Fulfill the prerequisites. Typically a residential advisor position will have assigned prerequisites designed by the resident life program. These are usually things like a minimum grade point average or age requirement. For example, at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia, a resident assistant must have a grade point average of at least 3.0, must have lived in the dormitory for at least one year, and must be at least 18 years of age. To find out what prerequisites need to be fulfilled at the school of your choice, talk to a resident director or student life office.
Complete the application process. This usually involves a general application including personal information, scheduling conflicts and previous job positions, and may include physical letters of recommendation and a short essay on why the applicant feels he or she should be a residential assistant.
Shine in the interview. The interview need not be a stressful, nerve-wracking process, but rather a time to interact comfortably with the resident team. Not only should the applicant accurately communicate her strengths and weaknesses, but she should also attempt to share her vision of how to maintain positive living conditions in the resident hall.
Take the training. After an individual is accepted as a residential advisor, the process of becoming a full-fledged RA has only just begun. The training involved is fairly rigorous but necessary. Typically the new RA will take CPR and first aid certification training and learn about public and residential regulations and stress management. The goal of the training is to help prepare the up-and-coming RA handle the many situations that may arise and feel confident doing it.