FAQ's

 

Who or what is Spartan Shops, Inc.?

 

·         SPARTAN SHOPS, INC.   (“Shops” or “SSI”) is a self-supporting, non-profit commercial auxiliary chartered under IRS code 501 (c) (3).  Shops is affiliated and aligned with SJSU and provides support in the form of commercial products and services at and for the University. Shops does not receive general funds from SJSU for its operation and/or its management. 

 

Shops has proudly served the campus community since many years prior to its formal incorporation on June 15, 1956.  The Shops business is divided into three major divisions:  RETAIL SERVICES, which includes all Dining Services and the Spartan Bookstore; COMMERCIAL SERVICES, which includes Real Estate and Marketing along with Information Services and Technology; and FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, which includes Finance and Accounting as well as Human Resources (Employee Relations; Compensation and Benefits; Staffing and Training; Payroll, Workers’ Compensation and Safety; and Risk Management).

 

Shops is currently a $29 MM+ operation and employs approximately 80 regular benefited employees.   Spartan Shops also employs approximately 450 student and temporary casual part-time employees.  

 

Where can I find out about job opportunities with Spartan Shops, Inc.?

• We encourage you to visit our website: www.spartanshops.com for information on our organization and to explore currently available employment opportunities with us.

  

How do I apply for a position?

• The preferred method is to complete an on-line application by clicking on the Jobs page on our website: www.spartanshops.com. We only accept applications for those positions posted and currently available.

 

When is the best time to apply?

• We recommend you check our website www.spartanshops.com frequently for new opportunities.

 

Should I include a resume with my application?

• No. As long as you have thoroughly completed the online application, have provided your contact information, and have correctly stated your availability, we have everything we need initially to evaluate your candidacy for a position with Shops.

  

I have not confirmed my class schedule. What should I do?

• One of the main criteria for hiring managers is your availability. We can be flexible during the drop/add period at the beginning of each semester. However, once hired, you are expected to work the hours that you committed to.  You are expected to inform the hiring manager of any changes to your schedule and availability as soon as possible.

 

 How will I know you received my application?

• When you complete the on-line application, you will receive an electronic response thanking you for applying with Spartan Shops, Inc. Your application will be electronically forwarded for review to the appropriate hiring manager. Do not re-apply/post more than once.

  

How long will my application remain active?

• Your online application will remain active as long as the job for which you applied remains open or to a maximum of 45 days, whichever date is earlier. 

 

How can I find out the status of my application?

• We receive an average of 200+ applications per day, which constrains our ability to respond to each applicant personally.  Only those candidates selected for an interview will receive further notification from the hiring manager or from Human Resources regarding next steps, if any.

 

When will I get an interview?

• You are not guaranteed an interview just because you apply. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring manager (or department representative) will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment. If hired, you must present proof of US Citizenship or eligibility to live and work in the United States within 3 days of being hired.

 

Once I am hired, can I work for more than one Spartan Shops location?

• There may be opportunities, once you are hired, to work additional hours within other units if an internal need arises (i.e., special event). You may be able to support another unit, provided you are in good standing (performance and attendance) and have hours available that match the need for that location, with management approval.

 

 What is the starting salary?

• Starting salaries are based on experience, qualifications and the functional need within a department/location. In addition to salary, students are offered a variety of benefits while employed at Shops. See details below.

  

What are the qualifications for the various positions at Spartan Shops, Inc.?

• One of the most important criteria for hiring managers is your availability; be sure to provide the days and hours you can work on the application.  In general, we look for availability consisting of a minimum of ten to fifteen hours per week.   We look for candidates who are friendly and outgoing with excellent customer service skills. Additional requirements include strong communication skills, neat appearance and overall job fit (i.e., Dining requires a willingness to handle meat, fish and poultry).  If hired, you will receive on-the-job training to become a productive member of the Spartan Shops team.

 

Will I be eligible for any benefits while I am working?

• Spartan Shops student employees are eligible for the following benefits: 
  1. Practical/hands-on work experience that will be valuable to any employer
  2. Flexible work schedules
  3. Student discounted meal passes
  4. Student employee discounts at the Spartan Bookstore
  5. Pepsi Textbook vouchers that student employees can use to offset the cost of books, materials and supplies.  These vouchers increase in value when the student returns to work at Shops (in good standing) each semester. 
  6. Shops also sponsors a number of scholarships through the SJSU Financial Aid office for its qualified student employees.

 

 Are there any evening and weekend positions available?

• The following locations are open evenings and weekends during the fall and spring semesters:

      Spartan Bookstore – open 6 days/week

      Village Market – open 7 days/week

      On 4^th Café – open 7 days/week

      Dining Commons – open 7 days/week

 

I would like to work on an on-call basis. What options do I have?

• In addition to regular student positions, Catering Services offers event-based opportunities to work unique hours during the fall and spring semesters. We look for additional staffing for peak periods and special events, including Annual Commencement ceremonies, convocations, private events at the SJSU President’s home and conferences held on campus for non-university clubs and organizations.

 

How many hours do I have to work, if I’m a full-time student?

• Shops supports the philosophy that education is and should be the student employee’s first priority.  We look for a minimum of 10-15 hours/week, up to a maximum of 20-25 hours/week.   Work-study and International students have a 20 hours/week maximum per SJSU University guidelines.

 

I am an International Student. Can I work for Spartan Shops?

• Yes, you certainly may.  The steps you need to take are the following:  Step 1 is for you to be registered as a full-time student at SJSU.  Step 2 is to obtain an on-campus work permit from International Programs & Services (IPS), which is currently located in Clark Hall, 5^th floor, Room 543.  The last or final step is to apply for a position with Spartan Shops, Inc. by completing the on-line application at www.spartanshops.com.  If you meet the requirements for an open and available position you will be contacted by a hiring manager.

 

I am eligible for work-study; can I still work for Spartan Shops, Inc.?

• Yes, Shops welcomes work-study students to apply. You are eligible to work a maximum of 20 hours/week per SJSU University guidelines.  Upon receiving an offer of employment, you must present your Award Letter to the hiring manager. 

 

Can I return to work for Spartan Shops, Inc. next semester, even if my schedule changes?

• Students in good standing (performance and attendance) are encouraged to return to work with Shops, and we will work with returning students to ensure that, as long as their availability meets the need for that location, they can be re-employed.  Be sure to inform the hiring manager of any changes to your schedule and availability as soon as possible.

  

If I am hired, will work be available during the summer and winter breaks?

• There may be limited hours and positions available during these breaks. Once you are hired you may talk with your manager about your availability at that time.