Frequently Asked Questions - Careers

Locations

Our 24 campuses throughout Pennsylvania and our World Campus serve students and communities as we carry out our mission of teaching, research, and service. Employment opportunities may be available at all locations. For a map of the campuses and more information, visit: psu.edu/academics/campuses. 

Position Profiles

Academic/Faculty: This designation includes all levels of academic and faculty opportunities to include: Tenure Track, Non-Tenure Track, Endowed Professorships, Visiting Faculty, Visiting Scholars, Instructors, Educators, Researchers, Department Heads, Department Chairs, etc.  

Staff: Full time or part time positions that support the university beyond the classroom. Opportunities range across all functional areas and units at Penn State. Exempt and Non-exempt opportunities may be available. 

Technical Service: Teamsters Local Union No. 8 represents 2,700 working men and women employed at the Penn State, including over 20 commonwealth campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Technical Service employees who work in custodial service, hospitality service, food service, housing service, trades, science, athletics, agriculture, research, printing, engineering, transportation, airport services, ITS and media. 

Penn State Students: Current Penn State students at any Penn State campus are eligible to apply for student focused opportunities such as: internships, graduate assistants, teaching assistants, and wage-payroll. These opportunities can be paid or unpaid opportunities and may be offered during any academic semester. International students should consult with DISSA or their Career Service Office to discuss CPT/OPT eligibility and implications. 

There is a job posted on the website that has been posted for some time. Is the job still available?

Since the job is still posted to the website, that would indicate the job has not yet been filled and the hiring area is still accepting candidates. Jobs may close or un-post at any time. 

Will I have to complete background checks?

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Additional pre-hire contingences may also apply depending on the position. 

Do I need a cover letter? If so, who should I address the cover letter to?

Penn State may utilize formal hiring committees or various interview structures when reviewing candidates. Addressing the cover letter to the entire committee or unit is acceptable. Please read the job description thoroughly to determine if a cover letter or other materials are required as part of the application process. All documents must be submitted at the same time. Individuals are unable to modify their application and materials after submission. 

Who is the hiring manager and how can I contact them?

Penn State does not provide this information to applicants. If a candidate is selected to interview, the hiring manager information will be shared at that point. 

What help is available if I have questions?

Help text is provided throughout the Workday application. In addition to help text and FAQs, you may call HR Services at 814-865-1473.

How can I log into my account without applying on a job?

Penn State Employees: You can log into Workday by visiting worklion.psu.edu and entering your Penn State credentials. Penn State employees will have a career application button within Workday.  Within the career application a Penn State employee will have access to search positions, view submitted applications, withdraw applications, and referrals.  

External Applicants: To log into your account, visit: hr.psu.edu/careers and select the type of opportunities you would like to explore (Academic & Faculty, Staff & Technical Services, or Penn State Student). Once you select your preferred position type, you will be taken to search results that may interest you. The “Sign In” button is in the upper right-hand corner of this page. Select “Sign In” and enter your account credentials. 

How can I set up job alerts?

External Applicants: To log into your account, click on the “Sign In” button located in the upper right-hand corner of the career homepage. Once you are logged in, select “Job Alerts” which will be located near the upper right-hand corner of your account landing page or under “My Submitted Applications”. On the “Manage Job Alerts” page you can create new, manage or delete job alerts. 

My email address has changed. How can I update my email address in the system?

Penn State Employees: Individuals interested in changing their non-PSU email can do so in Workday.  

External Applicant: To log into your account, click on the “Sign In” button located in the upper right-hand corner of the career homepage. Once you are logged in, click on your email address which is displayed in the upper right-hand corner of your candidate homepage. Select “Account Settings”, and you will see “Change Email”. Enter the new address you would like to use and select “Submit”. 

I forgot my password. How can I get that information? 

Penn State Employees: You will log into your Workday account through Duo (2FA). Visit security.psu.edu/two-factor-authenticationif you need to reset your password.

External Applicants: You can reset your password by selecting “Forgot Password” and entering your email address when signing into your account. You should receive a notification with reset instructions to the email tied to your Workday account. 

General Instructions

To be considered for a position, you will need to apply online and complete the employment application. 

Penn State employees log into their Workday account and select the “Career” icon under “Applications”. 

If you are not a current Penn State Employee, you will need to create a candidate profile in Workday. You can create an account by visiting hr.psu.edu/careers and selecting “Sign In”. 

Submission of the affirmative action identification is voluntary. Completing this information allows us to meet our reporting requirements under Federal employment laws and regulations. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

If you have need assistance or have any questions about applying for a position, you should contact HR Services at 814-865-1473.

Application Assistance for Individuals with Impairment or Disabilities 

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact HR Services at 814-865-1473.

Is there a process that I can follow if I'm an external applicant?

Yes. Please use the following process.

Can I apply to more than one opportunity?

You can apply for as many positions as you’d like. You are encouraged to review the basic qualifications, skills and required documents before applying. Your candidate profile will save your information after it is completed which will expedite the process moving forward.

Note: Once you apply, you are unable to modify your application or materials for that position. If an applicant withdraws from a position, they are unable to reapply to that role. Prior to removing your application from consideration, please understand this action is final.

How to Apply – (External)

1. Click on the job number that you are interested in, and the job description will be displayed.
2. If you are interested in applying for that job, click on “Apply”. 
3. The login screen will appear. You will need to enter your Workday User ID and Password. 
4. You will be asked to upload a resume to assist with the application through “Quick Apply”. 
5. The application will load and ask you to complete the required fields. Some fields are option, but we encourage you to share as much information as you are comfortable with so we can get to know you better!
6. You will have a chance to review all information and materials before the final submission. 
7. Note: Once you apply, you are unable to modify your application or materials for that position.  If an applicant withdraws from a position, they are unable to reapply to that role.  

How to Apply (Internal)

1. Log into your Workday account and select the “Career” icon under “Applications”
2. Update the information in “Job History”, “Education”, “Certifications” and “Languages”. This is not required but save you time completing the application process for this application or future applications.
3. Select “Career Opportunities”, this will take you to the careers page where you can search by keyword, job number or filters. 
4. Click on the job number that you are interested in, and the job description will be displayed.
5. If you are interested in applying for that job, click on the “Apply”. 
6. The application will load and ask you to complete the required fields. Some fields are option, but we encourage you to share as much information as you are comfortable. 
7. Review all entered information and select “submit”. 

How can I see the jobs I've applied for?

Penn State Employees: log into your Workday account, select the “career” icon and then select “My Application Status”.

External Applicants: Select “Sign In” on the Penn State Careers page. Enter your email address and password. Once you are logged in, select “My Submitted Applications”. 

How can I withdraw my name from consideration for a job?

Penn State Employees: Log into your Workday account and select the “Career” icon under “Applications”. Select “Withdraw Application”.  This will take you to a landing page with all of your current applications. Select the radio button on the far left for the corresponding position you’d like to withdraw from and select “Okay”. You will be asked to confirm your selection, select “Ok”. 

External Applicants: Select “Sign In” on the Penn State Careers page. Enter your email address and password. Once you are logged in, select the position you would like to withdraw from under “My Submitted Applications. Once you are in the profile for the position you’d like to withdraw from, select “Withdraw Application”. You will be asked to confirm this action, select “Ok”. 

What can I do if I accidently withdrew from a job? 

Penn State Employees: You can reapply but will need to recomplete the application in its entirety. 

External Applicants: You are encouraged to review the basic qualifications, skills and required documents before applying. Your candidate profile will save your information after it is completed which will expedite the process moving forward.

Note: Once you apply, you are unable to modify your application or materials for that position. If an applicant withdraws from a position, they are unable to reapply to that role. Prior to removing your application from consideration, please understand this action is final.

Will I be required to fill out an employment application in addition to my cover letter and resume/cv?

Yes, an online application is required for each position. You have the option to include a resume which will parse into many of the required application fields. Or, you have the option to manually enter all the application information. 

I'm currently a full-time employee, do I need to complete the online application?

Yes, positions require an application to be completed regardless of affiliation with the University.  

What document types can be uploaded?

DOC, DOCX, HTML, PDF, or TXT file types (5MB max)

The job posting asks for letters of recommendation, how do I provide confidential letters?

Workday does not provide the ability to receive confidential documentation. If this information is required, it will be handled by the specific unit.  

You are asking if I’m keeping my current position, will my current manager know my answer?

No, your answer to this question is not shared with your current manager. This information is used for HR to determine how to best process your job change or job addition if you are the successful candidate.

All my letters of recommendation are on Interfolio, what email can I provide to Interfolio?

At this time, Penn State does not have a relationship with Interfolio and does not have an email address that you can utilize for this purpose.