Career Center

Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions About On-Campus Recruiting: Technical


Getting Started

What is the system that manages OCR? And how do I access it?
Hoya Career Connection is the online system that manages the on-campus recruiting process from résumé submission through interview sign up. Access Hoya Career Connection's student interface here. go to https://georgetown-csm.symplicity.com/students.

Do I have to do anything to participate in OCR?
Yes. Students interested in participating in on-campus recruiting must attend a mandatory workshop. Students who attended a workshop during the 2005-2006 academic year do not have to attend a workshop during the 2006-2007 academic year. All other students must attend the workshop, no exceptions will be made.

What if I forgot my password?
Click on the "forgot password" button and a new one will be sent to you.

The system isn't accepting my NetID. What should I do?
E-mail recruitingstudent@georgetown.edu with your NetID, graduation date (month and year), Georgetown school (i.e. MSB, NHS, liberal studies), major, degree, e-mail address and full name. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password or an e-mail with more details.

Where are OCR interviews located?
OCR interviews take place on the second floor of the Career Education Center, which is in the Leavey Center.

How can I find a list of all deadlines?
All résumé drop dates and employer interview dates (interview schedules) areavailable on your HCC calendar. To access the most current dates for a specific position, check the job description for that position, (you must have attended an OCR workshop to see these details). To see a list of all companies recruiting this semester, log on to HCC and click on the "jobs" tab. Then select "Show me: all on-campus recruiting positions." You will be able to view the dates companies are coming to campus to interview. Résumé drops typically begin 3 weeks before the interview period.

(back to top)


Résumés and Cover Letters

How do I upload my résumé?
Log on to Hoya Career Connection and go to documents > add new. When you submit your document, it will be converted to a PDF. Make sure to open the new document to verify that your formatting looks appropriate as a PDF. Formatting (margins, bolding) can change when documents are converted to PDF. You may have to adjust your Word document to ensure that the PDF is well formatted. Career Center staff does not control the PDF conversion process.

To whom should I address my cover letter?
If the employer's contact information is not visible in the job posting then they have chosennot to reveal it (and we will not be able to give it to you). If you cannot find a specific individual to whom to address your materials, you can address them to dear: search committee, hiring manager, internship coordinator (if appropriate), Georgetown recruiter (if appropriate).

I would like to send a cover letter to an employer who does not require one. Can I do this?
OCR employers have the option of selecting what documents they would like to receive. If they have not asked to receive a cover letter, they probably will discard yours. If you still want to send one (if you have something you feel needs to be further explained or highlighted), you can create a two-page "résumé" with page one as your cover letter and page two as your résumé. Upload and submit this document as your "résumé." Make sure to open and print the PDF to make sure the file looks  acceptable once converted to PDF.

Can an employer see what I label/title my documents?
They should not be able to, however, better to be safe than sorry. Title your résumés and cover letters with appropriate titles.

(back to top)


Applying to Positions

I've uploaded my documents to Hoya Career Connection.  Does that mean I've applied  to all OCR positions?
No!  You must submit your résumé to each, individual position for which you are interested.  Uploading your documents to HCC just means that they are saved on the system (step 1).  You must  now submit them during the correct résumé drop for each job for which you wish to apply (step 2).  If  this is not clear to you, then you have probably not attended a required OCR workshop and should  check your HCC calendar for the schedule.

Can I apply for a position even if they only ask for rising seniors?
No.  OCR employers have the option to screen students by graduation date. If you are not eligible for  a position you will receive a message on the job application screen explaining why you cannot apply.

Can I apply for multiple jobs at the same company?
Yes. Apply for all positions for which you would like to interview.

If I miss a drop date can I still apply?
No.  Career Education Center staff will not submit résumés for students who have missed a deadline.  For OCR positions,  résumé submissions begin at 12:01 a.m. on the résumé submission start date and end at 11:59 p.m. on  the résumé submission end date.  No exceptions will be made to these deadlines.  If you wait until the  last minute to apply and have technical difficulty, you may miss a deadline. Therefore, we encourage  you to complete all applications at least 24 hours before deadlines. All deadlines are available on the HCC calendar and in the job posting (job posting details are always the most up-to-date source of information about dates, etc.)

(back to top)


Applications

Can I withdraw an application once I've submitted it?
You can withdraw your application as long as it is before the deadline date. For OCR positions go to interviews > interview requests > withdraw (and for non-OCR jobs go to jobs > applications > withdraw). Remember to re-submit your application!
Note: while you can withdraw an application, we cannot guarantee that an employer has not already viewed it.

