The application and placement process is for mutual discernment to see if God is calling for you to ministry with the CCO. There is no obligation to join CCO staff once you begin the process—until you are offered a position and you accept.
The Steps in the Process (click each category to learn more):
- Check Out the CCO
- Take a good look at the CCO as an organization. Our brochures and Web site will provide an in-depth look at the CCO. Each candidate is welcome to join our staff at Staff Seminars as we fellowship, worship, play and learn together. This is one of the best ways to gain an understanding of the diversity of positions our staff hold, as well as the unique commitment we all have to bringing the Gospel to the university and college environment.
- Apply
- Each candidate must fill out our application. We have designed the application as a tool to not only provide us with the information we need to get to know you, but also as a tool for you to use in reflecting on your preparation and interest in doing college ministry.
- Fill Out Pre-Interview Self-Evaluation Form
- After you fill out the application, you will be asked to complete the PSE form . This tool encourages self-reflection, aided by the encouragement and constructive input of a close mentor. This is also designed to prepare you for the interview and to encourage you to share honestly about the strengths and weaknesses of your preparation and ministry skills.
- Interview
- Interviews are conducted following the completion of the PSE. Candidates are interviewed by two current CCO staff or alumni.
- Accepted
- Once you are an accepted candidate, you will enter the placement process.
- Select Position of Interest & Write Resume
- Available positions will be posted on the CCO Web site in January. As an accepted candidate, you will be able to view these positions and send us a list of the ones in which you are most interested. You will need to complete a resume which we will send to your position interests.
- Placement Preview Event
- All accepted candidates will gather in Pittsburgh for our Placement Preview Event (Thursday and Friday of the Jubilee weekend) to meet the CCO Area Directors and learn about available positions. Position representatives will be present on Friday of Jubilee weekend to meet with candidates. These informational interviews will be arranged beforehand and are an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about specific positions. Position representatives will use this time to make selections for on-site placement interviews.
- Placement Interviews
- Placement interviews take place in March, April and May. Each candidate will have a unique interview schedule and time-line.
- Offered and Accepted Position
- Due to the nature of our commitment to working cooperatively with churches and colleges, final decisions concerning staff placement are contingent upon the agreement of the candidate, the position, and the CCO. Each candidate has the freedom to reject position offers — no candidate will be forced into a position in which he/she is not interested. Positions are offered to candidates by the Area Directors, and a final contract is signed by the new staff person only after acceptance of the position is agreed upon by all parties. Once you have been offered a position and accepted a position, you are officially CCO staff.
- New Staff Training
- All new staff are required to attend New Staff Training (NST). NST begins the second week of June and lasts five weeks.