Our Four-step Application Process
An application is submitted for an open position and, after the job posting close date, all applicants are reviewed.
Application materials are reviewed for required documentation. If applications have all required documentation, the materials are then reviewed for Minimum Qualifications and, if they meet these, they are then reviewed and scored for the Desired Qualifications. This process normally takes 7 days.
The highest scoring applicants are invited for an interview and or skills testing. This is then scored and the hiring committee recommends a finalist(s).
Finalist(s) are notified on average within 5 business days of the interview of the pre-hire process and/or additional interviews or skills testing. If no candidate is selected, this process continues.
Writing Your Resume
A professional resume is required when submitting an application for jobs. A good resume helps a potential hiring team get to know you and understand your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. The goal of the resume is to be informative, engaging, and provide a clear picture of your unique talents.
Tip: Assume no one knows you and ensure your resume communicates a clear and accurate picture of who you are. Reviewers will not assume or infer meaning into your materials. It is up to you to communicate your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Information to Include
- Former jobs held
- Include the name of the employer, the position you held, the dates of your employment, and your roles and responsibilities
- Special projects or teams you were involved with and the outcomes
- Explain your roles and responsibilities within the group
- Dates of employment
- Should contain month and year in mm/yyyy format
- Should contain whether the employment was full-time or part-time; if part-time, the average number of hours per week worked
- Outcomes, accomplishments, and metrics to show the impact you made with the organization
- Knowledge, skills, and experience that the job posting is asking for
- If applicable, include the scope of your managerial responsibilities and any outcomes or successes or innovations that occurred under your leadership
- Factual and concise information
- Education, including the major and minor and the degree conferred
- If no degree conferred, list the education you have received, such as "I have completed 50 credits towards my BA in Political Science"
- Do not list future degrees
Format
- The best format to use is the chronological format
- The format should not be cluttered
- Your resume should be easy to read and flow naturally
- The reviewers should be able to easily read about your qualifications in relation to the requirements listed in the job posting
- The resume should be clear and concise and to the point
Writing Your Cover Letter
A cover letter is a three- to four-paragraph memo to employers that explains your interest in the job and company as well as your qualifications for the role. Typically a one-page document, in addition to the resume, expressing interest in the position that is included in the job application. This letter should highlight your knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements in relation to the position you’re applying for. Unlike your resume, cover letters allow you to go into more detail about your professional career and explain why you’re a good candidate for the role and company.
Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
- The cover letter should complement the resume. The cover letter is an extension of the resume that provides a detailed description of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities that contribute to the role and organization. Name specific skills and provide examples to help demonstrate those traits.
- Customize the cover letter. The cover letter should not be a "one size fits all" document. The letter should directly address the specific position being applied to. This is the best way to easily highlight relevant qualifications that are required for the job.
- Properly format the cover letter. The cover letter is an initial first impression and you want it to be the best that it can be. The letter should be in business format, polished, and professional. The standard cover letter should include:
- A header (name, phone number, email address, etc.)
- Date
- Name of recipient(s); include a greeting such as "Hello" or "Dear"
- Paragraph 1—The purpose of the cover letter; address why you are writing it
- Paragraph 2—What you have to offer; list knowledge, skills, capabilities, and any additional qualifications as it pertains to the position. Remember to include examples to expand on the experience; split into two different paragraphs if necessary
- Paragraph 3—Closing paragraph; reiterate interest in the position, the reasons you are applying for the role, and why you would be a great fit. Keep the cover letter conclusion brief and explain that you look forward to hearing from the employer with the next steps. Include your signature at the bottom.
- Proofread the cover letter. Take the time to proofread the letter and make any necessary changes to the document. The cover letter not only highlights knowledge and experience but also shows an individual's ability to use proper written grammar and spelling.
Background Checks
As of March 1, 2008, background checks are conducted for new employees to Maricopa Community College for most positions. The background check will consist of a Social Security Trace/Address Verification, a Criminal History Search, and a Sex Offender Check. Depending on the position, a Consumer Credit Report could be ordered. As per the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you may obtain a copy of your rights by contacting us.
E-Verify
As of Jan. 1, 2008, Maricopa Community Colleges is participating in the E-verify program. Maricopa will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I9 to confirm work authorization.
Motor Vehicle Driving Requirements
Employees of the Maricopa County Community College District who drive district-owned vehicles must complete two requirements, as per Administrative Regulation 4.14:
- They must take and pass an online defensive driving training course (link is listed below under procedures)
- They must submit to an inquiry by a certified Public Safety police officer into their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Driving History that shows a satisfactory driving record by completing the Motor Vehicle Record and Driving History Release Form
Once both requirements are met, the employee will be authorized to drive district vehicles. Subsequent MVR reviews will be conducted annually by Public Safety to ensure a satisfactory driving record. Employees must successfully complete the online defensive-driving course every three years.
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Applicants who are foreign graduates must provide a transcript evaluation to confirm that their degree is equivalent to an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree awarded from an accredited institution in the United States. For more information, refer to the Foreign Transcript Evaluation document.