Frequently Asked Questions

Does the University conduct background checks?
The University conditions employment on the satisfactory completion of the background check process, which will include a criminal background check.

Georgetown University conducts post-offer, pre-employment screening for all regular and term Staff and AAP (Academic & Administrative) positions. Other positions may be subject to satisfactory completion of a background check if required by local, state, federal law, or with the approval of Human Resources and the hiring department. The screening may include but is not limited to, a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history. Georgetown utilizes an online system that requires the candidate to provide a valid email address. Offers of employment are conditional, based on satisfactory completion of the pre-employment background check process.

Individuals already employed by Georgetown University as of April 1, 2012, will not be subject to retroactive background checks, except (1) if applying for a promotion or transfer to a position for which a background check is required by local, state or federal law or, with the approval of HR, and the hiring department, (2) if transferring from a temporary or special position that did not require a background check into a regular or term position or (3) as otherwise set forth in HR Policy 210: Background Checks.

For purposes of background checking, an employee whose relationship to the University is severed – either through resignation or termination – and who subsequently re-applies for employment is considered a new hire and therefore subject to the background check process.

In the event that the University has reason to believe that a University employee has engaged in criminal conduct, conduct that raises questions about his or her ability to execute the duties of the position, conduct that may pose a danger to others, or any other reason deemed sufficient by the University to warrant a background check, the University reserves the right to require that employee to satisfactorily complete a background check as a condition of continued employment.

How long does it take before someone gets back to me about a job I applied for online?
Hiring departments select applicants for interview and contact them directly, with time-varying by the department’s selection schedule.

How will I know if the position for which I applied has been filled?
If a position is posted on our Georgetown Careers website, it is s open for application. Once removed from posting, it is in the interview/selection process or has been filled. 

How long does the hiring process take?
The time varies by hiring department and their timeline for hire.

Where are faculty positions advertised?
They are advertised by the individual departments on their departmental websites, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and other academic publications.

I will be coming into town and would like to schedule an interview with someone to discuss employment at Georgetown University.
We do not conduct informational interviews, but we welcome you to review our opportunities and apply for those that interest you.