What are On-Campus interviews (OCI)?
On-Campus Interviews refers to a process where employers host interviews virtually or in-person to recruit students for internships and full-time opportunities. Career Services assists employers in arranging full-time and internship interview schedules specifically for Penn students using the Handshake platform.
Where are interviews held?
Virtual interviews are typically hosted on Zoom or Teams, but can be hosted on any video conferencing platform. Students will receive a link directly from the employer or the link will be posted on the interview schedule in Handshake. Starting January 2025, in-person interviews will be held in 3935 Walnut Street, Suite 200-300, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Check Handshake to determine whether the interview is virtual or in-person and the exact location if in-person.
How do Penn Interview Schedules work?
Interview schedules are arranged through Handshake. Handshake is an integrated on-line system through which you have access to interview schedules specifically arranged for Penn students as well as other jobs and internships that employers post for Penn students (but who schedule their interviews outside of the Handshake system.) Through Handshake you will be able to find out which organizations have set up interviewing schedules specifically for Penn students; read job and organizational descriptions; submit application materials (resumes, cover letters, unofficial transcripts) for employers to review; find out if you have been selected for particular interviews; and sign up for a specific interview time.
How often should I check Handshake? When are the deadlines for OCI positions?
You should check Handshake regularly, especially during the recruiting season. It is important to check often so that you do not miss any deadlines. Resume submission deadlines for Penn interview schedules are typically at 11:59 pm. Be aware that although web servers sometimes go down, our deadlines don’t change. If you wait until the last minute to meet recruiting deadlines and the Handshake server goes down, you may miss out on opportunities. We encourage you to complete all activities associated with recruiting at least 24 hours before each deadline.
Who can apply for Penn Interview Schedules?
Interview schedules are open to residential students enrolled in degree programs (not certification or online programs) in the following schools: Annenberg, Arts and Sciences, Biomedical Graduate Studies, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, Engineering, Education, Design, Law (Masters in Law only), Nursing, Social Policy and Practice, Wharton Undergraduate and Wharton Doctoral Programs, as well as alumni from these schools within one year of graduation upon request.
Those eligible to interview for summer jobs include all full-time, residential underclassmen, master’s and doctoral students, and, upon request, seniors going directly to graduate school. (Note that alumni, even those within one year of graduation, are not eligible for Penn interview schedules for summer internships. December graduates automatically maintain interviewing privileges until the following May.)
What kinds of organizations participate in On-Campus Recruiting (OCR)?
The majority of organizations choosing to arrange Penn interview schedules are those that have regular, predictable hiring patterns – typically corporate employers hiring students for business-related and technical positions. Organizations that hire only as specific positions become available typically do not utilize these interview scheduling services but instead opt to post non-OCI job listings on Handshake as openings arise. We encourage students to review the Outcomes tab on our website to learn more about the hiring timelines for summer internships and post-graduate positions in specific industries as well as join the industry communities on our website to keep updated on hiring practices for specific career areas. Of course, students should also feel free to schedule an appointment with a Career Services advisor through Handshake to learn more about the recruiting timelines for specific industries.
What types of OCI interviewing schedules are there?
Organizations recruiting on campus may choose from the following options for filling their interview schedules:
- Pre-select Schedules: This is the most common way for students to get interviews. Using this option, employers receive and review the resumes students submit electronically via Handshake. Employers select the students they wish to interview. Selected students are designated as “primary” or “alternate” candidates. If you are a primary candidate, you are guaranteed an interview spot, provided you sign up for your interview during the primary sign-up period. Alternates will be able to sign up for interviews after the primary sign-up period, provided that not all primary candidates opt to sign up.
- Open Schedules: Occasionally, organizations opt not to review resumes in advance, but rather let you sign up for interviews on a first-come, first-served basis. These are called “Open” schedules.
How do I find which employers are interviewing on campus (or remotely using a “Penn only” schedule)?
To find Penn interview schedules from the main Handshake home page, simply click on the “Jobs” tab to see all job listings in the system. To see ONLY Penn Interview positions, click on “All Filters” and select the “Interviewing on Campus”. Select either “Internship” or “Full-time Job” depending on what type of position you are seeking. Use the “sort by” feature at the top of the resulting left column (it maybe default to “relevance”) to sort by application deadline.
How do I submit application materials for a specific position?
First click on the job title to read the job description and determine if you would like to apply. If you are interested, click on the “Apply” button on the job description page. It may also say “Apply Externally” if the button will take you directly to the employers applicant tracking system. Note that you will not be able to apply until the application period is actually open. Handshake will indicate how closely you match any preferences the employer might have included in the job description, such as class year, GPA, work authorization, or major. While it makes sense to apply to those positions for which you meet all or most of the employer preferences, Handshake will not prevent you from applying even if you don’t match all of the preferences.
I’ve been told by an employer that I have been selected for an interview, but the invitation is not showing up on Handshake. What do I do?
