Characteristics, Attributes, and Competencies Sought in New Hires by Campus Recreation Directors

Abstract

Professionals and students working in college recreation departments are often involved in many facets relating to the hiring of competent employees. A review of literature revealed that various professions sought different qualities in potential job candidates. There were few examples of research relating to the qualities sought by potential employers of campus recreation personnel. Therefore, recreation directors, holding a NIRSA institutional membership, were surveyed to determine the characteristics, attributes, and competencies preferred in new hires for: (a) professional positions, (b) graduate assistantships, and (c) student employees. The findings revealed the most highly sought after qualifications in professional job candidates were excellent language/speaking skills, prior experience in campus recreation, neat overall appearance, excellent writing skills, and possession of a graduate degree. In terms of graduate assistant positions, campus recreation directors highly ranked the categories neat overall appearance, excellent writing skills, and prior experience in campus recreation. Campus recreation directors ranked the possession of certifications in first aid and CPR highly among student employee applicants.

An Exploration of Collegiate Outdoor Recreation Professionals’ Personality Traits and Job Task Affect

“…Certifications specific to outdoor recreation enable COR staff to maintain updated skill sets in their areas of specialized knowledge. Successful completion of certification courses and skill-based trainings make COR staff more marketable during the hiring process when seeking jobs within their field (Schneider et al, 2006).…”

Exploring NIRSA Championship Series Professional Development Opportunities: Understanding Their Perceived Value to the Association

“…A semistructured interview guide based on the previous literature in campus recreation hiring practices (cf., Steir Jr. et al, 2006), preferred job competencies (cf., Ball et al, 2008;Schneider et al, 2006), and successful career path factors (Ross & Schurger, 2007) was developed. The basic elements of the literature were used to develop the interview guide.…”

“…The study participants indicated commitment and integrity, communication skills, ability to manage a budget, personnel management, and adaptability to change were the traits campus recreation directors should possess. In another study exploring job competencies, Schneider, Steir Jr., Kampf, Haines, and Wilding (2006), collected data from 241 NIRSA professionals. Consistent with previous research, Schneider et al, found that campus recreation directors expected new hires to have excellent communication skills (oral and written) and have direct job-related experience in a variety of campus recreation settings.…”

Differences in Employee Perceptions of Entry-Level Competencies of NIRSA Campus Recreation Professionals

“…This study reinforced the belief that recreational sports programmers needed competencies in a variety of areas related to business, theory, and programming. Schneider, Stier, Kampf, Haines, and Wilding (2006) looked at competencies in campus recreation in a different way. Instead of examining competencies of current employees, they identified competencies sought in new hires by campus recreation directors for entry-level positions (undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional positions).…”