Before you bid watch THIS.
What is bidding?
“Bidding” simply means applying. Beginning with the bid opening date, you will be able to apply to participating OCI employers by uploading and attaching your documents through Symplicity.
- Log in to Symplicity > OCI > Scheduling > Select the session you are bidding for from the “Session” drop down > Select “Review” next to the employer you wish to bid on.
- Select the correct resume, cover letter, transcript, etc. to attach to your bid from the drop down menus.
- Click on the “Apply” button to submit your bid for that employer. (NOTE: Symplicity will not allow you to bid for an employer unless you have uploaded all documents required by that employer.) If the “Apply” button does not appear, you are missing documents required by the employer.
- You must rank every employer you bid for within each Session. You should rank your first choice employer “1,” your second choice “2,” etc. (Rankings can only be viewed by the Career Center. Employers will not know the order in which you ranked them).
How and where do I upload documents?
All documents required by the employer must be uploaded to Symplicity before you will be allowed to place your bids. It is best to upload resumes and cover letters with distinctive names (i.e., Husch Cover Letter, Legal Aid Chicago Resume, etc.). All documents are uploaded to the “Documents” tab in your Symplicity account, so you must label them carefully and make certain to select the correct document when you attach it to a bid. These documents are all saved in both their original format and the PDF converted form. Please review the PDF format to ensure that it looks as it should. Because the PDF will be the version sent out to employers, make changes to the original and re-save if necessary. Once you have uploaded your documents under the “Documents” tab, go to the “OCI” tab to actually place your bids for the employers.
What application materials are required?
Each employer individually selects the application materials it requires. All employers will require a resume. Many employers will require additional documents, including a cover letter, transcript, writing sample, and/or references. If an employer does not require a cover letter, you have the option of submitted a cover letter by creating a two-page resume, with your cover letter as the first page and your resume as the second. All documents, including cover letters, must be uploaded to Symplicity and submitted to each employer to which you wish to apply by the close of bidding. For help with preparing your cover letters and resume, schedule a time with a Career Center staff member via Symplicity.
What should I submit when an employer requires a transcript?
As a general rule, when employers request a transcript, students must always use an official transcript ordered through the University Registrar. 2Ls and 3Ls applying prior to the release of grades should submit an official transcript with a Grade Sheet Addendum in the approved from found here. 1Ls applying prior to the release of grades should submit a Grade Sheet in the approved form found here. The approved forms contain example schedules. You will need to modify the approved forms to reflect your actual courses, schedule and your anticipated course schedule. All students must apply with an official transcript as soon as you have received your final grades. Any grade sheet that deviates from the approved forms must be approved by the Office of Student Life.
Is there an advantage to bidding early?
While there is no advantage to bidding early (employers will receive all resumes at one time when bidding closes), please do not wait until the last minute. The Symplicity system can become slow when inundated with last minute bidders (wireless connections can also slow down the process).
How do I make changes to my bid?
Changes can only be made while bidding is open. If you need to make changes to your bid before bidding closes, you can delete your bid by changing the bid status to “no bid”, making the desired changes to your documents, and then bidding again.
Will OCI be virtual or in-person?
If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified by email. You will sign up for interview slots through Symplicity. Employers have the option to interview in-person or virtually. The location of your interview (in-person room number or virtual link) will be provided in Symplicity after you have signed up for an interview slot.