While a majority of employers enter their invitations through Handshake, some employers contact students directly to invite them for an interview. If you find yourself in this situation, you should check Handshake for a schedule of when sign-ups will begin for the particular position. Sometimes employers send e-mails before sign-ups officially begin. Note that you won’t be able to sign up early. (A few employers opt to schedule interviews outside of the Handshake system. The employer will notify you if you are selected and this is the case.)
If, however, after sign-ups have officially started on Handshake and the employer still has not selected you for an interview in Handshake, you must contact the employer and ask them to contact the Employer Relations team so that you may be added to the schedule. Contact information for employers can generally be found in the job description in Handshake, provided the employer chose to release that information for students. Check with Career Services if you are not able to resolve the problem with the recruiter.
I’ve been pre-selected for an interview, but I’ve decided I’m not interested. Do I have to sign up?
No. If you’re pre-selected but don’t want to interview you can decline the interview or simply not sign up for a slot in Handshake.
I was selected as a primary candidate. However, I can’t sign up for an interview because no slots are available. Why can’t I sign up?
First, make sure that the sign-up period is open. If you are a primary candidate, you must pay careful attention to when alternate sign-ups start! If you do not sign up for an interview before the alternate sign-ups begin, your time slot may go to another student. If it is unclear why you can’t sign up, please email Jackie Moriniere at jmorini@upenn.edu.
Can I schedule two interviews in a row?
It is better not to, as it is possible your first interview may run late or long. Also, be sure to check the length of the interview. Don’t assume that an interview is a half-hour. Back-to-back interviews are two consecutive interviews with the same organization. Occasionally interviews run 45 or 60 minutes in length. Always make sure you check the interview length and leave an ample amount of time to reach your next interview.
I already signed up for an interview, but now I want to change my interview time. How do I do that?
As long as the sign-up period is still open, you may change or withdraw from your interview with no repercussions. If you need to change the time of your interview, or you decide that you want to cancel your interview entirely, you can do so from the “Applications” tab on Handshake. Sign-ups generally end two working days before the interview date at 11:59 pm. Note that it may be difficult to find alternate times if the schedule is full.
I have a conflict and would like to swap interview times with another student. How do I do this?
You can use the Interview Swap request feature in Handshake to request to swap times with another student already on the schedule. To request an interview swap, just click the appropriate button on the interview sign-up page in Handshake. You will then have the option to select a new time (if another slot is available) or request a swap with a student if the slot you want is taken. Clicking on the link will trigger an email to the student who has the slot, which the student can than accept or decline. If the swap is accepted, the trade will automatically take place.
I need to cancel an interview, and the sign-up schedule is no longer available on Handshake. What do I do?
Students may cancel an “on campus” interview through Handshake with no penalty at any time before the schedule closes on Handshake which is typically at 11:59 pm two working days before the interview.
Once the schedule closes on Handshake we expect students to attend their interviews. However, if you absolutely cannot make it, please cancel directly with the interviewer or the recruiting coordinator for the organization if you have their contact information as this will be the most expedient way to let them know. If you do not have contact information for the organization, please email Jackie Moriniere at jmorini@upenn.edu. We will try to relay the information to the recruiter. This is considered a “late cancellation.”
If you have late cancellations on more than two separate recruiting dates, your recruiting privileges and Handshake access may be rescinded for the remainder of the academic year. Failing to show up for your interview, or canceling less than 60 minutes before the interview, is considered a “no show”. If you no-show on more than one recruiting date, your recruiting privileges and Handshake access may be rescinded for the remainder of the academic year.
In either case, you must send the recruiter an e-mail apologizing for missing the interview. In addition, you must send a BCC (blind carbon copy) to apology@pobox.upenn.edu so that the Employer Relations staff knows that the apology has been sent to the recruiter. If Employer Relations does not receive the blind carbon copy within three working days of the interview date your recruiting privileges and Handshake access may be suspended until it is received.
I missed an interview. What do I do?
This counts as a “no show”. You will need to follow the procedures outlined above.
I’ve signed up for an interview. What copy of my resume will the interviewer have?
The copy you submitted through Handshake for the specific schedule. Feel free to to provide an updated copy of your resume to the interviewer if you have recently made changes to it.
How can I find out the name of the recruiter I interviewed with?
Whether virtual or in-person, you are encouraged to ask the recruiter for their contact information after the interview. If you are unable to get their contact information, reach out to Jackie Moriniere at jmorini@upenn.edu who can provide the employer contact.
Should I send a thank you email after the interview?
It is always appropriate to send a thank-you email or note after an interview. Your email should refer to your conversation and reiterate your interest in the position. It needn’t be very long, but it should be specific and personal.
Does Penn have offer guidelines for employers?
Yes. Here is the link to the Employer Policies and Guidelines.
Career Services advisors will be happy to meet with students to discuss asking for additional time if needed to decide on an offer. While we cannot force employers to adhere to these guidelines, we frequently meet with students to discuss the best ways to ask for more time if needed.
I have a question not answered here. What should I do?
Please feel free to reach out to Jackie Moriniere at jmorini@upenn.edu or Heather Knox at hknox@upenn.edu.