How can I check the status of an application I've submitted?
You can check the status of scheduled interviews by going to interviews > scheduled interviews. You can check the status of applications you have not yet heard about by going to interviews > interview requests > show all (from the drop down menu at the top left). Your status will say "pending," "invited" or "not invited." Your status should have been updated by the preselect sign up date, available from the job posting and the HCC calendar.

(back to top)


Interviews

How will I know if I'm chosen for an interview? What is the difference between preselects and  alternates?
If you have been selected as a preselect (first choice candidate) for an interview you will receive an  e-mail and be able to log on to Hoya Career Connection to sign up for an interview beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the sign-up start date (available from the job posting details). You may also select to decline your interview. You will not be able to schedule an interview until the interview sign-up period begins.  Interview times are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are an interview candidate you must sign up before the alternate sign-up period begins to ensure your interview spot.

If you are selected as an alternate you will receive an e-mail and will be able to sign up for interviews beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the alternate sign-up start date (available from the job posting details).

Please note: alternate interview slots are awarded on a first-come first-served basis and there may be more alternates than available slots.  If you cannot sign up for an interview, or see a message that  says "not invited" (after you have received an e-mail notifying you that you are an alternate) then there are no remaining available interview slots.

As an alternate, you will be contacted via e-mail if a preselect candidate withdraws from her  interview.  If you are an alternate and really want to interview, it is in your best interest to log on as soon as the alternate sign-up start begins (noted in the e-mail you receive as well as the job posting details).  In addition, because we will contact you by e-mail as spots become available, we suggest you check your e-mail frequently during this time.  Preselect and alternate sign-up period dates are available from the job posting details, as well as the HCC calendar.

What are open schedules?
Open-only schedules allow any Georgetown student to sign up for an interview. Employers do not select interview candidates. Students may sign up for interviews 14 days before the interview date. For preselect-alternate-open schedules, and preselect-open schedules, the employer selects first-choice students to interview (preselects) and second choice students (alternates), but if spots remain after alternates have signed up, then any Georgetown student may sign up for an interview. If a schedule includes an open option it will indicate the open sign-up date on the right-hand side of the job posting details. You can also do a keyword search for "open" to identify all positions with open options. Open schedules are a great opportunity to interview with firms without having to be pre-screened. Take advantage of these opportunities.

I've received an e-mail from an employer saying I have an interview, but when I log on my status still says "pending" and I can't sign up for an interview time, is the system broken?
No. Your status under "interview requests" will not change until the "sign-up start date," which is listed on the job posting and on the HCC calendar. This is true even if you have already received an e-mail directly from the employer letting you know that you have been selected to interview. You will be able to sign up for an interview beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the interview sign-up start date (as listed in the job posting and in the system--not employer--e-mail you received).

I was chosen as a pre-select and when I log on to schedule my interview I have class during all of the remaining interview slots. What should I do?
Sign up for one of the remaining times to ensure that you have an interview slot. If you do not sign up for an interview time during the preselect period an alternate candidate can take your spot. Once alternate sign ups begin, your interview slot is no longer guaranteed and we will not be able to assist you in rescheduling. If you have a conflict due to your class schedule or varsity athletics, send an e-mail to Ubah Aden, Recruiting Coordinator, immediately at ua@georgetown.edu and she will assist you in rescheduling your interview. All conflicts must be received no later than 24 hours after you have signed up for an interview. Interviews will only be rescheduled because of conflicts due to class or varsity athletics. All other conflicts are the obligation of the student to resolve.

I've already signed up for an interview and I want to change my time, what should I do?
If the sign up period is still open you can log on to your account and go to interviews > scheduled interviews > reschedule and select an available time.  If no times are listed than all times have been taken.  If you cannot make your interview time because of a conflict with your class schedule or varsity athletics than you must send an e-mail  to Ubah Aden, Recruiting Coordinator, as soon as possible at ua@georgetown.edu and she will assist you in rescheduling your interview. All conflicts must be received no later than 24 hours after you have signed up for an interview. Interviews will only be rescheduled because of conflicts due to class or varsity athletics. All other conflicts are the obligation of the student to resolve.

I've been selected to interview but no longer want to, do I have to sign up?
No. You do not have to sign up for an interview. Please do log on and select "decline" so we can offer your spot to another student.

How do I cancel an Interview?
All students who are participating in on-campus recruiting have signed a "student user's policy" which states that "I understand that by signing up for an interview, I am making a commitment to  interview with an employer on an assigned date and time. I understand that individuals who fail to appear for scheduled interviews harm his/her fellow students and Georgetown's reputation. I  therefore, agree that for all scheduled interviews I will attend the interview or cancel three or  more (3) business days in advance of the scheduled interview." 

