Hiring Process for Student Workers

From searching for a position to preparing for your first day at work, here is what to expect throughout the hiring process for students.

Before Applying for a Student Position

Ensure you have original versions of documents needed to complete the Form I-9

When preparing for your arrival to campus, make sure you pack original versions of documents needed for certain documentation, like the Form I-9, that are required to be completed before you begin working.

The Form I-9 is a federal form required to be completed before starting work for a new employer (in this case, your employer would be the University if you apply to work on campus). The Form I-9 verifies both your identity and your authorization to work within the United States.

For a list of acceptable documentation, please refer to the Form I-9 Acceptable Documents page on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

  • You will need to bring either a List A document or both a List B and a List C document.
  • Copies cannot be accepted; you must present original documents.
  • The Form I-9 must be completed before starting work; forgetting these items at home can delay your first day at work.

Create a resume that showcases your experience, activities, and skills.

Create a resume that showcases your previous work experience, your volunteer activities, and any applicable skills you may have.

Pitt's Career Center can assist you with building your resume and more. For tips or to schedule an appointment with a Career Consultant, please visit the Career Center's website.

Review your financial aid package, including if you qualify for Federal Work Study.

Review and ensure that you understand your financial aid package, including if you qualify for the Federal Work Study Award.

  • If you qualify for the Federal Work Study Award, it qualifies you to apply to open roles on campus listed as "Federal Work Study Required."
  • The Federal Work Study Award can be applied towards open roles that are listed as "Federal Work Study Not Required," as well.
  • If you have questions concerning your financial aid package or your Federal Work Study Award, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Searching and Applying for a Student Worker Position

Access Talent Center and search for available positions.

  1. To get started, visit www.join.pitt.edu.
  2. Select "Students" from the Find Positions drop-down menu and login via Pitt Passport to access Talent Center.
    • If you are a new student and do not yet have your Pitt login credentials, you will not yet be able to apply for a position.
    • Ensure you are registered for at least three (3) credits for the academic term you wish to begin work.
  3. Search for available student positions.
    • You are encouraged to review the position descriptions and any necessary requirements or qualifications for the position prior to applying.

Apply for a student position.

You can apply for as many positions for which you are interested and qualified. To apply for a position in Talent Center:

  1. Select the Apply button on a position.
  2. Fill in all required fields, ensuring that the information provided is accurate.
  3. Attach any required documents, such as your resume or a cover letter.
  4. Review your application, ensure that all fields are completed, and confirm that your required documents are uploaded.
  5. Select the Submit button to send off your application!

Check the status of your applications and prepare for a possible interview.

Departments will review submitted applications. Throughout this process, you can check the status of your applications by selecting "My Job Page" from within Talent Center.

Monitor your email for contact from hiring departments. They may reach out to you to schedule phone screens, interviews, or to ask additional questions.

If you are contacted for an interview, it is recommended that you spend some time preparing. The Career Center has sample interview questions and tips to help you prepare for your interview.

Receiving an Offer and Completing Onboarding

Accept the offer for the position.

If you are selected for hire, you will receive a phone call from the department to offer you the position. If you verbally accept the offer, you will then receive the job offer via email (from Talent Center), which you will also need to accept.

Once the offer is accepted in Talent Center, there are several forms and tasks that you will need to complete before you can start your new role. If the pre-hire tasks (onboarding) are not completed, you will not be able to start working.

Foreign Nationals

  • You are not required to have a Social Security Number (SSN) at the time you accept an e-offer; OHR will assign you a temporary SSN after you accept the e-offer.
    • Please note that all foreign national SSNs are reviewed and you will not receive your onboarding information until the Office of Student Employment completes this task.
  • You can apply for a Social Security card after accepting the e-offer and then submit a copy of your receipt to the Payroll Department.
  • You can use your offer letter as proof of employment.
  • Once you receive your social security card, please submit a copy to the Payroll department.
  • More information via the Payroll Department's website.

Complete the pre-hire (onboarding) tasks in Talent Center.

After accepting the offer in Talent Center, you will need to complete additional forms and tasks as part of the pre-hire (onboarding) process. If the pre-hire tasks are not completed, you will not be able to start working.

You will receive emails for the pre-hire tasks and should complete them as soon as possible:

  • The Form I-9 is a two part (section) form: Section 1 is an online form completed by the student. Section 2 is completed in-person--this is where you will need to bring your original versions of acceptable documentation.
  • If you have difficulties accessing the pre-hire tasks via email, login directly to Talent Center at join.pitt.edu to access and complete them.

Congratulations! Once all onboarding is complete and your scheduled start date has arrived, you can start in your new role.

Student Worker Resources

Submitting time cards, editing tax information, and updating information as a student worker.

Student workers will utilize Pitt Worx, the University's human resources and payroll system, to submit time cards, review pay statements, review or edit tax information, and update personal information as it relates to your role as a student worker at the University. Learn how to navigate Pitt Worx as a student worker.