The Oakton Hiring Process

Whether you're applying for an administrative, faculty, or staff role, the hiring process can feel like a marathon. Oakton’s hiring journey includes four steps: initial round, semi-finalist interviews, finalist selection, and offers.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of Oakton’s hiring journey to help you prepare for what's next.

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Step One: Initial Round

To begin your Oakton hiring journey, apply for an Employment Opportunity. 

Once you select a job opportunity, the initial phase of the application process consists of the following:

  • Application: Candidates submit a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Letters of Recommendation, and Transcripts via the Oakton College Employment website.
  • Timeline: All of our positions generally remain open for four weeks before our search committees begin to review resumes and start the interview process.
  • Review: A search committee of three-to-six people will review the candidates’ qualifications.
  • Selection: Selected candidates move to the Semi-Finalist Round.

Step Two: Semi-Finalist Round: Interviews

All positions are interviewed by a committee of three-to-six employees. Interviews can be sixty-minutes to two hours long. Interviews can also be in-person or virtual. Candidates will be informed of the interview location in their scheduling email.

Interviews are Question/Answer Format.

Interviews are Question/Answer Format. 

Full Time Faculty will perform a ten to fifteen minute demonstration to the committee which is recorded. Candidates are sent the teaching prompt with directions.

Adjunct Faculty Positions are ongoing pooled positions. Candidate materials will remain on file and will be reviewed on an as needed basis. 

Interviews are Question/Answer Format.

Some (not all) staff positions require the candidate to do a Proficiency/Skills/Writing Test.

Step Three: Finalist Round

Deep Dive Interviews with Team Members. Let’s get to know each other! Interviewing is a “two-way street.”

A series of interviews with various groups at the college, including a campus wide open forum presentation. The open forum is recorded and only shared with the College Community.

These interviews are a day long.

Interviews are Question/Answer Format with the Provost/VP of Academic Affairs and the division Dean.

An interview with the hiring manager and department. 

Some (not all) staff positions require the candidate to do a presentation.

Step Four: Decision and Offer

  • Offers: Made by the Chief Human Resource Officer (Administrators), HR (Staff), or Deans (initial Faculty offer).
  • Board Approval: Required for Administrator and Full-Time Faculty hires.
  • Contingencies: All offers depend on reference checks and the successful completion of the background check. Some positions require a physical.