Candidate FAQ

How do I apply?

What is the screening process for a temporary candidate through the Temporary Staffing Center?

What type of positions are the primary focus of the Temporary Staffing Center?

Is it possible to apply for both temporary and full time positions with NU at the same time?

After interviewing with one of the staffing consultants, how quickly can I expect to start working?

If the Temporary Staffing Center is not able to place me on an assigment immediately, how long will my information be kept on file?

What is the average length of a temporary assignment?

What does temporary to hire mean?

Once I am placed, with whom should I speak if I have any questions and/or feedback about my position?

What is the dress code for temporary and temporary to hire positions?

How will I be paid for my position through the Temporary Staffing Center?

Are health benefits included when working in a temporary or temporary to hire position?

Are paid holidays offered in temporary and temporary to hire positions?

How do I apply?

To begin the process of applying to Northwestern University 's Temporary Staffing Center, go to http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/jobs. Follow the directions to complete an online application. A staffing consultant will contact you to set up an appointment provided the center can be a resource for you.

What is the screening process for a temporary candidate through the Temporary Staffing Center?

There are several steps that a candidate must complete successfully before being assigned to a position by the Temporary Staffing Center:

•  Phone screen.

•  An online application. It will be emailed to and completed by the candidate.

•  Behavioral Interview. The candidate can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes interviewing with the staffing consultant and then anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes on software testing depending on skill set.

•  Software testing. We use a system known as Proveit. Every candidate interviewed is tested on Customer Service Skills and Typing. Candidates for general office positions are tested on Basic Office skills while more experienced and administrative candidates are tested on MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Other specific programs are available, for example MS Access, if a staffing consultant is recruiting for a particular project or position.

•  Education verification. All education that is listed on the employment application, with the exception of high school, will be verified.

• Background Check. Criminal background clearance for certain positions may be required.

What type of positions are the primary focus of the Temporary Staffing Center?

The primary focus is administrative and financial support positions. We staff various administrative positions including, but not limited to, Office Assistant, Receptionist, Program Assistant, Department Assistant, and Executive Assistant. The Temporary Staffing Center is also able to staff special requests and needs, such as a Research Technologist 1, or other specialized request.

Is it possible to apply for both temporary and full time positions with NU at the same time?

The NU Temporary Staffing Center focuses on temporary and temporary to hire needs only with the university. If you are interested in applying for a specific full time position, you should apply online through http://www.northwestern.edu/employment.

After interviewing with one of the staffing consultants, how quickly can I expect to start working?

The temporary needs and projects at NU change on a daily basis. We place candidates based on how well their background and skill set fit the present need. Sometimes we are able to place candidates immediately, other times it takes several weeks before a position becomes available for which we can qualify you. If for some reason we will not be able to be a resource to you, we will let you know.

If the Temporary Staffing Center is not able to place me on an assigment immediately, how long will my information be kept on file?

The staffing consultant consistently refers back to their active list of candidates as new assignments come available. After meeting with your staffing consultant, it is your responsibility to check in and let her know of your continued availability. It is recommended that candidates check in once a week to let their staffing consultant know that they are available and still looking for work.

What is the average length of a temporary assignment?

We see positions ranging from just a few days to positions that are temporary to hire and is therefore indefinite in length. Your staffing consultant will work with you to help determine what length of assignment would be best for you and identify positions accordingly.

What does temporary to hire mean?

Temporary to hire is when a department has a full time opening that they are looking to fill. The department chooses to have an employee start with the intention of considering that individual for full time hire if he/she is a good fit for the role. This process varies based on each position and each situation and a temporary employee may be hired full time as quickly as within one month of starting the position or the process may take several months. This is also a time for the temporary employee to be evaluating the position to see if it is a good long term fit for him/her. A temporary to hire position does not always lead to full time employment although that is the optimal goal for all parties. NU maintains an employment-at-will policy.

Once I am placed, with whom should I speak if I have any questions and/or feedback about my position?

Your staffing consultant with whom you interviewed is your primary point of contact for anything related to your position including any concerns, conflicts, feedback, or requests. This also holds true for attendance and punctuality. If you are running at all late for any reason or cannot make it to work, you must contact your staffing consultant immediately. We are available from 7:30am-4:30pm daily. If you are not able to reach your staffing consultant, leave a detailed message that will be checked and responded to promptly. If a message comes in after 4:30pm, it will be responded to by 8:30am the next business day.

What is the dress code for temporary and temporary to hire positions?

The dress code at NU is professional business casual. A more detailed explanation of this can be found in your orientation handbook. Some environments may require more formal attire (suits for men and women and ties for men) and this would be communicated to you by your staffing consultant upon being assigned to a position. An overall conservative appearance is appropriate for all Northwestern positions.

How will I be paid for my position through the Temporary Staffing Center?

You will be paid through the NU online timecard system known as ETES. Once assigned to a position, you will be given a log on ID and password through which you can enter NU's website. You will be able to enter your hours online and you will be paid on a bi-weekly basis, the schedule can be found at http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/payroll/DirectDeposit.pdf. It is required that you sign up for direct deposit.

Are health benefits included when working in a temporary or temporary to hire position?

Unfortunately, benefits are not included when working through the Temporary Staffing Center. If you are placed in a temporary to hire position and then hired full time, you would be eligible to receive the university's benefits.

Are paid holidays offered in temporary and temporary to hire positions?

Unfortunately, paid holidays are not offered in temporary or temporary to hire positions. If a temporary employee is scheduled to work during a University paid holiday, he/she will be paid his/her regular hourly wage. If the temporary employee is not scheduled to work on a University holiday, he/she will not be paid for those hours not worked.