On-Campus Interviews

Did you know that we have over 20 employers conducting on-campus interviews each semester?  Don’t miss your shot to connect with employers looking to hire Pepperdine students and graduates.  Need help preparing for your job search or interview?  The Career Center has many great resources and services to help you write your cover letter and resume in addition to offering mock interviews to help students prepare.  Contact the Career Center at x4184 to set up an appointment.

Overview 

Getting Started

The On-Campus Interview Program (OCI) hosts companies and organizations interested in hiring Pepperdine students for full-time employment opportunities.  The On Campus Interview Program is facilitated by the online system, InterviewTRAK accessible through MonsterTRAK.  This popular program enables students to:

• Search company profiles and job descriptions,
• Apply to interview with employers from around the country.

How to Register

Students and recent alumni who wish to participate in the program must complete the following steps:

1.      Review the Cancellation and No-Show Policy on this page. Print and maintain a copy.  By participating, you agree with and are subject to these policies.

2.      Register with MonsterTRAK.  Click the MonsterTRAK link and click "Sign Up Here!" to create a username and password.

3.  Submit resume to csoevent@pepperdine.edu with "OCI" in the subject line for approval by the Career Ambassadors.

To Begin

After receiving confirmation that your resume has been received, follow these steps:

• Log into MonsterTRAK and upload your resume (up to 10 resumes)
• Click "InterviewTRAK" to search for upcoming on-campus interviews. Most students search by date in order to see all interviews in the semester.
• If  a position appears interesting, students may click "Details" for job responsibilities and qualifications.
• If still interested, click "Submit Resume" to apply. Note: Many employers also request students to apply directly on their web site.  All students are advised to read the job description carefully for any special application instructions.

Eligibility

Students who meet the following criteria, are eligible to participate!

• Senior or a recent alum
• In agreement to all the terms and conditions of the program 
• Seriously looking for a full-time position

The Program

Students gain access to recruiters representing various industries and companies from the Los Angeles area, as well as other business centers throughout the United States. All recruiters offer salaried positions of at least $25,000. A few will offer salaries above $40,000, but most of these entry-level offerings will pay from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.

Interviewers come on campus during the months of September-December and January-April. April graduates should not hesitate to begin interviewing in September.  Many times employers require second and third interviews.  Fewer companies recruit in the fall than in the spring. If you do not see a company you want to recruit with in the fall, make sure to look again in the spring.

There are various types of interviews.  Please be aware of the type in which you are applying:

• Pre-Select Interview: Students submit their resume online to companies of their choice. After the Resume Submission Deadline the company will select the students they would like to interview.  The pre-selected candidates will be notified by email.  Only those pre-selected may sign up online.
• Open Interview: The interview is available to students on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Students sign up online for an interview time.
• Resume Drop: This is a structured way for employers to receive resumes from selected universities.  Within certain date, the employer will accept resumes submitted on InterviewTRAK.  The employer will contact students directly to schedule interviews on campus or at central offices.

If you have any suggestions or questions regarding the On-Campus Interview Program contact at (310)506-4184 or by e-mail at csoevent@pepperdine.edu

Resumes

Students must submit a resume to the Career Center to participate in the On Campus Interview Program.  Learn how to write your resume with our online guide and samples.  Once submitted, the resume will be sent directly to our Career Ambassadors who will carefully review it and reply with suggestions. 

At any point in the process of creating or perfecting your resume, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our counselors.

The Interview

During the interview you will answer questions about yourself, and you may ask questions about the company. Check out our Interview Guide to help you prepare.

Interview Preparation

Some interviewers say they can "size up" a person in just five minutes. Truly competent interviewers will let you do most of the talking and will learn much from you over the course of your interview.

Much of their judgment will be based on how you present yourself, your ability to think on your feet, and your appearance, confidence and composure.

Here are some tips for making a positive first impression:

1. Wear industry appropriate formal business attire. General interview attire guidelines point to conservative, dark suits. Avoid extreme colors or trendy styles.  Make sure your suit is well pressed and clean. 
2. Good hygiene is critical! Arrive to the interview clean and calm. Use only a little cologne or perfume and avoid odorous foods.
3. Interviewees must be prepared to answer and ask questions. The two questions that begin and end an interview are "Tell me about yourself" and "Do you have any questions for me?". Read up on the company and visit their website before you interview. Understand the company and have intelligent questions prepared to ask.
4. Ask for their business card. Send a thank you card (not email) immediately after the interview.  Keep it short, simple, and try to refer to something you spoke about in the interview to help them remember you.
5. Use our Interview Guide to help you prepare for your interview.
6. A few final suggestions:

·         Please, no chewing gum. 

·         Do not monopolize the conversation during an interview or an interview lunch. Take time to get to know the interviewer and learn more about the company.

·         Never speak negatively about a previous employer.

·         Wait to sit down until you are offered a seat.

·         Mind your manners: remember to say “please” and “thank you.”

·         If you are invited to a business lunch, do not smoke or drink even if the products are offered to you.

Generally, interviewers will contact you by phone within the next week if they want you to return for a second interview.  A negative reply will usually come by mail within the following two to three weeks. If you hear nothing after three weeks, it is appropriate to call and ask about the status of the job. It is best to ask about this timeline while in the interview.

OCI Program Policies

Cancellation: Students are expected to keep confirmed interview appointments.  Students who need to cancel an interview, must do so at least 3 business days prior to the interview to avoid "No Show" status.  Cancellation may be done online via InterviewTRAK or by calling the Career Center, x.4184.  In case of an emergency and you must cancel within 3 business days prior to or on the day of the interview, you must notify the Career Center via telephone. You will then be given "No Show" status, but it allows us to inform the recruiter and allows you the opportunity to reschedule. 

No Show: Students who cancel within 3 business days of the interview or do not show on the day of the interview will be locked from further use of InterviewTRAK immediately.  To reinstate your status, download the No-Show Packet below, and type a personalized letter of apology to the recruiter within 3 days of the scheduled No-Show interview. Submit your letter of apology to the Career Center in an unsealed, stamped envelope addressed to the recruiter.  Failure to submit the letter of apology within 3 business days will result in the cancellation of all future interviews and locked access from InterviewTRAK. You are responsible for attending any interviews that have been scheduled previously to the submission of the letter of apology.

This is a zero-tolerance policy. No-Show Packet click here.
This policy is cited from the USC Career Planning and Placement Center, OCI Recruiting User Contract