Frequently Asked Questions

Hello! Below are questions often asked by users like yourself.

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Thank you for your interest in Stanford University. To view frequently asked questions and learn tips on how to apply, read our FAQ.

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Hiring Process Your journey with Stanford starts here

Find your match

As one of the largest employers in the Bay Area, you will find a wide variety of positions available across our many locations that fit your job field. Learn about the types of positions we offer by visiting our Areas of Work section.

Apply to any positions you feel are a match with your talents. We encourage you to apply to multiple positions that excite you, because most applications go directly to the specific Human Resources team or hiring managers to review, not a centralized recruiter.

Refine your resume and apply

Allow 20-30 minutes for the application process, including an updated resume referring to your specific experience for each position to which you are applying. Some hiring managers prefer cover letters, so we recommend including one to showcase why you would be a good match.

Once you've submitted your online application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. Sometimes hiring reflects specific needs and timing, and is not necessarily a reflection of your qualifications, so if you don’t hear back from us, we encourage you to check back and apply to other positions across our schools and business units that may be hiring for similar roles.

Interviewing

It’s time for us to get to know each other! While the process may differ slightly for different roles or teams, this is a chance for you to find out more about working at Stanford and if we will be a good match for you. Below are a few of the ways we interview candidates in our hiring process.

Types of interviews

Preliminary interview

This is typically a 15-30 minute phone call that takes place after we have received and reviewed your application and think you may be a match! Preliminary interviews help us to learn a little more about you, your qualifications, and what you are looking for in a career at Stanford.

1:1 interview

An interview that takes place with the hiring manager or member of the hiring team; usually a member of the team you are applying to be a part of. These interviews are typically 30-90 minutes and used as an opportunity to dive deeper into your previous work experience, how your skills can impact the team and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the role, team or culture. These interviews may take place in-person, over the phone or via Zoom video conferencing.

Team, committee or panel interviews

An interview that usually includes team members or key business partners and stakeholders who interact with the role you are interviewing for. Team, committee, or panel interviews include two or more interviewers, who may take turns asking and answering questions to help determine if we are a good match. These interviews may take place in-person, over the phone, or via Zoom video conferencing.

Review offer

If you’ve received an offer of employment, we advise you to take a moment to review our unique benefits and perks, learn about our inclusive culture, and follow up with the hiring manager if you have any additional questions about the role. We want to give you time to make sure it is the right decision for you.

If you did not receive an offer, don’t give up on Stanford! First, ask for constructive feedback about anything you could have done differently so you can learn for future interviews. Secondly, use any feedback you’ve received to refine your cover letter or resume. Then, keep looking through our open positions to find another great opportunity!