HigherEdJobs Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Moore, dean of students at Naropa University, joins the conversation in celebration of Careers in Student Affairs Month. Drawing from nearly two decades in higher education, Dr. Moore discusses how student affairs professionals are adapting to serve post-traditional learners, balance rising care team demands, and use technology like chatbots to build connection at scale. He shares how curiosity, compassion, and innovation help sustain both staff and students -- and why creating meaningful community remains at the core of student affairs work.

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to navigate a job search when a hiring process is suddenly paused. HR expert and longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Christopher Lee returns to explain why searches can stall, what that means for candidates, and when it makes sense to reapply. He shares several ways to follow up respectfully, keep perspective, and stay confident through the ups and downs of the search process.

In this episode, longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Justin Zackal’s article, “The One Question That Higher Ed Interviewers Love to Hear,” sparks a conversation between co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin. Together, they explore why the questions candidates ask at the end of an interview can be just as impactful as their answers, offering insight on how thoughtful questioning helps reveal institutional culture, assess fit, and create a genuine, two-way dialogue.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Chris Lee returns to answer a listener’s question about managing interview anxiety and improving performance. Drawing on his experience training over 1,000 HR professionals, Chris explains why feeling nervous is completely normal, and even a sign that you care about the opportunity. He shares practical strategies for preparation, mental rehearsal, and emotional control, emphasizing that authenticity often makes a stronger impression than perfection. As Chris reminds listeners, committees don’t hire the person who interviews best -- they hire the person best prepared to meet the needs of the position.

In this continuation, executive search expert Gail Freeman shares the interview lessons you don’t often hear. She explains why professionalism still matters on Zoom, how a timely thank-you note can influence decisions, and what separates “star” candidates from the rest. Freeman also reflects on resilience in the face of rejection and why clarity and focus bring more meaning to a job search. Her perspective offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how recruiters think -- and how small, genuine choices can shape big outcomes.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski returns to weigh in on a listener’s question: how do hiring managers view the “Open to Work” label on LinkedIn? She explains when the tag can make you more visible to recruiters, when it might spark awkward conversations, and how generational perspectives shape how it’s perceived. Kathleen also shares examples of candidates who’ve used the label successfully, tips for job seekers just entering the workforce, and why context and communication matter when signaling you’re ready for new opportunities.

In this episode, Paige Swanstein, co-founder of the Student Basic Needs Coalition, shares how her own struggles with food and housing insecurity in college grew into a national movement. She explains how SBNC empowers students, partners with campuses, and tackles stigma while connecting thousands to vital resources. Paige’s story highlights why meeting students’ basic needs is essential to their success in higher education.

In this episode, Alan Kellogg, associate athletic director at the University of Louisville and retired U.S. Army Colonel, shares how three decades of military leadership prepared him for a second career in college athletics. Kellogg reflects on his transition from commanding troops to supporting student-athletes, offering insight into the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of an athletic department. He highlights the skills veterans bring to higher education, the entry points for those looking to break into athletics, and the small details that make candidates stand out in competitive searches. Whether you’re a job seeker exploring careers in athletics or a veteran considering how your service experience translates to higher ed, Kellogg’s story offers valuable lessons on leadership, urgency, and paying attention to the little things.

In this episode, executive search expert Gail Freeman reflects on the lessons she’s learned from conducting more than 10,000 interviews. Drawing on her firsthand experience, she shares what makes a hiring process meaningful, the qualities she notices in candidates who rise to the top, and the missteps that hold others back. Freeman’s perspective offers job seekers a candid look at what recruiters are really watching for -- and how small choices in the search process can make a big difference.

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to step away from a position without disclosing where they’re headed next. Kathleen Hermacinski, associate vice president of human resources at Illinois Wesleyan University, returns to share strategies for resigning with grace, setting respectful boundaries, and keeping relationships intact. She discusses how to use simple language, when privacy is appropriate, and why protecting professional bridges is just as important as moving on to your next chapter.