Find a Job

What new student employees need to know

If you have never worked at Clark University, there are a few things to do before you apply for student jobs on campus or off.

How to find a job

If you plan to apply for jobs, you need to start early — even before the semester begins. Jobs fill quickly, and you are not guaranteed an on-campus job even if you have been granted federal work study.

Spring semester: Get ready in December and January
Fall semester: Get ready in July and August

• Log into Handshake:  All on-campus employment positions are posted on Handshake, Clark’s job, internship, and volunteer opportunity portal. If you have not already done so, log onto Handshake using your Clark email address and password, and complete your profile. You will not be able to view or apply for on-campus employment without a Handshake account. “Follow” Clark University departments and offices to receive job notifications, and check back often, as more jobs are added daily.
• Work on your resume and cover letters: Resumes are required to apply for on-campus employment, and many on-campus positions also require a cover letter. Start working on your resume and cover letter(s) early to ensure you have enough time to complete your application materials. To get started, check out the template for your resume and the guide for your cover letter!
• Have your resume reviewed: If you are an undergraduate student, email the Career Lab and attach the document(s) you would like to have reviewed. If you are a graduate student, check with the career staff at your graduate school regarding options to have your documents reviewed.
• A special note for international students: Watch this video for job search strategies, including what a typical resume looks like in the United States, the importance of tailoring your cover letter, and best practices for your on-campus job search. The video also includes proper etiquette for the job search — for example, do not email or visit offices asking for consideration for on-campus jobs.

Spring semester: Apply in January and February
Fall semester: Apply in August and September

Search for off-campus jobs in Handshake: If you are a U.S. student, then consider searching in Handshake for jobs in the local community

Search for on-campus jobs in Handshake: Because new positions are posted daily, check back often to find on-campus jobs that best fit your interests. To find on-campus jobs, go to the Jobs tab in Handshake, click the Filters button, and choose On Campus Student Employment. Then scroll down to check the box that says Employer Preferences Match.

Apply to jobs: Submit your applications early, and apply to as many jobs as you are interested in. On-campus employment is very competitive, so don’t wait to apply. Many jobs are filled by the first week of classes.

Review job restrictions: If you see a message saying “Your school has restricted your ability to apply to this job” or “Your school year does not match what is required for this job,” that means you are not eligible to apply to that job based on your school year or graduate school. The job description will list the school years desired for the position. Use the “Employer Preferences Match” filter.

Wait for the hiring manager to contact you: If you are a final candidate for a position, be patient — a hiring manager will contact you to schedule an interview. In the meantime, keep applying to positions that interest you, and check your email often.

Have questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions