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Career Center

On-Campus Interviewing

USC students and alumni can meet prospective employers through the On-Campus Interviewing recruiting process arranged by the Career Center. Many employers who recruit USC students and alumni schedule interview dates where they can conveniently interview students on campus in Career Center interview rooms.

Please Remember:

  • all on-campus interview opportunities are advertised in Handshake
  • most on-campus interviews have an application deadline four weeks prior to the scheduled interview date
  • interviews typically involve an employer review and pre-selection process from the resumes that are submitted
  • by submitting your resume you are making a good-faith commitment to the employer that you will follow through with an on-campus interview if selected (please refer to No Show Policy below)

The Interview Process

The application and scheduling process for on-campus or virtual interviews is all conducted through your Handshake account.

Create a Handshake account or login

How to Be Considered for an On-Campus Interview
Not only are the interview opportunities initially advertised in Handshake, but you will also use your Handshake account to apply and upload your resume. You will be notified through Handshake if you have been selected to sign up for an interview.

Scheduling Your Interview
If you are selected by an employer to participate in the on-campus interview process, you will need to sign up for an interview time slot in Handshake.

What to Wear
The attire for on-campus interviews is business professional. This includes suits, dresses, button-down shirts/tie, etc. The interviews conducted on campus are no different than those that would be conducted at the company.

No Show Policy Definition

An on-campus interview “No Show” is defined as someone who submits a resume expressing interest in an on-campus interview and is accepted by an employer for an interview but:

  • declines the interview invitation for any reason other than having already secured employment
  • simply does not sign up for a scheduled interview time
  • cancels the interview after signing up for a scheduled interview time in less than 48 hours prior to the interview
  • does not report to the interview

Students or alumni may decline an interview invitation if they have already secured employment or may cancel an interview without incurring a no-show penalty, if they email the employer a letter of apology and explanation at least 48 hours prior to the interview date.

If declining an interview invitation due to having already secured employment, the student/alumnus must also complete the Career Center's Annual Graduation Survey online to report their hire. Alumni who graduated more than one year prior may not be able to complete this survey. 

In both cases, when you send your apology and explanation letter to the employer, please also copy Career Center recruiting coordinator, Derrin Perkins, at perkinda@mailbox.sc.edu

Avoid Penalties – No Show Policy Overview

Definition of a No Show
A "No Show" is defined as failing to attend a scheduled interview with an employer without providing prior notification or a valid reason for absence.

Consequences of No Show

  • Upon the first occurrence of a No Show, the student or alumnus will receive a warning from the Career Services Office. The individual will be required to submit a written explanation for their absence.
  • In the event of a second No Show, the student or alumnus will be suspended from using the Career Services platform for a specified period. During this time, they will not be able to schedule interviews or access other career-related resources. 
  • A third No Show will result in a temporary suspension of all Career Services privileges for the remainder of the academic year or until further notice, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Appeals Process
Students and alumni have the right to appeal a No Show decision by submitting a formal appeal letter to the Career Services Office within five (5) business days of receiving notification. The appeal will be reviewed by a designated committee, and a decision will be communicated to the individual in writing.

Reinstatement
Following a suspension, reinstatement of Career Services privileges will be at the discretion of the Career Services Office. Reinstatement may be contingent upon completion of remedial actions, such as attending a professional development workshop or meeting with a career advisor. 

Final Note
We understand that emergencies and extenuating circumstances may occur, and exceptions to this policy may be granted on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Career Services Office. However, it is imperative that students and alumni communicate any issues or conflicts as soon as possible to avoid negative repercussions.

Thank you for your attention to this policy. We believe that upholding these standards will benefit both our students and alumni and our employer partners by fostering professionalism and accountability within our community. 


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