Tips for looking for a Federal Work Study Job

Interview Preparation

• Market your skills and abilities to the employer
• Arrive on time!!!!! Show the employer that you are genuinely interested in the job.
• Be prepared to show the interviewer your class schedule
• Be prepared to explain why you want to work in that department (a common interview question).
• Dress for the occasion, think about the environment and dress appropriately.
• Think about what skills and abilities the interviewer will be seeking?
• Do you possess the skills for the job?
• Can you work the days and hours required?

Still uneasy? Seek advice from our Career Services Office located in the Houff Student Center, Room 120. You may reach a career counselor at 540-234-9261 ext. 2237 or visit their web site at http://www.brcc.edu/services/career/. They can help you feel more comfortable with a job interview!

Things to Remember

• You may work in no more than one work-study position at a time on our campus.
• Student employees are never allowed to work more than 20 hours per week on campus.
• You should dress appropriately for your job. Your employer will discuss the dress for that particular department.
• Please do not allow friends to visit you while you are at work.
• Please do not use office computers for personal work while you are on the clock, and before you have checked with your supervisor to see that it is ok.
• Federal College Work Study is a REAL JOB.
• Take your job seriously. You provide a vital function as a student employee.
• Be on time for work, and if you must be absent, make it for a good reason and let your employer know in advance of your scheduled work time.
• Communicate with your supervisor. Discuss problems and concerns immediately. Don't quit a work study job because you are reluctant to discuss a problem with your supervisor. If you do quit work study you may not be able to replace it with another form of student aid, so plan in advance.
• Be responsible for your actions, if you make a mistake, admit it and move on. Learn from your errors. Always look for something else to do when you finish a task.
• Learn to take constructive criticism. It is only a tool and its sole purpose is to improve your performance, which essentially helps you master valuable skills that you will need in the future if you want to remain in the workforce.
• If you want to change jobs, your current employer must first terminate you before you can interview for a new job on campus.
• You can be terminated for inadequate job performance, excessive unexcused absences from work, insubordination, or failure to follow the rules in your workplace. Discuss these issues with your immediate supervisor when you are hired.

Summary

• You choose where you would like to apply and work
• Campus employers interview and select who they want to hire
• You will learn and develop valuable skills that are needed to obtain employment after graduation through your interview and employment process
• Work Study is a real job, you must work to earn - studying on the job is not allowed
• Your skills are valuable
• Your appearance is critical
• Promptness is vital, so report to work on time
• Do a good job and earn the rewards!