GUIDE: How to get a job at BU.

After responding to a comment on this sub and answering many questions in person, I thought it might be helpful to have a thread going with some tips and tricks to getting a job here at BU. Feel free to add your own advice and ask questions. Maybe we can label our comments ADVICE or QUESTION too so that it doesn’t get confusing.

Abbreviations used here: Work study = WS Non-work study = NWS

NWS jobs Absolutely use the part time job finder on the student link. If you want a job you really gotta put yourself out there. If you are looking for a job in a specific area, look in that category and the on-campus category. Sometimes employers don’t put them in the right spot. If you are desperate, look in the other categories too to double check. This might even work to your advantage. The on-campus category gets updated with new jobs almost everyday. My strategy was to apply to as many listings as possible, granted that I saw it would be a fit, they would pay me enough and that I would be happy there. It was a pain and time consuming but it paid off.

LOCAL INCOMING FRESHMAN My very first job at BU was through the local incoming students WS program before my first semester even started. My year at least, there was practically no competition and I picked the job out of a list they had. I highly recommend this program!!

INCOMING FRESHMAN IN GENERAL You can get hired before you start classes too! I applied and got hired to at the GSU and another job during the same summer, but started when school began. WS and NWS available

SUMMER JOBS It seems that it’s much easier to get a job during the summer, so definitely take advantage of that if you have the opportunity. Employers really go crazy when you hit em with the, “I can work through the summer and fall semester.” Sometimes they get real desperate during winter break, but that also requires you to find your own housing if you are in a dorm. WS and NWS available

GENERAL ADVICE The name of the game is applying often. Straight away send them an email with your resume or CV, schedule with an explanation of when you are willing to work, cover letter if they ask for it, and a nice sweet and short email expressing that you really want to work for them. If they see your schedule does not fit, they will tell you and save you a hell of a lot of time. To save time, make a template for office jobs, research jobs, other jobs etc and make a copy your resume that is customized to fit each category. Now you only have to adjust your materials slightly to match each individual listing.

NEXT STEPS Make sure to keep track of when and where you have applied, keeping the original job description, contact info, and proposed pay rate. It’s kinda awkward if you apply somewhere twice or if the employer deletes the listing while still talking to you. If you get an interview, study this stuff and really make sure to pepper in your knowledge of the position and show that you know your responsibilities already. If you get the job, make sure you remember to update your resume with this info right away.

Get that bread peeps.