Employment

Frequently Asked Questions About APL's Hiring Process

Below are answers to questions we receive on a regular basis relating to employment with APL.

If you don't find the answer to your question here, please contact Online-Appl-Feedback@jhuapl.edu.

JOB POSTINGS

Q. How often do you update your online job listing?

A. As new positions become available, they are added to our database and are immediately viewable online.

Q. How long do job openings remain posted on your website?

A. Openings are generally posted online until they are filled. The job listing is updated as changes occur, so jobseekers view the most complete, up-to-date information we can provide.

Q. Can I be notified when certain positions become available?

A. Yes, you can. On the job search page, select "Advanced Job Search," enter the criteria into the search fields, and click "Save Search." You will need to name the search, select job agent, and enter the e-mail address where you want the notifications sent. To turn off the notification, go to My Saved Search and delete the save search.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Q. How do I submit my resume to APL?

A. APL uses an online application system. All applicants, including employee referrals, must submit their resume using this system. For consideration and to apply for positions online, please click on the "Search and Apply" link found on the left hand side of this page to view current openings at APL and apply using the online application system.

From the Careers Homepage:

Enter search criteria using Basic or Advanced Search.
Click the Search button.
Select job posting(s) and click Apply Now.

Follow the instructions to complete the online application process.

Q. Am I required to specify a particular job when submitting a resume to APL?

A. Yes, you must specify a particular job when submitting a resume to APL. However, you can apply for more than one position.

Q. Is it necessary to submit a cover letter along with my resume?

A. No, it is not necessary.

Q. Will I be considered for positions other than the one for which I've submitted my resume?

A. When you respond to a specific position, your resume is reviewed in response to that position. In addition, your resume will remain active in our resume database, which is routinely searched by our recruiters. Therefore, you may be considered for other openings that match your qualifications.

Q. Can I apply for more than one position?

A. We recommend that you submit your resume for any position(s) you’re interested in and for which you qualify. We do ask that you review the job description and the requirements and apply only for those positions for which you are qualified.

Q. Can I delete or update my resume after it has been submitted?

A. Our system does not allow updates or deletions to resumes that have been previously submitted. However, applicants are given an opportunity to upload a different resume if they elect to apply for a new job. If you wish to withdraw your application, please contact Online-Appl-Feedback@jhuapl.edu.

Q. Do I need to have a security clearance to apply to APL?

A. That depends on the position. Some positions do require a current security clearance, but others do not. Certain positions require that the applicant be eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance. If a position does not require a clearance, the applicant will be required to go through a background check.

Q. How do I know if I’m eligible to obtain a clearance? What are the criteria?

A. To be eligible to obtain a clearance, you must be a U.S. citizen. In addition, there are Adjudicative Guidelines that are used to determine whether you qualify for a clearance. If hired for the position, you will go through a thorough investigation before a clearance is approved. To view the Adjudicative Guidelines, please go to http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/isp.html, click the link for Adjudicative Desk Reference, and then click the link that says View ADR.

Q. How will I know if you have received my resume?

A. When you submit your resume via APL’s employment webpage, you will receive an e-mail notification verifying receipt. Some spam filtering applications may block receipt of this e-mail. If you do not see the e-mail in your e-mail inbox, you should check in your e-mail system’s spam folder.

Q. How will I know if there is interest?

A. If we have an opening that is compatible with your background and interests, a representative from Human Resources (HR) may contact you for further information or to schedule an interview. Unfortunately, because of the volume of employment applications we receive, we are unable to provide applicants with information on the status of their application.

Q. Once I’ve submitted my resume, what happens next?

A. Once your resume has been submitted, it goes directly to an assigned recruiter to review. Resumes of qualified candidates are then forwarded to the hiring manager for further review. If there is an interest in your resume by a hiring manager, you will be contacted by a representative from HR for additional information or to schedule an interview. If there is no interest by the hiring manager, we will not contact you. Your resume will remain in our resume database and may be reviewed for future opportunities.

Q. How long does it take from application to hiring decision?

A. From application to hiring decision, our employment process can take from 3 weeks to 3 months. (This varies by position and may occasionally be longer.) Because of the large volume of applicants, only candidates who are interviewed will be notified if the position is filled.

Q. Does APL hire new college graduates?

A. Yes. APL typically hires new B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. college graduates majoring in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, and other related disciplines. Visit http://www.jhuapl.edu/employment/college/ to see our campus recruiting schedule or apply online.

Q. Does APL offer college internship opportunities?

A. Yes. Please visit http://www.jhuapl.edu/employment/summer/ for additional information.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Q. How does your interview process work?

A. You will be required to complete an employment application form and send it back to us in advance of your visit. During your visit, an HR representative will meet with you, discuss your application, explain the schedule for your visit, and answer any questions you may have. You will also meet with the interview team. There are usually 30-60 minutes allocated to each interviewer, although some interviewers prefer to interview together (this may vary by group or position).

During the interview, you will have the opportunity to discuss your qualifications and learn more about APL and the work of the hiring group. In some cases, you may be asked in advance to prepare and deliver a brief presentation. We try to have candidates meet all interviewers on their first interview; however, sometimes we need to ask a candidate to return for additional interviews before making a final decision.

Once all interviews for a position have been completed, the hiring manager reviews candidate evaluations completed by each interviewer and makes a recommendation. If the manager recommends a candidate for hire, the recommendation goes to HR for analysis and then requires approval by HR and the management team of the hiring department. Typically a position remains open in our job posting site until an offer has occurred and the candidate has accepted the position.

Q. What should I bring with me to the interview?

A. We ask that you bring one copy of your current resume and a government-issued photo ID.

OFFER PROCESS

Q. Will you contact my former employers for references?

A. We check references on every candidate we hire. Once a candidate has completed interviews and is under further consideration, references will be contacted. Education information is also verified.

Q. How will I know if I have been selected for a position?

A. If you're selected for the position and the background check and/or references are satisfactory, an HR representative will convey a formal offer. Only a representative from HR is authorized to extend an official offer of employment. The HR representative will work with you to establish an acceptable time frame in which you will need to respond to the offer.

Q. If I accept an offer, what are the pre-employment requirements?

A. All selected applicants are also required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Your employment will be conditional on successfully completing and meeting all pre-employment requirements specified in the offer package.

Q. I have received an offer. When can I start?

A. After you accept the offer, the recruiter will discuss and determine your start date with you. New employees start on Mondays, and we hold orientation sessions every Monday except in late December and on federal holidays observed by APL.