By: Alexandra Bradbury, DePaul University Organizational Communication major, American Studies major ’19 and Career Center Communications Assistant
The Campus Job Board features positions ranging from swim instructor to study abroad peer advisor. These positions tend to be competitive and filled quickly. We sat down with Lina Yamin, communications assistant for the Office of Student Employment, to gain insider tips on landing an on-campus job.
1. Check Campus Job Board and follow the OSE Twitter
The Campus Job Board and OSE Twitter account are updated daily with new positions. These positions open and close quickly, so it is important to check for new postings often and apply as soon as you can.
2. Choose the right positions for you
Lina recommends applying to more than one position, but not at random. Before applying, you should consider your educational background, the skills you have, the skills you’d like to develop, and the department.
3. Pay attention to ladder levels
In addition to considering your education, skills, and the department, you should also consider ladder levels. Every on-campus position has a ladder level, from A to D. The ladder levels explain the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for each position.
A: Beginner positions; have few or no educational or previous work experience requirements. These positions are a great way to develop transferable skills.
B: Requires some education, skills, and/or previous work experience. Level B jobs will help you develop new transferable skills and build on the skills you already have.
C: Requires at least 1 – 2 years of previous work experience. May require specific levels of education or coursework as well as demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities. These positions can qualify for University Internship Program (UIP) credit and fulfill the Junior Year Experiential Learning requirement.
D: May require more than 2 years of experience, junior, senior, or graduate student status, specific knowledge, skills, and abilities, and specific coursework. Level D jobs often require leadership skills and/or knowledge and experience in a field. These positions can qualify for UIP and Junior Year Experiential Learning credit.
4. Visit the Career Center
The Career Center offers resources to help you during every step of the job search process. If you need help choosing positions, meet with a Career Advisor to explore jobs that would be a good fit for your skills and interests. Peer Career Advisors can help with resume and cover letter reviews and interviewing tips.
5. Provide a cover letter, even if it is not specified
Some job postings ask for a cover letter, others don’t. Even if you are not required to submit a cover letter, you should. This will demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the position and set you apart from other candidates.
6. Email the Hiring Manager
If the name of the hiring manager is listed on the job posting, you should reach out to them to express your interest in the position, ask questions, or let them know that you applied.
7. Follow-up
If you haven’t heard back about your application and would like to know how the process is going, you should contact the hiring manager. If their name is not included in the job posting, contact the department that posted the position. If you were asked to come in for an interview, it is important to follow up with a thank you email.
Landing an on-campus job is a great way to develop your skills and further your professional goals. Browse the Campus Job Board to get started and visit the Office of Student Employment or Career Center for additional information and assistance!