On-Campus Employment and Federal Work-Study Information

Steps for Finding Student Employment:

1. Start on Handshake:
   • Handshake is the platform where most student job postings are listed. You can log in to find jobs, internships, or work-study positions on campus.
2. What if You Don’t See the Department You’re Looking For?
   • If a specific department or job opportunity isn’t listed on Handshake, you can contact the department directly to inquire about current openings. They may not have posted the job yet, or they might be hiring through other channels.
3. Submit Your Application:
   • After finding a position, you’ll need to submit your application through Handshake or the employer’s preferred method. Be sure to include all necessary documents (e.g., resume, cover letter) and follow any specific application instructions.
4. Employer Review & Interviews:
   • Once your application is submitted, the employer will review all applicants. If you’re selected for an interview, they will reach out to schedule it.
5. Job Offers:
   • If you're chosen for the position, the employer will make an official job offer. Employers are encouraged to notify applicants who were not selected; however, they may opt out.
6. Background Check & Pre-placement Physicals:
   • Some employers may require a background check or pre-placement physicals before hiring. Be sure to follow through with these requirements if requested.

Additional Tips:

• Update Your Handshake Profile: Make sure your resume and profile are up to date before applying for jobs. A professional, complete profile will make a better impression on employers.
• Contact a career coach: If you're unsure how to navigate Handshake or want help with your resume or application process, Career Coaches within your college can provide support and guidance.
• Follow Up: After applying, consider sending a follow-up email to show interest and keep your application top of mind.

Forms to Complete After Accepting a Job but Prior to Beginning Work:

1. Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification):
   • This form verifies your identity and your eligibility to work in the United States. You’ll need to provide appropriate identification documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license, social security card) to complete this form.
   • You can typically complete Form I-9 electronically through the university’s HR system, or in person with the required documents.
2. Direct Deposit Authorization:
   • This form allows your paycheck to be directly deposited into your bank account. You’ll need to provide your bank account number and routing number. This is the most convenient way to receive your pay on time and securely.
3. W-4 Form (Employee’s Withholding Certificate):
   • The W-4 determines how much state and federal income tax will be withheld from your paycheck. You can adjust your withholding at any time based on your personal financial situation, such as claiming allowances or withholding extra amounts.
   • Be sure to review this carefully to avoid over- or under-withholding, which can affect your tax refund or liability at the end of the year.
   • If you don't use your social security card as a form of ID for the I9 form, you still need to provide a copy/picture of your social security card for tax purposes. This is a University requirement.

Other Important Considerations:

• Student Employment Policies: Be sure to familiarize yourself with any department-specific policies, such as work hours, expectations, and university-specific guidelines.
• Payroll Deadlines: Make note of when the payroll cycle is, so you know when to expect your first paycheck. It’s a good idea to check with the department about any initial paperwork processing time.
• Tax Forms: Keep a copy of all tax-related forms (W-4, etc.) for your records.

Completing these forms is essential to starting your student job smoothly and ensuring you’re paid accurately and on time. If you have any questions about these forms or need assistance with the process, don’t hesitate to contact the university’s Human Resources office.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program that provides part-time jobs during the academic year and full- or part-time jobs during the summer for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Jobs may be on or off campus with a public or private nonprofit agency including jobs in the community service areas.

Learn more

When looking for on-campus jobs, Handshake is the primary platform where employers post open positions, including work-study opportunities. Here's a guide on how to find these jobs and what to do if you're interested in a department that isn't posting their positions on Handshake:

How to Find Work-Study Jobs on Handshake:

1. Log into Handshake:
   • Access Handshake through the UNL website or your student portal.
2. Use Filters to Find Work-Study Positions:
   • Click on the 'Jobs' tab.
   • Select 'All Filters' and then choose 'Work Study' under the Job Type filter. This will show all available work-study positions.
3. Apply Directly Through Handshake:
   • Once you find a job that interests you, make sure to apply directly through Handshake, following the application instructions provided by the employer.

What to Do if You Don’t See a Position for a Specific Department:

• Contact the Department Directly:
  • If you’re interested in working for a particular department and don’t see their job posting on Handshake, reach out to the department directly to inquire about open positions.
  • Some departments may not have posted their job openings on Handshake or may be hiring through other means.

Important Notes:

• Employers Are Responsible for Hiring:
  • All hiring decisions, including who gets interviewed and hired, are managed by the individual employer or department. If you have questions about the status of your application or hiring process, you will need to contact the employer directly.
• Keep Your Handshake Profile Updated:
  • Make sure your profile is current, especially your resume, to make applying easier and give employers an accurate view of your qualifications.

Additional Tips:

• Be Proactive: If you don’t see a job posted right away, it’s still worth sending a polite email to the department to express interest and ask about upcoming opportunities.
• Check Frequently: Job postings can go up and down quickly, so make sure to check Handshake regularly for new listings.

Handshake

Students will use firefly to enter their weekly hours. It's recommended students enter their hours daily. Once all hours for the pay period have been entered students can release their hours to their supervisor for approval. See the resources below to learn more.