FAQS

Application

How do I apply for a position at PLU?

For staff (non-exempt) and administrative (exempt) positions: Open positions are posted on the PLU employment website, indicating the university is accepting applications. To apply for an open position click on the “Apply to this Job” link. You will need to create a username and password if you have not previously done so. Complete your online application including any applicable documents. Be sure to “Submit” your application and receive your confirmation number once you are completed. The status of your application will change from “Incomplete” to “In Progress.”

For faculty positions: Advertised positions will be posted on the PLU employment website. Please follow the application instructions specific to the position you wish to apply for.

For contingent faculty positions: Please contact the department of interest for further information.

How do I make changes to my submitted application?

In order to update information in a submitted application, please send your changes to humr@plu.edu. Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying.

I previously submitted an application for a different job. May I use that application again?

Yes, as long as you submitted your application through the online employment system you may use a previously completed application to apply for a new job. Be sure to review your application and update any information that may have changed. Please note that you must submit your materials for each position you wish to apply for. If you previously submitted a paper application, you will need to follow the application instructions in the posting to apply for another position.

How do I know the status of my application?

For staff and administrative positions the status of each application you have submitted is displayed in the “Status” column, under the “Application Status” tab once you are logged into your account on the online employment system. Here is a list of the most common statuses:

  • “Incomplete” means that you have NOT finished applying for the position and your application will not be considered until it is complete. An application that is incomplete when the position closes to new applications cannot be submitted unless the position is reopened.
  • “In Progress” means that your application is currently under review.
  • “Not Qualified” means that your application did not meet the minimum requirements for the position.
  • “Position Filled” means that the search has been completed.

For faculty positions: All applicants will receive a confirmation that their materials have been received. The chair of the search committee will notify candidates who are not selected for further consideration. All applicants will be notified that they are no longer being considered for the position, no later than when the position has been filled.

To whom should I address the cover letter?

Cover letters can be addressed to the “Hiring Manager” or “Search Committee.”

What if I don't have access to a computer or I need help completing my application?

If your computer access is limited or you need personal assistance with your application, please visit your local WorkSource office for assistance. For general application questions or if you have a disability and need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

What if I don't provide an email address on my online application?

If you do not provide an email address, you will not receive correspondence regarding this position. Please log back in to the online employment system to view position status information.

How do I get a paper application?

Only online applications are accepted. If you have a disability and need accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu. For personal assistance with your application, please visit your local WorkSource office.

Hiring Process

How does the hiring process work at PLU?

For staff (non-exempt) and administrative (exempt) positions: Open positions are posted on the PLU employment website, indicating the university is accepting applications. Once an application is submitted, the completed application materials are received by Human Resources and reviewed for minimum qualifications. Qualifying applications are then forwarded to the department for further review. The position will be closed to new applications once the closing date has passed or as specified in the job posting. Interviews (which may include phone, in-person, and/or committee interviews) will be conducted with selected applicants. A job offer will be extended to the applicant who most closely matches the department’s current needs. All applicants will be notified that they are no longer being considered for the position, no later than when the position has been filled.

For faculty positions: Advertised positions will be posted on the PLU employment website. Please follow the application instructions specific to the position you wish to apply for. Hiring departments will review application materials received and conduct interviews (which may include phone, in-person, and/or committee interviews) with selected candidates. Applications received after the closing date specified in the job posting will be considered late and will not be reviewed. After a campus visit, a job offer will be extended to the applicant who most closely matches the department’s current needs. All applicants will be notified that they are no longer being considered for the position, no later than when the position has been filled.

How do I know if I am qualified for a position?

The “Required Qualifications” section of each posting lists the minimum qualifications that all applicants must have in order to be considered for a position.

What if I have questions regarding an open position?

Please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.

The closing date is listed as "This search will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified." What does that mean?

“This search will be closed when a sufficient number of qualified applicants have been identified.” means that the position does not have a firm closing date and will close once the university has received an adequate pool of applicants. Positions generally close Mon-Fri at 5:00pm. Please note that all positions will remain open for a minimum of 3 business days.

How long will it take for someone to contact me to schedule an interview?

The timeline for each search varies. All applicants will be notified once the position has been filled, if they are not selected for an interview.

If selected for a position, what will my salary be?

Hiring ranges are posted in the “Salary” section of each posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be within the range specified on the posting and depend on qualifications and experience. Additionally, some positions include a benefits package.

Do I have to be Lutheran to work here?

No, you do not have to be a Lutheran to work at PLU. PLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encourages diversity, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy can be reviewed here.

Do you have a temporary work list that I could add my name to?

The Human Resources office does not maintain a temporary work list. Open positions will be posted on the employment website as they become available.

I am a current employee who would like to apply for an open position, what do I do?

Please complete and submit the appropriate application and any applicable documents. Please note that every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality; however, PLU encourages all employees to inform their supervisor if they are applying for another position on campus.

Do I have to pass a background check to work at PLU?

Yes, finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a background check. Additionally, a degree verification, credit check, driving record review, and/or reference checks may also be done as part of the pre-employment screening process.

Where are contingent faculty jobs posted?

Contingent faculty searches are conducted by the hiring department. Positions may or may not be advertised. Please contact the department of interest for further information.