On Campus Interview FAQs

Q—What are on campus interviews?
A—On campus interviews are a form of recruiting that organizations use to attract and interview students on campus for internships and full-time employment opportunities. Not all industries will recruit on campus. All interviews take place in the Career Development Center on the third floor of Tyler Haynes Commons unless otherwise noted.

Q – How do I know which jobs/ internships posted in SpiderConnect are set up for on campus interviews?
A – Click the SpiderConnect "opportunities" tab in your SpiderConnect account to see the list of all current job and internship postings. If there is a “P” or an “O” in the type column, this means the employer is coming to campus to interview students.

Q – How do I apply for one of these positions?
A – Click on job title to open the posting. The application instructions are listed in the upper right corner.

Q—I tried to apply for a position in SpiderConnect, and the system would not let me. What can I do?
A—Make sure your profile information, including GPA, major and class year, is updated. Make sure you have uploaded your résumé into SpiderConnect. Once all the information is uploaded, you should be able to apply for a position if you qualify.

Q – SpiderConnect indicates that I must upload a résumé. How do I do that?
A – You may upload a résumé, cover letter, unofficial transcript and other documents by clicking the "documents" tab in your SpiderConnect account. Once documents have been uploaded, reopen the job description, choose the appropriate documents and click “submit” to re-apply.

Q- How do I upload my transcript?
A– To upload your transcript, go to your BannerWeb and pull up your transcript. Use the keystrokes “control” + “A” to highlight the document and then "control" + “C” to copy your transcript into a Word document. Change orientation to landscape and edit document so that only the transcript remains. Save document and upload into SpiderConnect.

Q – SpiderConnect indicates that I do not meet application requirements for position. What's that mean?
A – If you do not meet the requirements for major, GPA or work status, e-mail the CDC at pbelmont@richmond.edu to see if we can contact the employer on your behalf.

Q – How will I know if I have been selected for an interview?
A – Check the "interviews" tab in your SpiderConnect account frequently. If the status of your application is listed as “invited,” you have been chosen to interview. You should also receive an e-mail stating that you have been invited to interview and to log on to your SpiderConnect account to select an interview time.

Q—I have been "invited" for an interview, what should I do?
A--Pay close attention to the “signups start” date in SpiderConnect. You may signup beginning at 12 a.m. on that date. When that date arrives, you will see a button that says “select interview time." You may click there to choose your interview time. PLEASE NOTE – Interview times are selected on a first come, first served basis. Sign up early for the best chance of getting the time slot that you need and to avoid losing your spot to an alternate.

Q—I have been "invited" for an interview but do not want to interview with the organization. What can I do?
A—Click "decline interview" in SpiderConnect when the "signups start" date begins.

Q—I am signing up for an interview time slot. What does the "P" and "O" represent?
A-- A “P” means "preselection." The employer will review the résumés submitted and preselect candidates. An “O” means "open schedule." There is no pre-selection process, and you can select a time slot immediately.

Q – My status is listed as "Alternate." What does that mean?
A – Employers will often select a few extra students in case some of their initial choices decide to decline the interview. Alternates may choose any time slot still available on the date their sign-ups begin. There may be more alternates than slots available – so check frequently to see if one is open.

Q – I have a class conflict at the time slot that is available. What can I do?
A – Contact the CDC at (804) 287-6629.

Q – I cannot make my interview appointment. What can I do?
A – If you need to withdraw from an interview more than 48 hours before sign-ups end, you may do so by clicking the "cancel" button. PLEASE NOTE – You may not cancel an interview less than 48 hours before the date except for illness or family emergency. If this situation arises, please contact the CDC as soon as possible to let us know the circumstances. You will be required to let the employer know why you are unable to make the interview.

Q – How should I prepare for my interview?
A – Be sure to:
• Sign up for a mock interview in the CDC prior to your real appointment.
• Research the company before your interview.
• Wear business attire and be on time.
• If the company brings a "greeter" to speak with you prior to going into the interview, consider it part of the evaluation process.
• Send a thank you note or e-mail promptly after the interview.

Visit the CDC's tipsheets on interviewing

Questions?

Contact Paula Belmonte, CDC employer relations coordinator, at pbelmont@richmond.edu or (804) 287-6629.