Candidate Resources

Our Talent Acquisition Team summarized the employment process and highlighted our advice for candidates.  Take advantage of these resources to aid your progress through the employment process and be sure to review our answers to frequently asked questions here.
Internal Candidates Apply Here

Online Application Recommendations

Mobile Apply Instructions

Applications must be submitted online.  Follow the steps and utilize the resources below to submit your application.

  • Search for open staff positions here
  • Create your applicant profile here
  • Review our Quick Reference Guide for instructions on how to apply to open positions
  • If the ideal job is unavailable, view the video to learn how to set up an alert to be notified when similar positions are posted.

Resume Recommendations

  • Include contact information; educational accomplishments; professional experiences; relevant professional certifications and licenses; and related organizational or volunteer work Use action verbs to describe professional experiences, for example "create reports using Excel" Be specific about skills and metrics, for example "create pivot tables in Excel" versus "used Excel" Be proofread using spell check

    Candidates have greater success when their education and experience strongly match the job requirements.  The Talent Acquisition team reviews all resumes that are moved forward in the process, so make sure your resume includes the education, experience, and skills that are required for the position.

    Resumes should:

    • Include contact information; educational accomplishments; professional experiences; relevant professional certifications and licenses; and related organizational or volunteer work
    • Use action verbs to describe professional experiences, for example "create reports using Excel"
    • Be specific about skills and metrics, for example "create pivot tables in Excel" versus "used Excel"
    • Be proofread using spell check
  • Refer to the candidate in first or third person, for example "I received an award" or "Mr. Smith received an award" Use fonts that are difficult to read or smaller than 10-point Include citizenship, age, or any other personal information Include photos

    Resumes should not:

    • Refer to the candidate in first or third person, for example "I received an award" or "Mr. Smith received an award"
    • Use fonts that are difficult to read or smaller than 10-point
    • Include citizenship, age, or any other personal information
    • Include photos

Interview Types

  • STAR Method, Situation- Describe the setting in which your interview response takes place, Task- Explain how the situation changed and how you were expected to address it, Action- Clarify specific action steps taken to address the task, Result- Explain how your actions contributed to the end product

    Our interview process is used to help hiring managers learn more about your background and experience.  It also provides you with an opportunity to learn more about the department and the position.   Steps will vary by team but typically include: phone screen, on site interview that may include group and individual interviews.

    Behavioral Interview

    • Behavioral interview questions can be used in any type of interview (email, phone, in-person, etc.)
    • Use the STAR Method
    • Keep in mind, interviewers want to know what you have done, rather than hear what you might do in a given situation
    • Be honest – Don’t embellish or omit your role/actions

  • Phone Interview

    • Find a quiet space where you will be able to hear the interviewer well and have no distractions
    • Research and familiarize yourself with the company/department
    • Prepare answers for sample interview questions/prepare questions to ask the interviewer

  • Virtual Interview

    • Check technical equipment, test the sound/connection, and do a test run with a friend (if possible)
    • Dress professionally and be aware of your body language
    • Find a quiet space where you will be able to hear the interviewer well and have no distractions
    • Watch our video for more virtual interview tips

  • Panel Interview

    • Try to find out who will be on the panel in advance so that you can bring a copy of your resume for each interviewer
    • Engage with all interviewers as you are answering questions
    • Try to learn everyone’s name (it’s okay to take notes)

Interview Tips

  • Refer to the candidate in first or third person, for example "I received an award" or "Mr. Smith received an award" Use fonts that are difficult to read or smaller than 10-point Include citizenship, age, or any other personal information Include photos

    Before the Interview

    • Do your research – learn about Purdue and the department your applying to.
    • Think ahead of what questions you have for the interviewer – write them down if you wish.
    • Review your resume, work history and accomplishments to prepare for questions you may be asked.

  • Day of the Interview

    • Be on time for your interview (phone or in person).
    • Ensure that you make a positive first impression.
    • Be honest, thorough and specific when answering questions.
    • If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat or re-word.  It is okay to take your time with answering difficult questions.

  • Campus Parking

    • Plan ahead. Be sure to map out what building your interview will be in and find parking.
    • Keep in mind you may have a little walking to get to the building.
    • There are a few areas with two hour parking but almost all lots and garages are permit only.
    • Be sure to ask the person scheduling your interview about parking if they do not mention it.
    • Visitor Parking Website
    • Campus Parking Map

  • After the Interview

     

    • You are welcome to follow up the interview with a thank you note.  
    • Prepare a list of references, and make sure your references know that you are using them as a reference.

Virtual Interview Tips

In effort to limit the spread of COVID- 19, most interviews that would have typically been conducted on campus are now being held virtually. Talent Acquisition has compiled a few tips and tricks to help you ace your virtual interview.