Job Application Tips

Tips on Applying for Jobs at EvCC

What kind of job do you want?
What's your skillset?
Choosing the right job for you
Applying for the job
Interviews
Accepting the offer

What kind of job do you want?

In higher education, we separate the jobs into three different categories.

What’s a ‘classified’ job? “Classified” means that the job is part of the classified union. It may be a "part time hourly" job, (paid for each hour worked), or paid a monthly salary. With only one exception (higher-level IT jobs), classified employees can earn overtime (paid at time and a half) or comp time (hours that you earn that can later be used to take paid leave). Classified and part time hourly employees report hours worked each pay period.
What’s a ‘faculty’ job? “Faculty” means that the job is either an instructor (may include advisors), a librarian (may include media services), or a counselor. Faculty are paid a salary for their assignment. The total pay is divided up across the number of paychecks in the quarter. Faculty usually aren’t paid for break times between quarters, as they aren’t working. Faculty hours are based on the work, and some faculty can work from home. Most faculty are not on campus 40 hours per week, and the schedule is pretty flexible outside scheduled class hours.
What’s an 'exempt' job? “Exempt” means that the job is exempt from overtime. Exempt employees are paid a salary and expected to accomplish their work in the days they are assigned. An exempt employee works at least 40 hours per week, and in busy times may work 50+ hours in a week, with no additional compensation.

What’s your skill set?

You’ve probably developed many skills in your life that would be useful to the College. Think outside the box and look closely at what’s needed for each position. Higher ed experience is usually not required, so please apply!

Choosing the right job for you:

Be sure to read the minimum qualifications. These are not flexible, and you really do need to have the skills, abilities and experiences that are listed.
If you have a degree from a college/university that is not in the US, we will consider it as we would with any US college/university. It is helpful if you’ve already had your transcripts evaluated, but this is not a requirement.
Be sure to consider salary. The salary posted is the salary we will offer. Even if you’ve got many years’ experience, we can’t increase the salary offer to meet your needs. Be sure you can live with the salary that’s posted before you apply.
Check location for the job. Everett Community College has more than one location. We have classes in Monroe, Arlington, Marysville, and in south Everett. The main campus is in north Everett, just off I-5.

Applying for the job:

Yes, you really do need to fill out the application. We know you have a resume that says the same thing, but we need to have the information in a format that’s comparable from candidate to candidate. If you write “see resume" in response to application questions, you’re asking the committee to flip back and forth between two documents, and that’s frustrating for them. Take time to fill out the whole application
Be sure to take time on your cover letter. The cover letter is your chance to explain why you are the best candidate because your skills match the job posting. Use the language in the job posting to show us your experiences that align with the expectations for the position. If there are any gaps in employment, or if you’re considering a move cross-country, the cover letter is the place to explain. (There is no need to disclose personal issues here. Keep it professional.) Consider having someone else proofread your letter to make sure you don’t have any typing errors. Be thorough, but brief.
If possible, submit your materials in a PDF. That way, the formatting won’t change when we open your document.
If you are asked to respond to questions in the application, compose your answers in a word processing document (such as MS Word, Notepad, etc.), then run spell/grammar check, then cut/paste the text into the online application form. That way you can be sure your writing is perfect. We are looking for paragraph responses, so be thoughtful in your answers.

Interviews

You may be asked to do a phone interview first. This is a great opportunity to answer a few questions to let the committee know your skill set. Phone interviews are usually short. Be ready to talk in a quiet place, where you won’t be interrupted. Be sure to be available 10 minutes before your interview, in case the committee calls early. You will receive the questions via email about 10 minutes before your interview begins.
Do some research on the College before the interview. Read as much as you can on the EvCC website. Topics that are important to EvCC include Guided Pathways and Equity/Social Justice. You need to look up those topics on the EvCC website and be familiar with them.
As you do your research, take notes and write some questions you have, that you can ask in your interview.
If you are told in advance who is participating in your interview, do a little research on those people, so you know who they are and what they do at the College.
For an in-person interview, dress professionally in something that gives you confidence.
Plan to arrive early for an in-person interview, since sometimes parking at the College can be a challenge. Find the room where your interview will be held so you know where you’re going. Take time to explore the bookstore, wander through our student union building (Parks), and get a feel for the campus.
Smile! Everyone knows you’re nervous, and it’s okay. We’ve all been through it, too.
Be sure to ask your questions (from your research) if the committee asks you if you have questions. Then listen carefully to the answers.

After the interview

Have patience. Sometimes, it takes a while for the next step of the process. It’s not unusual for reference checks to take a long time, maybe even a couple weeks, especially during busy times.
While you’re waiting, decide if you want the job. When you get the offer call, you will want to have an answer ready.

Getting the Offer

If you need time to consider the offer, thank the caller and ask if it’s okay if you get back to them in a day or two. Then be sure to get back to the caller with your answer in a timely way.
You can negotiate on salary, within the amounts posted. If the posted salary range was $20,000-$25,000, and you’re offered $22,000, you can ask for more, within the range, if you believe you have experiences or education that warrant a higher salary. If you are currently earning more than the offer you’ve received, you can share that with the person who makes the offer. Remember, the College will not be able to offer you salary outside the range in the original job posting.
If the position you’re considering is a full time faculty or an exempt position, and you will need to move between states to accept the position, you can ask about relocation assistance. The amount will not cover all your expenses, and is approved only on a case by case basis by the college President. Usually, the amount ranges from $500-$1800.
If you need an official offer letter, ask for one. EvCC does not routinely provide formal offer letters.

Accepting the Offer

If you accept the offer, you should talk to the person who made the offer about your start date. EvCC prefers to start new employees on the first working day of the month, or the first working day after the 15th of the month, for payroll and orientation purposes. We understand you need to give your current employer notice, and will work with you to ensure a smooth transition.
You will need to come in to the HR office to fill out paperwork, including your I-9 paperwork showing proof of work eligibility.
Ask HR about parking on your first day of work, so that you don’t get a ticket on your first day.
If you are a current employee in a Washington state agency or higher education, some of your leave will transfer. Ask HR about your specific situation.