Unitarian Universalist Staff Job Interview Tips
Unitarianism is unique among religions. Unlike other faiths, Unitarians allow religious pluralism, meaning that members of the faith can be theists, atheists, agnostics or anything else in between. While the Unitarian Universalist church has roots in the Christian faith, the church today is best described as post-Christian. If you want to interview for a position with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, make sure you present yourself as an upstanding professional with a strong desire to explore and discuss spiritual themes.
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Attire
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Unitarian Universalists may be more laid back than some Christians, but that doesn't mean that anything goes. Members of the Unitarian Universalist clergy typically dress conservatively, with suits for men and skirts and jackets for women. Of course, many people who work at Unitarian Universalist churches are not members of the clergy, but if you want to make a good impression during an interview, you should wear clothes that meet this description.
Specificity
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Many types of jobs are available working within Unitarian Universalist congregations. Categories of jobs include ordained personnel (minister, assistant minister, youth minister) and non-ordained personnel (religious educator, choir director, business administrator, etc.). Whichever position you are interviewing for, demonstrate that you have the experience and credentials appropriate for the job. For an ordained position, mention the church you were ordained by. For a non-ordained position, mention the degrees and credentials you have received that qualify you for the position.
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Background
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In the interview, spend some time discussing your religious background. Mention which church you were brought up in, and explain why you decided to become a Unitarian Universalist. If you were raised as a Unitarian, mention the experiences you had in the church that made you want to work for it. Discuss your views on spirituality and religion, especially your views on the idea of "oneness" in reality and the universe.
Demeanor
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The Unitarian Universalist church is fairly casual compared to other religious groups. The sermons mostly consist of discussions of spiritual questions. A Unitarian clergy member doesn't even need to be a theist. To reflect the laid back nature of the church, you should be relaxed when you attend the interview. This does not mean that you should not try to present yourself well. It means that you should be friendly and comfortable in the interview rather than uptight and nervous.
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References
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