Job Search Strategies

Find Work You Want
 

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Whether you are seeking a part-time job, internship, or full-time position to launch your career, looking for work can seem like a daunting task. To maximize your opportunities, it can be useful to adopt multiple strategies.

This page simplifies the process down to a few fundamental ways that people find positions to meet their priorities within their available time for job searching.

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Find On-Campus Interviews

On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program

Career Services offers only Virtual and Room Only for the On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program. For specific interview dates for each quarter, please refer to the recruitment calendar.

 

What is the On-Campus Interview (OCI) Program?

The On-Campus Interview (OCI) program is a service provided through Career Services that offers current UCSB students the opportunity to interview with employers during the fall, winter, and spring quarters for full-time jobs, internships, and other career opportunities. If you are looking for a direct and hassle-free pathway to employment, consider utilizing OCI as a job search strategy to fulfill your career goals.

The OCI program is housed within Handshake. To get started, click the button below to login to Handshake or visit our Handshake Help Center for assistance. Once you are logged in, click the Jobs tab and then the On-Campus Interviews tab to view current listings.

Login to Handshake

Handshake Help Center >>

 

Participating in OCI

Currently enrolled students in an undergraduate program or graduate program at UCSB are eligible to participate in the OCI program.

Participation is limited by the following policies based on position type:

  • For full-time/permanent employment interviews, participants must be graduating no later than August.
  • For internships/part-time job interviews, sophomores and juniors are eligible to interview. (These employers are usually in the accounting and technical fields.)
     

All students participating in the OCI program should represent themselves and UCSB in an appropriate and professional manner, whether in person, over the phone, or virtually. Students should also present accurate and truthful information throughout the entire recruitment process. Review our student policies for complete information.

 

Applying for OCI

To apply for a position that is included in the OCI program, follow the instructions associated with the listing in Handshake. In most cases, Resumes and Cover Letters are requested, among other possible application materials.

Employers that participate in OCI will conduct one of the following Interview Schedule Types:

  • Virtual: With this option, you will upload and send your resume to be reviewed by the employer. They will then select candidates based on resumes that best suit the requirements for the job. The employer will email you a link to connect with you virtually for the interview.
  • Room Only: With this option, you will upload and send your resume to be reviewed by the employer. They will then select candidates based on resumes that best suit the requirements for the job. The employer will reach out to you outside of Handshake to meet in-person on campus at UCSB with an interview time and room number.

Based on the Interview Schedule Type that is indicated in Handshake, take the corresponding next steps as instructed.

 

Preparing for OCI

An on-campus interview is like most other interviews, so we recommend that you follow all of the usual steps to prepare.

Here are some recommended ways to be successful in your interview:

  • Review our Interviews and Offers page, where you will learn about the STARS Method and different interview formats. 
  • Practice online using your free Big Interview account, or have a friend ask you common interview questions to answer out loud.

Learn More

Many employers in Accounting and Engineering + Technology utilize the OCI program to recruit students. Learn specialized information about these career paths to gain a complete understanding. 

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Suggested Steps for Success

 

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ATTEND AN EVENT

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VIEW VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

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GET CAREER ADVISING

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CONTINUE TO RESUMES

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