Your Journey Starts Here

Navigating Your Journey

• Submitting Your Application

  When you find a role that interests you, we encourage you to submit a cover letter along with your résumé.  It doesn’t need to be long – just a brief note sharing your interest in the role or department and highlighting the skills you’re excited to bring. After you apply, keep an eye out for an email to confirm we received your application. While our team works hard to keep the process moving, it may take a few weeks before you hear from us as the hiring team reviews candidates and makes decisions. We appreciate your patience and will keep you informed of any status updates along the way.

  In the meantime, you can track your application activity and your candidate status within Careers@Harvard. You can also sign up for Job Alerts with specific criteria to ensure you never miss a new opportunity when it’s posted!

• Phone or Video Screen

  If you’re selected for a screening call, a member of our Talent Acquisition team will typically reach out to schedule a time to connect. During the call, we’ll ask about your experience, interest in the role, and availability. We’ll also share details about next steps, timelines, and other logistics so you’ll have a clear sense of what to expect if you move forward in the process.

• Interviews (virtual or on campus)

  Most of our interviews currently take place virtually via Zoom. If you’re invited to interview with the department, you’ll meet with members of the hiring team which may include the hiring manager, department members and other key stakeholders. These conversations may be one on one, in small groups, or a mix of both. This stage offers a deeper look into the role, the department’s culture, and the people you’d be working with. The hiring team will want to hear a brief  overview of your background and ask more targeted questions related to the position. You can expect behavioral interview questions, and we recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

  Typically, the department meets with a small group of candidates and narrows the pool to two frontrunners for a final round which may be virtual or on campus depending on the role, timing, and team availability. We’ll keep you informed along the way, so you’ll always know what to expect.

• Finalist and Job Offers

  If you’re selected as the finalist, you may receive a contingent job offer pending pre-employment screening, including professional references and standard background checks. For some roles, references may be requested prior to offer at the department’s discretion.

  Your Talent Acquisition Partner will reach out first with a verbal offer, covering key details like salary, benefits, and a target start date. If you choose to accept (and we hope you do!), you’ll receive an email with a verbal offer acceptance form. Once submitted, we’ll send your formal offer letter with DocuSign, reflecting all agreed upon terms. You’ll also receive separate emails with instructions for completing the reference check (via Crosschq) and background screening (via HireRight).

• Onboarding

  Onboarding begins up to three weeks before intended start date to set you up for success. During this time, you’ll complete new hire paperwork and receive helpful resources to support your first days and your long-term career journey with us.