Job Search Preparation

Preparing you to excel in your job search

Access to the right tools and up-to-date knowledge is essential for any job search. Applying to a job in higher education shares a lot with other industries—but at IU, we do a few things differently. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to put your best foot forward.

And while this advice is tailored for IU, the strategies here will strengthen your applications wherever your career takes you. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re ready to see what you’ll bring to the IU community.

Navigating the IU careers portal

Browsing and applying for jobs

Applying for a job at IU is similar to other job sites, with a few specifics to keep in mind. Our job portal is updated daily with new opportunities for both current employees and external candidates. It’s important to note that if you’re a current IU employee applying to another position within the university, your supervisor will not be notified of your application. And for all candidates, whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, you’ll find roles that align with your skills and goals.

Start by creating an account using your most up-to-date information. The system will ask for contact and personal identification information including the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don’t have one or don’t know it, enter “9999” to proceed.

You can upload all required documents directly in the portal—including your resume, cover letter, transcripts, references, or other supplemental materials. Most standard file types are accepted. However, if you encounter upload errors, edit your file names to remove special characters and try saving your document as a .docx file if a PDF won’t work.

Best practices for application materials

Your resume, cover letter, and interview are your three-part introduction to the hiring committee. While hundreds may apply to a single position, it’s the applications that align most closely with the role and reflect an understanding of IU’s culture that move forward. Creating and managing these materials can feel like a full-time job—but the resources below offer best practices to help you make a strong, lasting first impression.

Your resume is your story of action, progress, and potential. It is your elevator pitch (most hiring managers give a resume 7 seconds) and your best chance at setting yourself apart. Your resume is often your first introduction, and it needs to be clear, current, and tailored to the opportunity in front of you. Think of it as a personal highlight reel: specific, strategic, and built to move you forward.

  • Focus on accomplishments and specific actions, not just job duties
  • Include keywords pulled from the job description
  • Start with a professional summary that communicates your value
  • Highlight relevant skills and experience based on the role
  • Use metrics and examples to show real-world impact
  • Be formatted clearly using reverse chronological order
  • Reflect your brand without sounding outdated or generic
  • Be tailored for each application—no one-size-fits-all

Click the link for more guidance on how to build out an attention-grabbing resume:

Get more resume best practices

A cover letter is more than a formality—it’s a bridge between your experience and the role. Use it as an opportunity to provide context for your resume while letting your personality come through. When done well, your cover letter shows the hiring team how you think, what you’ve done, and why you belong.

A good cover letter:

  • Highlights experience pulled directly from the job description
  • Quantifies the impact of your work
  • May add a brief quote or testimonial from a coworker or supervisor
  • Uses clear, natural language to avoid sounding robotic
  • References the company culture to show alignment
  • Stays under one page and gets to the point quickly
  • Focuses on your strengths instead of apologizing for gaps

And when you’re done, be sure to have someone proofread your work. For more cover letter best practices, check out The Muse.

Explore more cover letter tips

Interviewing at IU is your opportunity to demonstrate how you think, work, and lead. For most staff positions, IU uses behavioral interviews which may include a mix of technical and situational questions, but will mostly focus on how you responded to real situations in the past. These questions are designed to assess key competencies like collaboration, accountability, trust, and a focus on service. Whether you’re preparing for a panel interview or one-on-one via video, understanding the format and expectations gives you an edge.

Video interviews

Zoom interviews are often the first step in the interviewing process. To set a professional tone, use a neutral background, check your lighting, and position the camera at eye level. Also, be sure to limit distractions to create an environment that reflects the same focus and presence that you would bring to an in-person interview.

Get a full list of video interview best practices

Behavioral interviews

IU’s behavioral questions often begin with prompts like “Tell me about a time…” or “Describe a situation when…” Prepare using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers clear, structured, and focused on outcomes.

Learn how to ace a behavioral interview

Prepare for common interview questions

Managing your application after you apply

Once your application is submitted, your next job is to stay informed, prepared, and patient. Managing your application is simple, but there are a few key things to keep in mind—especially if there are changes to the position or if you want to make a correction.

You can view the status of all your applications at any time under the My Job Applications page in the portal. If you see that a job has been reposted or make a mistake—like accidentally withdrawing an application, or applying as an external candidate instead of internal—the best and simplest solution is to reapply. It’s common, and it won’t count against you.

Once you’ve submitted your application, it may take up to six weeks to receive a response. We appreciate your patience during this time. Please note that contact information for hiring committees is not provided.

Congratulations on receiving a job offer! Whether you’re new to IU or taking a new step in your journey as a current employee, we’re excited to have you as part of the IU community. To accept or decline your offer, log in to your career portal account and navigate to My Job Notifications. Make sure to check all required boxes and click OK to confirm your decision.