If you must cancel an interview more than three business days in advance you may do so according to  the following rules:

Cancellations made before the "schedule close date" -- available in the job description -- may be made through Hoya Career Connection without penalty.  Cancellations made after the schedule close date  (but still more than three business days in advance (for example, a cancellation on a Monday for a  Friday interview) must be made in person at the Career Center between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesdays - Thursdays and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays.  We highly discourage you from canceling interviews. Please  ask employers scheduling second-round interviews to accommodate your first-round interviews. The employer handbook states that employers scheduling second-round interviews must honor students' first-round interview commitments. Cancellations received after 5 p.m. will be considered cancellations made on the next business day.

Cancellations less than three business days in advance will incur a penalty and must be done in person by completing a cancellation form.  Cancellation forms are available at the Career Center’s second floor recruiting desk. Cancellations received after 5:00 p.m. will be considered cancellations for the following business day.

Failure to cancel an interview more than (3) three business days before the scheduled interview will result in a financial penalty (outlined below) and immediate suspension from on-campus recruiting.  Access to OCR may be restored once payment is received by the Career Education Center.

Financial Penalties: (when counting days consider your interview day as day zero)

    A cancellation made two business days before the interview date will incur a $50 penalty.

    A cancellation made one business day before the interview date will incur a $75 penalty.

    A cancellation made on the same day as the interview (day zero), or a failure to attend an interview is considered a "no show" and will incur a $100 penalty and additional restrictions as noted below.

For example, for a Friday interview:

If you... Cancel anytime after 5 p.m. on Thursday, including any time on Friday and/or do not show for your interview: you will be fined as a "no show" and will incur a $100 penalty

If you...Cancel any time after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, including any time on Thursday: you will be fined as one business day before [Thursday (1)] the interview and you will incur a $75 fine

If you...Cancel any time after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, including any time on Wednesday: you will be fined as two business days before [Thursday (1), Wednesday (2)] the interview and you will incur a $50 fine

If you...Cancel any time before Tuesday at 5 p.m. your cancellation will be excused.

I missed my interview, what should I do?
If you miss an interview, contact Ubah Aden at ua@georgetown.edu as soon as possible. If you had a personal or medical emergency you may be asked to bring in a note explaining the situation. Unexcused absences will be subject to a $100 fine as stated in the student user's policy excepted  below.

"Students who fail to appear for an interview or cancel less than one business day in advance prevent  other students from interviewing with the employer and jeopardize the university's relationship with  the employer.  Students are therefore subject to a $100.00 fine. Additionally, students must write a letter of apology to the employer and bring the letter and a stamped envelope to a meeting with either  Ubah Aden or Claire Jacobson. After this meeting, your situation will be considered and a determination will be made regarding your continued use of the On-Campus Recruiting Program."

What if I don't hear back from an employer?
You can check the status of your application by going to interviews/interview requests/show all (top left side). If you have not been selected to interview, you will see "not invited" in your account once the sign-up start period has begun (available from the job posting details and the Hoya Career Connection calendar).

(back to top)


Second Rounds

What is the second round interview policy? 'To ensure students' access to all employers and reduce undue pressure on students, the CEC enforces a policy that all second-round interviews must accommodate students' classes and previously scheduled first-round interviews. In addition, it is the responsibility of the employer to coordinate second-round interviews with students, including travel arrangements for second rounds outside of the DC area. Employers should not make travel arrangements for students before conferring with them. Employers should also notify students at least 24 hours before the scheduled second-round interview.

For Platinum Partners (2006-2007: Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Lehman Bros, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, UBS) Second-round dates are based on first round interview dates as follows:

Fall 2006

"Your Organization Day" and 1st Round Interview Date First Date for In-DC 2nd Rounds First Date for Outside-DC 2nd Rounds
Monday, Sept. 25 Tuesday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 6
Tuesday, Sept. 26 Tuesday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 6
Wednesday, Sept. 27 Wednesday, Oct. 4 Friday, Oct. 6
Thursday, Sept. 28 Thursday, Oct. 5 Friday, Oct. 6
Friday, Sept. 29 Thursday, Oct. 5. Friday, Oct. 6
Tuesday, Oct. 3 Wednesday, Oct. 4 Friday, Oct. 6
Wednesday, Oct. 4 Thursday, Oct. 5 Friday, Oct. 6
Thursday, Oct. 5 Friday, Oct. 6 Friday, Oct. 6








