Hey,
I was just wondering if anyone has actually gotten a job from applying on oscar, or if it is difficult to obtain a job this way..... because I applied to like 12!!! and have not heard anything back... its been weeks! Should I apply outside of Oscar to other jobs, or should I hold out for oscar!?

usually you have to be somewhat lucky, apply to like 50, you may get an interview.

don't hold out for oscar, its too much competition

Originally Posted by Paigela

Hey,
I was just wondering if anyone has actually gotten a job from applying on oscar, or if it is difficult to obtain a job this way..... because I applied to like 12!!! and have not heard anything back... its been weeks! Should I apply outside of Oscar to other jobs, or should I hold out for oscar!?

I got offers from 3 out of the 4 jobs I've ever applied to on OSCAR. It's just like any other job hunt, if your skills fit the position, then you'll be hired. However, being in Eng Phys, I'm guessing there's slightly less competition for the jobs I applied to. I think the more general type jobs, that are literally open to everyone on campus would be a lot harder to get.

I have gotten jobs via OSCAR, but it can be tricky because so many students apply.

For the past few summers, I've probably applied to 100 jobs each summer, had 5-10 interviews each summer, and a few job offers each summer.
That may sound discouraging, but on the other hand, I applied for an internship (my first time ever applying for an internship) via OSCAR and I got it right away.

It sucks, but you'll probably have to apply to a LOT of jobs before you hear back from anyone.

Over the years I probably applied to around 30 jobs on OSCAR (most are outside of my area, or require extensive travel if I'm at home), gotten interviews for 2-4 and offers from none.

However, I've been able to bypass the OSCAR system a few times since I already had "ins" with certain departments.

Just remember, if you are applying to a job make sure your cover letter is tailored to that position. It might be more time efficient to send the same letter 100 times, but if you really want a job, take the time to personalize the cover letter. Some employers screen cover letters that start with 'To Whom it May Concern' or 'Dear Sir or Madam' because it doesn't show any initiative or interest in the specific position. (Especially when the employers name is listed on the posting and a quick check on a department's website can give you all the information you need.)

Check out Career Services for more tips and help!

Well I personally haven't had high hopes for OSCAR because a) I'm in SocSci so not alot of specific jobs for my academic background unlike Engineering and GIS peeps and b) I am ineligible for McWork(International) hence there is a very small number of jobs that aren't McWork and even they usually say McWork preferred.

But yeah the tailoring both resume and cover letter is a very good habit/idea. Even if you don't have the skill set/qualification for it it shows extra dedication to the application over 100's of other applicants.

Originally Posted by huzaifa47

Well I personally haven't had high hopes for OSCAR because a) I'm in SocSci so not alot of specific jobs for my academic background unlike Engineering and GIS peeps and b) I am ineligible for McWork(International) hence there is a very small number of jobs that aren't McWork and even they usually say McWork preferred.

But yeah the tailoring both resume and cover letter is a very good habit/idea. Even if you don't have the skill set/qualification for it it shows extra dedication to the application over 100's of other applicants.

I think you can apply for Mcwork after 2nd year. Have you trying registering for Mcwork on mugsi lately? I have heard the international students can apply for Mcwork their second summer in Canada, so if you just finished 2nd year, you might be able to.

And OSCAR is pretty good for finding jobs, you just have to spend a lot of time making cover letters and making sure you address what the employer is looking for and relate it to your skills and experiences.

Originally Posted by jo87

I think you can apply for Mcwork after 2nd year. Have you trying registering for Mcwork on mugsi lately? I have heard the international students can apply for Mcwork their second summer in Canada, so if you just finished 2nd year, you might be able to.

.

Hmm I was told they can in 3rd year so I assumed I can starting September onwards! I tried applying on Mugsi a month ago but it didn't work.

But I'll drop by financial aid office tomorrow to double check!

Thanks, though.

Hey,
I was just wondering if anyone has actually gotten a job from applying on oscar, or if it is difficult to obtain a job this way..... because I applied to like 12!!! and have not heard anything back... its been weeks! Should I apply outside of Oscar to other jobs, or should I hold out for oscar!?

if you haven't heard anything for a while its a good idea to send a mail asking what the status of the job application process is in for that particular company too.

it you really want a position that kind of follow up can really show dedication and its the way I got most of the interviews to the jobs I applied to via OSCAR.

also as others have mentioned tailoring everything is a good idea.

Originally Posted by Kareko

also as others have mentioned tailoring everything is a good idea.

You should be doing that with all jobs you apply to, actually!

Your best bet is to apply and pick like your top ten and go in and talk to the prof's. This really shows initiative and allows them to get to know you and allows you to stress your key strengths much more than any other candidate.

Last year I applied to maybe 7-10 jobs, got a reply from 3 profs, 1 of which i spoke to personally. Didn't end up getting anything in the long run.

This year, applied to just one and got it but that was because I spoke to the prof and got to volunteer at the beginning of the semester so by the time the job came out, he and his lab knew me really well. (this is the best way to get a leg up over all your competitors at least in a position where you can volunteer)
I even got this job without the course prerequisite I needed because I went and talked to him.

Talking helps, do it.

This is of course more specific to jobs picked by profs or similar scenarios where you can contact the person hiring really easily.

Originally Posted by Paigela

Hey,
I was just wondering if anyone has actually gotten a job from applying on oscar, or if it is difficult to obtain a job this way..... because I applied to like 12!!! and have not heard anything back... its been weeks! Should I apply outside of Oscar to other jobs, or should I hold out for oscar!?

At least your trying . Ive never applied to a job in my life. Which also explains why ive never worked a day in my life. And judging from everyone elses responses, OSCAR seems like theres too much competition. Assuming 20,000 people at Mac and lets say half are McWork eligible. Now out of these say...70% are applying to OSCAR jobs..thats about 7000 people applying to jobs. Thats some serious competition. So definetly apply outside of OSCAR in my opinion. A few of my friends are finding retail jobs in stores and such like that, maybe try that?