Best of October 2026 from HigherEdJobs

Whether you're actively job searching or simply seeking to excel at your current institution, here are some editor's picks highlighting issues, trends, and tips from last month that may help you.

Best in Job Search Advice

Phone Screening 101: Making the Most of That First Call

"A phone screen is an interview." A certified career coach and a human resources generalist at Colorado State University's College of Business share what to expect on that first call, from length and format to answering "tell me about yourself," discussing salary, and sending a thank-you note.

Best in Leadership in Higher Ed

When People Agree to Change but Nothing Happens

When a team agrees to a change but nothing happens, a hidden competing commitment may be the cause. A vice president for university communications and marketing at Montclair State University shares three questions leaders can ask to uncover what people are protecting, and how to replace pressure with support.

Best in Community College

Planting the Seed Early: Building a College-Going Culture in Your Community

"It's about planting that seed early," says a senior coordinator of student success at Palo Alto College. This piece explains Educate South, a three-phase initiative that introduces families to college from birth, and shares low-cost ideas, from reading with elementary students to building school partnerships, that other institutions can use.

Best in Higher Ed Trends and Policy

Creating a Recipe for Employees To Stay and Thrive

Voluntary turnover has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but retention still takes effort. Drawing on College and University Professional Association for Human Resources data and a Miami Dade College associate vice provost of human resources, this piece shares ways supervisors can keep employees engaged, including stay interviews, career development conversations, and informal check-ins.

Best in Health and Well-being

Why High Performers Burn Out: It Isn't Just About Workload

Burnout among top performers often has less to do with workload than with unclear priorities, shifting directions, and limited manager support. A human resources professional at Louisiana State University explains the signs of "quiet cracking" and shares an Ask, Act, Appreciate framework managers can use to support high performers.

Best in Teaching and Faculty

Why Do Silos Form in Higher Education, and How Can You Work Within Them?

In this episode of the HigherEdJobs Podcast, a former professor and dean, licensed clinical psychologist, and certified executive coach answers a listener question about navigating silos, unclear decision-making, and differing views on campus culture. She shares a three-step cycle of seeing, appraising, and acting, and explains how curiosity and candid feedback build trust.

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