JUMP TO CONTENT

How to Apply

Are you ready to be part of Harvard?

We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey. Explore details about our hiring process, frequently asked questions, and tips to set you up for success.

Our Hiring Process

Image of woman using her computer

Step 1

Complete Online Application

  • Submit your resume and application through our Careers@Harvard site.
  • Request accommodations if needed.
A man participating in a video conference call.

Step 2

Recruiter Review and Initial Screening

  • Our recruiting team will review your application and if applicable, schedule an initial screening to learn more about you.
  • Initial screenings may occur in a variety of formats, including a phone conversation, online meeting, or preliminary questionnaire.
A man having a meeting with another person.

Step 3

Interviews

  • Connect with the hiring manager and other team members to share your experience, and to learn more about the role, the team, and more.
  • This is also your opportunity to have your questions answered!
A smiling young woman with her hand on her chest shakes hands with a man in an office setting.

Step 4

Offer

  • Congratulations! We want you to join us.
  • Reaching the point of offer extension may include pre-employment screening requirements, such as reference and background checks, that are related and specific to the job.
  • All offers are contingent upon a reference check. Some roles may require additional background checks or other screening process before a formal offer can be made.
A woman taking a call on her phone

Accommodations

Harvard University is committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities.

If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an application, please contact us by calling 617-495-2772. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. Please note that messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions about our hiring process answered. Check out our FAQs for everything you need to know.
How can I check the status of my application? What do the different statuses mean?

[i ](/)Once you apply for a position, you will receive a confirmation email that includes an “Access My Application” link. Upon clicking that link, you’ll receive a one-time passcode via email to re-access the system. From there, you will have the ability to view the status of the application at any time. Note that you will be able to view the status of any other submitted applications here as well. The “New” status means that your application has been received but not yet reviewed. The “In Review” status means that your application materials are being actively reviewed by the hiring team. The “Interview” status means that you are active in the interview process. “Offered” means that you have been extended an offer. The status will appear as “Archived” if it’s no longer under consideration.

Can I edit my job application once submitted?

While it's generally not recommended, yes - applications can be edited after submission. Once you apply for a position, you will receive a confirmation email that includes an “Access My Application” link. Upon clicking that link, you’ll be brought back into the system and will have the option to both view and revise your submitted application materials, if needed. This includes adding additional attachments.

Can I reapply for a position?

Yes, it is possible to reapply.

I withdrew my application but would now like to reinstate it. How can I do this?

Applications cannot be unwithdrawn. You can, however, reapply to a position if interested.

Can I receive feedback on my application?

Due to the high volume of applications we are fortunate to receive, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on application submissions. Please be aware that the review process may take some time, but we are committed to updating application statuses as promptly as possible. If your candidacy is not advanced—whether due to not meeting the basic qualifications or because other applicants more closely align with the requirements—you will receive a notification via the Careers@Harvard system. You may also check the status of your application at any time by clicking the “Access My Application” link in the application submission confirmation email.

How can I stay up to date on open positions that match my skills and interests?

Set up a search agent on Careers@Harvard! The search agent will automatically monitor new job postings based on your saved search criteria and deliver personalized alerts when matching opportunities become available, helping you stay up-to-date without having to manually search. You are also welcome to join our Talent Community, to stay apprised of Harvard’s happenings and to see what your future could look like with us.

I found one of your jobs on a third-party posting site but when I look at the same job on Careers@Harvard, there are differences. Which job listing is accurate?

While we do have partnerships and custom job feeds with some third-party posting sites, others sites automatically scrape our job postings from Careers@Harvard. This sometimes creates discrepancies and/or lags between our site and theirs. The job posting on Careers@Harvard is always the most up-to-date and accurate version.

What are basic qualifications and what role do they play in the hiring process?

Basic qualifications represent the essential requirements a candidate must meet to be eligible for consideration for a particular position. When applying for a position at Harvard, it’s important to clearly demonstrate how your background aligns with these minimum qualifications, as outlined in the job description. Applicants who do not show that they meet the basic qualifications cannot be considered for the role. Therefore, we strongly encourage all candidates to carefully review each job posting before submitting an application to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.

How do I know if a job has an application deadline or an expected start date?

Unless stated otherwise in the job description, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are available for immediate hire.

What does remote work look like at Harvard?

All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business. The most up-to-date registered state listing can be found on our [Finance Website](<https://oc.finance.harvard.edu/files/controller/files/harvard_registered_payroll_states.pdf?m=1654256856>).

Does Harvard provide employment visa sponsorship (H-1B, O-1, etc.) for administrative/staff positions?

Harvard normally does not provide employment visa sponsorship for non-faculty positions. We would only do so in the rare instance where a position requires highly specialized skills and the University is otherwise unable to identify qualified candidates. Please note that attorneys representing individuals are not authorized to file H-1B petitions on behalf of the University.

I am interested in temporary, internship, academic, and/or student employment opportunities. How do I learn about and apply for those types of roles?

Information about temporary positions can be found on our [Contingent Workforce page](<https://hr.harvard.edu/contingent-workforce>). Information about our internships can be found on our [Internship Opportunities & Pathway Programs page](<https://hr.harvard.edu/internship-opportunities-pathway-programs>). Additional internship/summer employment/volunteer/practicum opportunities may be found on the direct websites and/or social media pages of specific Harvard schools or departments as well. Interested candidates are welcome and encouraged to explore such pages for related opportunities. Academic job postings can be found on [ARIeS](<https://academicpositions.harvard.edu>). Information about student employment can be found on the Student Employment Office website.

Search