Knowing how to get a university job can be difficult, especially if you’ve never applied for an on-campus job before, or are new to Brandeis. Applying for jobs is intimidating and whether you’re a student that merely wants to work, or needs to work during college, many of us Brandeisians are very unsure about how to land a job. So what can you do to make sure that you get a job?
Step 1: Check out the Brandeis job listings.
For those that are on Federal Work Study or University Employment status, check out the Job Opportunities webpage on the Office of Student Financial Services website. Listed there are links to both an On-Campus jobs database and an Off-Campus Federal Work Study Jobs webpage, which Career Services constantly updates with job opportunities. Also, your financial aid counselor is a great resource, and if you find that the number of jobs seems to be lacking, go to them for advice!
For those that aren’t on Federal Work Study, do not worry! You, too, can find job opportunities on campus! The On-Campus jobs database lists jobs available to both federal work-study students and non-federal work-study students. Additionally, the Off-Campus Non-Federal Work Study Jobs webpage (located under the Job Opportunities webpage as well) is a great resource for finding jobs in the Waltham area, such as babysitting gigs or part time teaching positions.
Step 2: Create a resume and cover letter.
The Hiatt Career Center, which is located in Usdan, provides many useful resources students looking for jobs on and off campus. Their online program called “Optimal Resume” is the perfect way to get started on your resume or cover letter, especially for those of you that have never written either a resume or cover letter before! And once that resume or cover letter (or both!) is done, you can bring it by the Hiatt Center for drop-in hours, where a Hiatt counselor will look it over for you and provide excellent advice on how to perfect your resume and cover letter. Take advantage of this great Brandeis resource and don’t be afraid to go to them for help! Since they are not only available to help with on and off campus jobs, but also provide students interview tops, internship funding, graduate school/law school preparations, among so much more.
Step 3: Apply!!!
When deciding on the jobs you want to apply for, and your cover letter and resume are completed, apply to the jobs! Remember that your cover letter and resume should be tailored for each job you apply to, and make sure that both documents are shaped to present you as the ideal candidate for the job position.
Step 4: Meet the hiring manager! Take advantage of any connections you have!
This step pretty much speaks for itself. If you are applying for on-campus jobs, Find out who the hiring manager is and introduce yourself to him or her, since meeting the hiring manger shows how much you want the job and that you’re willing to put in the effort to meet him or her. Additionally, it’s always nice to put a face to the application, as most on-campus/off-campus jobs having a great deal of candidates, and therefore, a great deal of applications for the hiring manager to go through. Introducing yourself makes yours stand out from that pile of application papers. And if you know people in the hiring department or a professor that could assist you, get their help too! Their recommendations will assist you and make you stand out even more from other candidates.
Step 5: Fill out the necessary forms to work on campus.
In order to work on Brandeis campus, students must fill out the following forms with Student Financial Services: I-9 form, Direct Deposit Form, and a W-9 form. The I-9 form can be filled out before you obtain a job and you can ask for the form at the Student Financial Services office in Usdan. After filling out the form you will receive a blue employment eligibility card, which you must keep for the duration of your time at Brandeis. After securing a job, you will be asked to sign up for Direct Deposit and fill both a Direct Deposit Form, and a W-9 form. Once all these forms are completed, you are fully able to work and get paied by Brandeis campus.
Although looking for college jobs can be stressful, with the right determination and effort, any student can get the job that he or she is looking for. Being proactive and abiding by the previous steps will only lead to you getting the job you want and the cash that you need! All you should keep in mind is to not be afraid to apply to lots of jobs, write that cover letter and resume, and to stay positive! Sooner or later, you will get the job.