Applicant Resources
Thank you for your interest in employment at Western Oregon University. We are excited at the possibility of welcoming you into the Wolf community and will be here to help guide you through all aspects of the employment application process.
Please refer to the resources below to get started. If you have any questions about the application process, reach out to Human Resources at (503) 838-8490 or employment@wou.edu.
Skip to section Navigation
How to Apply for Available Openings
We are delighted to have you here! Western Oregon University offers an online and print application process. You will begin the application process by finding the position you wish to apply for. We strongly recommend that you have your application materials (education, resume, cover letter, and employment history) with you to facilitate the completion of the form.
Step 1 View job listings
From the job announcement collect the following job position information Job Title, Recruitment Number, and Department/Division. This information is used to complete the application form.
Step 2 Complete an application
You may submit an application by clicking on the apply here link. You have three options available:
- Online submission
- Downloadable Fillable PDF
- Request a mailed application
- Please submit only the required materials listed. Applications missing required materials will not move forward for consideration.
Completing the Online Application
During the online application please review your answers prior to moving on to the next step. As you advanced through the application note that you are able to save previous steps. If you have questions or encounter problems, please reach out to employment@wou.edu
Use the table example below to find the Position title, Department, and Recruitment Number from the Position Openings page.
| Position Type | Job Type | Position Title/Classification Title | Department/Division | Posted | Status | Recruitment Number | Apply |
|---|
Steps in a Classified Position
This is an item list of the steps in the application.
- Position/Personal Information
- Education Information
- Job History Information
- Skills and Experience
- Confidential Information
- Cover Letter/Resume
- Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Steps in an Unclassified Position
This is an item list of the steps in the application.
- Position/Personal Information
- Confidential Information
- Upload Cover Letter, Resume, and Additional Documents
- Reasonable Accommodation Notice
What is Next?
Upon submitting an application, you will be sent a confirmation email. Please wait for communication regarding next steps which include the interview process.
Required Application Materials
Application
A job application typically includes personal information, employment history, education, skills, and sometimes references or a cover letter. Complete the application and please submit only the required materials listed in the job posting. Applications missing required materials will not move forward for consideration.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A resume is a brief outline of experience (including volunteering or internship opportunities), education, recognitions/awards, participation in professional organizations and affiliations, and/or certification/licensure. You should also include your contact information such as name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. It is often 1-2 pages. Do not include sensitive personal information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, marital status, ethnicity, race, or photos. Resumes are often tailored to the position you are applying for.
A CV is more lengthy than a resume, and most often used in academia, as it highlights all academic and professional experience. It should include all publications, presentations, projects, and any other accomplishments. A CV is often built upon year after year; therefore it is typical for it to be many pages long.
Cover Letter & Transcripts
A cover letter should explain why an applicant is qualified for a particular position in brief, concise, paragraphs using specific examples. Often it is just one page but could be two. It can be addressed generically to the search committee.
An “official” copy of transcripts must be submitted to our office with application materials.
Cover letter and Transcripts are required for all faculty positions.
Interviewing Tips
The interview is your time to make a good impression and stand out to the committee.
Arrive early.
Give yourself extra time to get there and allow for factors like getting lost or getting stuck in traffic. If you are unfamiliar with the area, ask where the nearest or best place to park would be.
Dress professionally and appropriately.
Choose clothing that will allow you to feel confident and also display a professional appearance.
Carefully review the job descriptions before the interview.
You should go into the interview with a good idea of what the position’s responsibilities and requirements are. Think about how your strengths will enable you to meet the requirements and fulfill the duties, using examples from your background. This will help you understand what is most important to the department when answering the interview questions.
Learn about the department or college.
Knowing the department or college’s needs and goals will allow you to brainstorm and connect your strengths to the goals. If the department or college has a website, the information posted there may provide you with some insight.
Listen carefully and think before answering.
Listen to more than just the words that are being spoken. Determine what the question is truly asking and make sure that you provide clear examples that provide the committee with the information they are truly seeking.
Provide details.
A clear answer with many details showing the level of skill/experience you possess will assist the committee in determining your qualifications. Don’t leave them guessing about your abilities. For example, quantify how often you performed the task in question, or how many budgets you managed.
Be prepared with your own questions.
Have a few questions ready about the position responsibilities, opportunities for training or skill improvement and other questions related to the job. Do your research about the department and the university in general. You can also ask about what will happen next in the hiring process. Should you call to follow up, or will the department contact you? Self-Insight Questions are provided in the Sample Interview Questions section below.
Promptly write a thank you note to the committee.
You can write a handwritten note, or send an email if time is an issue. Make sure the note arrives as soon as possible after the interview, as committees often move quickly. It should be brief and demonstrate your continued interest in the position and offer gratitude for the committee’s time.
Reminders
Be descriptive and thorough
Reading and following the application instructions for each posting could mean the difference between getting a position or not. The special instructions to applicants may vary depending on the position.
Express responses in complete sentences and do not use texting abbreviations or other slang. Observe formal communication guidelines such as capitalization and correct punctuation.
Use Qualifying and Quantifying Language
Help the search committee understand the depth of your
knowledge/skills/experience by using qualifying and quantifying language such as:
…”accountable for tracking a $3,000,000 budget.”
…”responsible for increasing productivity 23% in a three-month period.”
