Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to participate in On-Campus Interviews (OCI)?
Any SJSU student or alumni seeking career/internship opportunities who is registered with the Career Center’s SpartaJobs.
- What is the advantage of participating in On-Campus Interviews (OCI)?
It is an excellent opportunity to meet with representatives from well-known organizations who have available jobs or internships and are interested in meeting SJSU students or alumni. These screening interviews may be held on the SJSU campus in the Career Center or at the employer’s site.
- Should I submit a customized resume for OCI jobs?
You should customize each resume and make sure the resume is targeted to the particular job. Be specific and focus on what the employer wants. 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 directly from the employer.
Back To Top
- How do I change my interview time?
Contact the employer directly.
Back To Top
- How do I cancel an interview appointment?
Prior to the Interview: If you need to cancel an interview, contact the employer at least two business days prior to the interview.
- Day of the Interview: Interview on-campus, contact our Customer Service Desk in the Career Center at careerhelp@sjsu.edu or call 408.924.6031. Interview off-campus, contact the employer directly.
Back To Top
- Where are the interviews held?
-
Interview on-campus, Career Center, Administration Building, Room 154. Please enter through room 154 downstairs, entrance is across from Dudley Moorehead Hall (DMH), see campus map for details. Our map label is "CAR", we are located between the Engineering building and Dudley Moorehead Hall. Please check in with our front desk staff at the top of the stairs.
Interviews off-campus, employers will notify you with instructions.
Back To Top
- Who should I contact if special arrangements or accommodations are needed?
Interviews on-campus, contact Julie Sedlemeyer at (408) 924-6024 or Julie.Sedlemeyer@sjsu.edu for special arrangements or accommodations. Interviews off-campus, contact the employer directly if you need special arrangements or accommodations.
- When should I arrive for the interview?
Interview on-campus, Career Center, Administration Building, Room 154. Please enter through room 154 downstairs, entrance is across from Dudley Moorehead Hall (DMH), see campus map for details. Our map label is "CAR", we are located between the Engineering building and Dudley Moorehead Hall. Please check in with our front desk staff at the top of the stairs.
Arrive 15 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. Interviews off-campus, follow the employer’s instructions.
Back To Top
- 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 resume is targeted for the position for which you are applying. Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing techniques and resume writing. Utilize our online Perfect Interview tool.
- 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.
Back To Top
- 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.
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.
Back To Top
- 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.
Back To Top
- 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.
Back To Top
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.
Back To Top
print
mail