Spring 2007
"Your Organization Day" and 1st Round Interview Date First Date for In-DC 2nd Rounds First Date for Outside-DC 2nd Rounds
Monday, Jan. 29 Monday, Feb. 5 Friday, Feb. 9
Tuesday, Jan. 30 Tuesday, Feb. 6 Friday, Feb. 9
Wednesday, Jan. 31 Wednesday, Feb. 7 Friday, Feb. 9
Thursday, Feb. 1 Thursday, Feb. 8 Friday, Feb. 9
Friday, Feb. 2 Friday, Feb. 9 Friday, Feb. 9
Monday, Feb. 5 Tuesday, Feb. 6 Friday, Feb. 9
Tuesday, Feb. 6 Wednesday, Feb. 7 Friday, Feb. 9
Wednesday, Feb. 7 Thursday, Feb. 8 Friday, Feb. 9
Thursday, Feb. 8 Friday, Feb. 9 Friday, Feb. 9






For Gold Partners (2006-2007 as of 8/30/2006:Barclays, Bank of America)

Second round interviews in DC ONLYmay be held as early as the day after first-round interviews. Students may not miss previously scheduled first-round interviews or classes for second-round interviews.

For All Other Employers:
Second round interviews may be held one week after the first-round interview date (either in DC or in another city).

For All Employers (partners and non-partners):
Second round interviews held on Saturdays are exempt from the one-week waiting period restriction (i.e. can be held the Saturday following the first-round interviews). This applies only to interviews conducted on Saturdays, and not to any receptions or pre-interview events on Friday evenings (students may not miss class or first-round interviews on Fridays to attend events on Friday evening).

(back to top)


Job Offers

How long do I have to accept my offer?
Offers for full-time and internship positions can be extended at any time during the recruiting period. Offers made through on-campus recruiting may not expire until three weeks after the offer date (as determined by the date of the written offer). In addition, bonuses and other incentives associated with the offer cannot expire beforethis date. The only exception to this policy is our Platinum Partners for whom offers cannot expire before the later of three weeks from the date of the written offer or November 6, 2006 for fall recruiting and March 12, 2006 for spring recruiting. This policy refers, specifically, to offers extended during the on-campus recruiting process.

This policy benefits both students and employers. It ensures that students have ample time to make an informed decision and allows employers access to a larger pool of qualified students. Violation of this policy by employers can result in suspension from recruiting activities for one academic year.

What should I do once I've accepted a job offer?
We encourage you to take at least 24 hours to consider all job offers and to accept all offers in writing. If you are unsure about an offer or need guidance about the decision making process, come in to the Career Center and someone can help you work through the process.

(back to top)


Information Sessions

Should I attend employer information sessions?
Yes. Information sessions are a tool employers use to teach you more about their company. Typically employers have their sessions before their résumé submission deadline (though some employers will have them the night before the interview). While they are not required, they are an excellent opportunity to learn more about the employer and, more importantly, to network with representatives from the company. Information sessions are your opportunity to have an employer connect a face with a name -- take advantage.

Where can I find a list of all information sessions?
All information sessions are listed on your Hoya Career Connection calendar. Information sessions for the upcoming week are also listed in the Career Center’s weekly e-mail newsletter which comes out every Friday.

What should I wear to employer information sessions?
Formal business attire (suits).

What is appropriate business attire?

Women
Do wear conservative jewelry (small earrings, one ring not three, small necklace, etc.).
Do wear stockings/pantyhose with a skirt.
Do wear conservative makeup and nail polish.
Do keep hair away from face, if possible.
Do wear a knee-length skirt, no shorter. Pant suits also are appropriate even in financial services.

Don't wear a low-cut blouse. Blouses need to be buttoned to the second-to-top button.
Don't wear open-toed shoes or shoes with heels higher than two inches. Invest in a pair of interview shoes the same way you invest in an interview suit. Wearing shoes appropriate for a Friday night with your suit is the number one mistake Georgetown students make when dressing for interviews

Men
Do wear a conservative tie (this is not the time for Mickey Mouse).
Do arrive clean-shaven--no 5 o'clock shadow!
Do wear polished dress shoes. Just like female students, the number one place Georgetown men falter when dressing for interviews is wearing casual or inappropriate shoes with their suits.
Do limit accessories to a watch, ring and or cufflinks.

(back to top)


Other

I have a question not answered above. What should I do?
If you have a specific question about on-campus recruiting not covered above please send your question in an e-mail to Ubah Aden at ua@georgetown.edu.

(back to top)