Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to participate in On-Campus Interviews (OCR)?
2. What is the advantage of participating in On-Campus Interviews (OCR)?
3. Should I submit a customized resume for OCR jobs?
4. How will I be notified if an employer wants to interview me on campus?
5. What should I do if I am notified that I have been pre-selected for an interview?
6. What do I do if I receive an invitation for an interview, and I do not want to interview with the employer?
7. How do I change my interview time?
8. How do I cancel an interview appointment?
9. Where are the interviews held?
10. Who should I contact if special arrangements or accommodations are needed?
11. When should I arrive for the interview?
12. How do I prepare for an interview?
13. What should I wear to the interview?
14. Should I send a thank you note after my interview?
15. When will I hear back from an employer about their decision?
16. What should I do if I feel an employer violated professional or ethical practices?
17. Should I notify the Career Center when I accept a position?

Who is eligible to participate in On-Campus Interviews (OCR)?
Any SJSU student or alumni that is registered with the Career Center’s SpartaSystem
seeking career/internship opportunities, and who has received an invitation from a participating employer.

What is the advantage of participating in On-Campus Interviews (OCR)?
It is an excellent opportunity to meet with representatives from well-known organizations who have participated in one of our Career/Internship Fairs. These screening interviews are all held on the SJSU campus in the Career Center.

Should I submit a customized resume for OCR jobs?
You should customize the objective for each resume and make sure the resume is targeted to the particular job. Be specific and focus on what the employers want. Make sure all content in the resume relates back to the objective.

How will I be notified if an employer wants to interview me on campus?
You will receive emails from SpartaSystem and notices to sign up for interviews under “Alerts” when you have been selected to interview. Employers also have the option to send emails directly to you.

What should I do if I am notified that I have been pre-selected for an interview?

1. Log onto SpartaSystem.
2. Check the “Alerts” option, and click on “You may sign up for Interviews”.
3. Sign up for an interview time slot.
4. Click “
5. Submit”.

Note: an interview is not guaranteed if you 1) fail to accept the invitation, and 2) do not meet the sign-up deadline.

What do I do if I receive an invitation for an interview and I do not want to interview with the employer?

1. Log onto SpartaSystem
2. Under “Quick Links”, click on “Scheduled Campus Interviews”.
3. Select “Decline Interviews”.
4. Click Submit.

How do I change my interview time?

1. Log onto SpartaSystem.
2. Under Quick Links, click on “Scheduled Campus Interviews”.
3. Click on “Interview Requests” tab.
4. Make your change.
5. Click Submit.

You will only be able to change this if there are other slots available.

How do I cancel an interview appointment?

Prior to the Interview: If you need to cancel an interview, you may do so online at least three business days prior to the interview.

1. Logon to SpartaSystem.
2. Under Quick Links, click on “Scheduled Campus Interviews”.
3. Click on “Interview Requests” tab.
4. Select the “Reschedule” or “Cancel” button.
5. Click submit

Remember, a no-show/no-call for a scheduled interview can result in loss of your campus interviewing privileges.

Day of the Interview: Contact our Customer Service Desk in the Career Center at careerhelp@sjsu.edu or call 408.924.6031.

Where are the interviews held?
Career Center, Bldg. Q. Proceed upstairs to Room 10, Student Waiting Room, and be seated.

Who should I contact if special arrangements or accommodations are needed?
Please contact Julie Sedlemeyer at (408) 924-6024 or Julie.Sedlemeyer@sjsu.edu.

When should I arrive for the interview?
Arrive in the Career Center, Bldg. Q, Room 10, ten minutes prior to your interview time. Make sure to bring to the interview a copy of your resume and any other materials requested. The interviewer will call your name when he/she is ready for you. Remember, the interview begins when the interviewer greets you in the lobby.

How do I prepare for an interview?

• Research the company and the positions available.
• Make note of your transferable skills.
• Have your resume critiqued at the Career Center during drop-in hours. Be sure that your objective is targeted for the position for which you are applying. Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing techniques and resume writing. You may also want to attend a mock interview practice.
• Rehearse your answers to a variety of standard interview questions. This will build confidence and help you feel more in control during an interview.
• Put together an interview wardrobe. Employers are not looking for designer clothing, but they expect their applicants to be well-groomed and dressed in professional attire.

What should I wear to the interview?
Dress professionally in business attire. Avoid extremes (no bold prints, nothing too short or too long). Stay away from fad clothing and excessive jewelry. Avoid using colognes or after shave lotions.

For Men: A suit or sports coat and ties are preferable. A dress shirt, dress slacks and tie, without a jacket are acceptable. Wear dress shoes and dark socks.

For Women: A suit or pantsuit is preferable. A blouse and dress slacks or skirt is acceptable. Wear closed-toe dress shoes with a low to medium heel and hose.

For more information on how to dress for an interview go to the Dress for Success page on the Career Center website: http://www.careercenter.sjsu.edu/jobsearchtips/businessetiquette/dressforsuccess.html

When in doubt about what to wear, simply contact the Career Center.

Should I send a thank you note after my interview?
This is a good idea and can make a difference. It gives you an opportunity to thank the employer for their time and reaffirm your interest in their organization and available position. It is also another way of getting your name and qualifications in front of the recruiter.

When will I hear back from an employer about their decision?
You may not hear back from the employer right away, but you can always contact the employer directly for the status of their decision. It is a good idea to ask the employer, during the interview, when you might expect to hear back from them.

What should I do if I feel an employer violated professional or ethical practices?
If you feel that any of the employer practices violate professional or ethical practices, please notify the Career Center immediately.

Should I notify the Career Center when I accept a position?
Once you accept a job offer, please report your placement to the Career Center.
Once a position has been accepted, it is unprofessional to continue to interview with employers. Reneging or declining an offer that you have already accepted can have serious consequences for you as a professional, and it reflects negatively on SJSU.