Center for Human Resources
Employment & Classification
Frequently Asked Questions
Job Application FAQs
- Does SDSU accept paper applications?
- I registered on the application system, but I can’t remember my User Name or Password. Can you tell me what it is?
- It looks like there are five jobs available. Are there more?
- How do I access the application?
- When I try to access the application, I get an error message that will not allow me to see the page. What can I do?
- How can I view more information about one of the job titles listed?
- How often is the job vacancy information updated?
- Can I apply for more than one job at a time?
- Can I attach a resume and a cover letter to my application?
- What if my resume and cover letter are not Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents?
- Do I need to submit an application in order to apply?
- Do I need to submit a separate application for each position that I would like to apply for?
- Where do I submit an application?
- Will you consider my application for other positions that are available at SDSU?
- Do I have to fill out all portions of the application if I attach a resume?
- When is my application due?
- What does “Open until filled” mean?
- When will my references be checked?
- How do I know that you have received my application?
- How long after I apply might I be called for an interview?
- Who can I contact for specific questions not listed here?
Q1: Does SDSU accept paper applications?
A: All applications and application attachments for staff positions must be submitted through our on-line recruitment process, PeopleSoft. No exceptions.
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Q2: I registered on the application system, but I can’t remember my User Name or Password. Can you tell me what it is?
A: If you have entered an e-mail address in your profile you can click on “Login Help” on the Careers page and request that your User Name or Password be sent to your e-mail address. If you do not have an e-mail address in your profile, you will need to create a new User Name and Password and recreate your application materials. SDSU employees should contact the BIS Help Desk at ext. 4-0899 to request your password be reset.
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Q3: It looks like there are five jobs available. Are there more?
A: Yes. Five job postings will show at a time, use the “Next” or “Previous” links located just above the five jobs listed to scroll through all available jobs.
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Q4: How do I access the application?
A: You can access the SDSU employment application from any computer that has access to Internet Explorer. Visit the SDSU homepage and click on “Jobs” then “Staff Positions”. Many places have computers available to the public, including public libraries and community employment service offices.
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Q5: When I try to access the application, I get an error message that will not allow me to see the page. What can I do?
A: First, we recommend that you access the application using Internet Explorer. Second, try closing your web browser and then opening it again. Upon re-opening your browser, please delete your temporary internet files and cookies. To do this on your browser’s toolbar click “Tools” then “Internet Options”. In the “Temporary Internet Files” section, click “Delete Cookies” and also “Delete Files”. After you have completed these tasks, you should be able to access the application. Finally, if you still cannot access the application, you should contact your systems administrator or Internet service provider. They may have a firewall installed that is preventing you from viewing our page.
For desktops running MS Windows 2000 or XP, Internet Explorer must be configured for use with Oracle Applications, MarkView Imaging, and with Oracle/PeopleSoft Applications. For additional assistance in optimizing your browser settings, please see, Configuring IE for Oracle. 
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Q6: How can I view more information about one of the job titles listed?
A: Click on the job title for a full description of the position. If you want to apply for that job, just click the “Apply Now” button on the posting.
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Q7: How often is the job vacancy information updated?
A: Job vacancy information on the web is updated daily. Please note that the availability of each position is subject to change at any time.
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Q8: Can I apply for more than one job at a time?
A: Yes. You may select multiple positions by clicking on the box(es) to the left of the job title(s) of the jobs you are interested in and then click “Apply Now”. The same application information will be submitted for each selected position.
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Q9: Can I attach a resume and a cover letter to my application?
A: Yes you can. It is recommended that you combine and attach all application materials on one document. It is also recommended that you include your name and the recruitment number on each attachment.
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Q10: What if my resume and cover letter are not Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents?
A: Our system can only accept documents in these formats. You will need to convert your documents before attaching them to your application.
Tip: WordPerfect and Word are not one-in-the-same. If you attach a document in WordPerfect format (.wps) it will upload in code. Please make sure all documents are .doc or .pdf format. See Microsoft Word Help or Adobe Help for more information.
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Q11: Do I need to submit an application in order to apply?
A: Yes, our staff positions require a separate application to be submitted via the web-based application for each position.
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Q12: Do I need to submit a separate application for each position that I would like to apply for?
A: Yes, a separate application needs to be submitted for each individual position for which you wish to apply. You may apply for more than one position at a time by clicking in the box to the left of the job title in the job posting list, then clicking on the “Apply Now” button. Additionally, you may return to the application at a future date and some, but not all, of the information you have already provided will be there for you to edit. Be sure to review your information before submitting each application as not all of your information carries over from one application to the next. You must answer all of the application questions before applying for each application submission.
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Q13: Where do I submit an application?
A: All staff applications must be completed on-line. If you have questions please contact our office at (619) 594-1143 or send us an e-mail.
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Q14: Will you consider my application for other positions that are available at SDSU?
A: No. You will only be considered for the position(s) for which you submit an application. If you would like to be considered for other available positions, you will need to submit your application for each position.
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Q15: Do I have to fill out all portions of the application if I attach a resume?
A: Yes. In order to receive full consideration you need to completely fill out each section of the application, even if you attach a resume.
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Q16: When is my application due?
A: All applications must be submitted via the on-line application no later than 12:00 midnight PST on the closing date for the position. Applications cannot be submitted after a closing date has passed. Closing and review dates are on each job description under “Application Procedures”.
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Q17: What does “Open until filled” mean?
A: If an application deadline reads “Open until filled”, a department is accepting applications until the position is filled, and the vacancy may close without notice. If you have interest in a position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement. If you apply after the specified “initial review date”, there is no guarantee that your application will be reviewed.
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Q18: When will my references be checked?
A: Departments can choose to check applicants’ references at any time — but they are generally checked only after the interview process. We generally will let an applicant know when we are going to check references.
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Q19: How do I know that you have received my application?
A: Once you submit your application and agree to the conditions of employment, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within a few hours. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail after a few hours, check your spam or junk folder. Some e-mail accounts read generated e-mails as spam and filter them out of your in-box.
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Q20: How long after I apply might I be called for an interview?
A: The time varies depending on the department conducting the search; however, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after the closing date on the job to conduct interviews and reach a hiring decision. The department conducting the search will notify applicants directly when they decide to interview.
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Q21: Who can I contact for specific questions not listed here?
A: Call the Center for Human Resources at (619) 594-1143 or e-mail.
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Last updated March 15, 2007
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