranging from 6 months to 2 years.  Recently, as Senior Consultant, I have coordinated the placement of fellow Registry members in a variety of presidential, vice presidential, and director positions in both public and private settings.  In this placement process, why are certain members chosen?  What are reasons for not being selected?  While every situation is unique, the following are three general observations that may be helpful to our members seeking interim positions.

Take seriously the importance of the Statement of Interest.  I have observed often that those members who are selected have given careful thought to preparing a meaningful statement of interest.  By meaningful I mean that they have connected themselves and their experiences to the mission of the institution, and to the needs and expectations of the interim assignment.  The candidates have articulated clearly their strong interest, even enthusiasm, for this special opportunity.  If they are selected for on-campus interviews, their statement of interest shows up in their oral expressions as well in meetings with various campus groups.  Failing to express in both written and spoken words a strong and meaningful interest in the interim assignment does not bode well for a candidate in the selection process.

Do your homework.  The institution’s website and other internet sources provide a great amount of information about the college or university opting to use The Registry.  Candidates selected for on-campus interviews may receive additional information prior to their interviews. Often candidates who are chosen as the finalists have reviewed this information carefully, and during interviews are able to demonstrate an awareness of the strengths and potential weaknesses and special circumstances facing the institution.  However, I offer a word of caution.  I have seen some candidates who wanted to impress by demonstrating they had memorized lots of facts and figures, and then spent too much time reciting these data rather than thoughtfully addressing the important questions asked by various groups.

Listen and observe.  The on-campus interview process provides a rich opportunity to learn more about the academic institution and its people. Candidates should come with thoughtful questions of their own.  The candidates need to listen carefully for opinions and insights that are put forward from the various groups of faculty, students, staff, board members, and alumni with whom they meet.  The Registry process provides a special opportunity to then share this feedback with institutional leaders.  If candidates spend more time talking and less time listening, their observations will be lacking in depth and less meaningful to the campus decision-makers for the selection of the Registry interim.

Throughout my years in The Registry, I have been heartened by observing the professionalism of its highly talented and experienced members.  It is important to remember that, in most cases, the reason for a member not being selected is not due to his or her lack of worthiness for full consideration. A Registry member is selected because that person was the right fit for that particular place at that particular time. A marvelous sign of Registry professionalism and friendly comradery occurs when persons not selected send notes of congratulations and well wishes to the selected member. They do so, knowing and understanding that in different circumstances, “My time will come.”