Columbia College Chicago - Taleo Employment Application FAQs

These Frequently Asked Questions should assist you to efficiently apply for any of our open positions. We thank you for your interest in a career at the Columbia College Chicago.

We have transitioned to a new online application tracking system, Taleo Enterprise Edition. Please follow all directions in the posting of the positions for which you are applying. All of our jobs are online in our Taleo applicant tracking system. These jobs can only be applied for online by setting up a login, individual personal profile and then applying for the position.

• How do I apply to a vacant position at Columbia College Chicago?

  Please visit our careers website and select “FIND CAREERS AND APPLY NOW.” Search Job Openings to view and apply to open job opportunities. Once you have selected a position, simply click on the Job Opening and read the description.

  To apply, click “Apply Online.” You will be required to Sign In. As a NEW USER, you will be prompted to create a User Name and Password. Write these down and keep in a secure place.

  You will need to read the Columbia College Chicago Privacy Agreement. Click “I Accept” to set yourself up as a new user. All applicants will need an active email address in order to complete a profile. Once you have your individual profile established, you can apply for the position, search for other available opportunities and submit an application. You will be allowed to upload documents such as resumes, transcripts, certifications and licenses.         

• How do I find the posting?

  In the Basic Job Search section, enter at the Keywords field the Job ID or any other word from the title of the job; change the Posted field to: Anytime. The Job ID is listed in every advertisement. You can also browse through the posted positions using the Next/ Previous page links. Clicking on the titles of the columns under Latest Job Postings arranges the list of postings in different order.

• I cannot upload my resume.

  Please contact Columbia College Chicago HR Recruitment at 312-369-7276 for assistance.

• Can I submit a paper application for a position or apply by email or fax?

  No, the only way to apply for a position is through the online recruitment process/online employment site.

• Will you consider my application for other positions that are available at Columbia College Chicago?

  No. You will only be considered for the positions that you submit an application for.

• What if I have forgotten my user name or password to my online profile?
  On the login page, click on "Forgot your user name?" or "Forgot your password?"  Follow instructions to retrieve your user name or receive a new temporary password.
• How will I know when I have completed the application process and successfully applied for the job?
  You MUST click “SUBMIT” after you complete your application and agree to the conditions of employment; a confirmation email will be sent to your contact email address when it has been received. Due to the volume of applicants, you will only be contacted if you are selected for an interview.
• Can I submit multiple applications?
  Yes, you are welcome to apply for more than one position. Please read the required qualifications for the position to make sure that your education and skill set is a good match for the position.
• Can I change my application after it has been submitted?
  No. Once you have submitted your application, you cannot make changes to it. However, you can add a revised resume and other attachments.
• How do I know what documents are required for the position?

  You should read the “Application Guidelines” section of the job posting for detailed information about required application materials and deadlines. We require a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references in one document attachment, either in Word or PDF.

• What is the size limit for attachments?

  If you are applying for a position that requires samples of work, art, video, written, zip files should be no greater than 10MB. If your work exceeds this limit provide a link to your website so that the hiring manager, and/or search committee, can view your work directly on your site.

• If I do not have an email address, what can I do?
  For Taleo profile setup and applications for positions, you will need to already have or create an email address. Free email accounts are available through a number of internet providers. We do not endorse any particular provider but examples of free email providers include: Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail.
• Why can't I apply/submit my resume via mail, fax or email?
  Columbia College Chicago no longer accepts paper resumes or other documents. The online application process helps us to track applications more efficiently and makes your information available for review without delay. Columbia College Chicago strives to become a greener organization through our process improvement.
• How long is the application process?
  We are striving to shorten the hiring process at every step.  For ALL applicants, the selection process varies for each opening due to the high volume of applicants. A recruiter and/or hiring manager will begin screening applicants as they are submitted.  It could take one to several weeks after you submit your application before someone may reach out to you, if you are selected for an interview.
• How will I be notified regarding the status of a position that I applied for?
  For ALL applicants, we do not provide status updates unless you are selected for an interview. All applicants will receive an automated confirmation email message immediately after submission of your documents. Selected candidates will receive further instructions. Any phone calls to the Human Resources Recruitment department to check the status of an application will not be returned.
• How often is the job listing updated with new positions?
  New positions are posted as they become available. Positions are contingent on funding and are subject to change at any time.
• What is the difference between an application and a profile?
  The profile contains general information about you and your employment preferences – the profile is NOT linked to a specific job opening. The application must be linked to a job opening. To be considered for a job, you must submit a complete application for a specific job opening and your qualifications should match the required qualifications for the position.
• How often should I update my profile?

  You should keep your profile up-to-date with your current contact information at all times.

• How should I address my cover letter to?
  If the posting does not provide a specific name address it “Dear Hiring Manager”. Make sure to reference the title of the position and include the job opening number.
• Do I have to complete all portions of the application if I attach a resume?

  Yes, in order to be considered for a position you must complete the required fields.

• If I experience difficulties with the application process whom should I contact?
  For technical difficulties contact Columbia College Chicago’s User Support team at usersupport@colum.edu or 312.369.7001 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Will I receive confirmation that my application was received?

  Yes, you will receive confirmation, via email, that your application has been received. Make sure to add colum.edu to your safe sender list to avoid email correspondence from Columbia College Chicago going to your junk mail folder.

• How will I be notified that I am being selected for an interview?
  The hiring department will notify you via email or phone that you are being invited for a phone or on- campus interview so make sure that your profile provides your current contact information.
• If I do not hear back from the hiring department whom should I contact?

  Once your application is submitted and you receive confirmation that it has been received you do not need to contact anyone. You should wait to be notified via email regarding the status of your application. A notification e-mail is sent to all applicants at the end of the search.

• Will I know when the position has been closed?

  Yes, all applicants will be notified when the position is closed via email. Some hiring departments may notify applicants who have been interviewed via phone or email that the position has been closed.

  Please do NOT contact the hiring department or the Office of Human Resources for an update on the status of your application.

• How will I know when Columbia College Chicago has open positions?

  New jobs are posted to the website and recently filled jobs are removed from the website on a daily basis. You will need to visit our Employment page regularly and visit the Taleo system to see our online openings. When you visit our Taleo system and login, you can create or revise your profile and apply for any other open positions you may qualify for.

• What benefits are available to Columbia College Chicago employees?

  Columbia College Chicago offers a competitive benefits package:

  • Competitive Pay
  • Vacation, Sick, Personal, Floating Holidays/paid time off
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Our health plans provide the coverage necessary to protect and maintain good physical, dental and vision health which is why we are part of the largest Wellness program in the country.
  • •Defined Retirement programs- 403(b), 457(b)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • A dynamic and culturally diverse environment