Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

Employment Questions:

How do I apply for a job at CFCC?
The application process has three steps:

Create a user account: You will need to create an applicant username and password. This will enable you to come back and apply for additional positions as well as check on the status of a position.
Create your online application: Once logged in, this can be done at any time. You may also search open positions before creating the online application.
Apply for a specific position using your online application.

What if I don’t have an email address?

A valid email address is required. Providing an email address also ensures timely notification of your application status. If you do not have an email address, you can go to gmail, hotmail or yahoo to create an email account.

Do I have to complete an application if I submit a resume?
The application is mandatory; a resume may be submitted to enhance the application, but is not required.

How long does it take to fill out an application online?

Approximately 45 minutes. It depends on the detail the applicant provides in the application.

Can I apply directly with the hiring department?

No. The HR department is the central intake point for all CFCC openings. Only those applicants applying via online at http://cfcc.edu/jobs will be considered.

What information should I include on my application?

Your application should fully describe all of your education, training and work experience. Ensure that all sections of the application are completed. It is very important that you provide detailed information about your qualifications and accomplishments so we can best evaluate your job application.

Can I copy selected information from another electronic document?

Yes; for example, you can copy and paste the information from a Word or WordPerfect document directly into the appropriate fields on the application form.

What if I am not ready to fill out the application at this time?

If you do not want to complete the application at this time, please click “Cancel” at the bottom of the page. Please note, if the position is closed from the CFCC site, you will not be able to complete the online application.

How do I save my application?

To save your application, click on the “Save” button at the bottom of any page. Completed pages will be saved and you will be able to continue entering information when you return. If you lose your Internet connection prior to completing your application, log in again and select “Edit Application.” Please note, your application is not complete until you receive a confirmation number.

What if I have already created an application?

If you have already created an application within the CFCC employment site, and wish to update your information, select the “Login” link and enter your existing username and password. Once you have logged in, you will be able to apply for positions, edit your information and review previous applications.

What if I forget my username and password?

Follow the “Password Retrieval” instructions on the employment site. Using the site, you will be able to reset either your password or username for immediate log-in.

To whom should I address my cover letter?

Address the letter to “Search Committee” or “Search Chair”.

I have applied for several positions and continue to not be selected…why?

It is not unusual for us to receive up to 100 applications for a given position. While you may meet the qualifications for the particular position, there may have been other applicants who met and exceeded the qualifications and/or met the preferred qualifications for the position. Typically, 5-10 applicants will be selected for interviews by departments for a given position.

Why would I have to make changes to my application?

Any time your contact information changes (address, phone number, email address, etc.) you need to make those updates to your application. If you have acquired additional skills, education, or work experience, you should update your application with this information to make sure all of your qualifications are considered by a hiring manager and selection committee. Once you submit your application for a specific position, you are unable to make changes. However, you will be able to make changes to future applications.

I am having difficulty moving on to complete my application. What is the box at the end of the application?

By checking the box at the end of the application, you are certifying that the information provided on the application is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. This step is required for each position you would like to apply to. If the position is still posted and the closing date has not expired, you will be able to certify the application. If your application shows “incomplete” and you wish to complete your application, click the link below “incomplete” and follow the steps to complete the application. If there is no link below “incomplete” the position, this indicated the position has been closed and is no longer accepting applications. If the position is not closed, and you still cannot complete the application, please check to be sure you have attached the required documents and have answered the required questions.

What if I do not own or have access to a computer?

You can submit your application and required documents from any computer with internet access (home, school, public library, etc.). If you do not have access to a computer, the CFCC LRC has limited access to public computers. Please contact us for hours and locations.

I am having difficulty completing the online application from my home computer. What can I do?

If you are having difficulty completing the online application, please make sure that your computer is operating with Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher.

How long can I use my application to apply for positions?

Applications remain on file as long as you are actively applying for positions. Applications can be updated at any time by using the “Edit Application” link. We recommend for you to update your application if it has been 6 months or longer since you last applied within the CFCC employment site.

If I am a current CFCC employee, do I have to submit an application?

Yes. All applications are submitted online at http://cfcc.edu/jobs. It is likely that you may have acquired additional skills, experience and education since you originally applied that should be considered. In addition, completing an online application ensures your qualifications and personal information will be documented and ensures accurate applicant tracking information for every position.

I previously applied for another position at CFCC. Do I need to submit a new application if I want to apply for a new position?
Yes, you will need to submit a new application for each position.

How often is your web site updated?
As soon as a position has been approved it is posted on the web site.

Can I drop off my resume for future job openings?
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to store resumes or applications that are not for current job openings. Please continue to monitor our job web site and submit your application only when a job of interest is active.

Is it acceptable to email or fax applications?
No, all applications for CFCC employment must be submitted online through http://cfcc.edu/jobs

Checking Your Status After Applying:

What happens to my application after I submit it?

You will immediately receive a confirmation number upon successfully submitting your application. If you provided your email address, you will also receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Your application will then be reviewed by HR and a Search Committee.

How can I check my status for a position?

You may review the status of your application by choosing the “Your Applications” link on the CFCC employment site anytime you log in.

How will my application be evaluated?

When you apply for a position, HR and the assigned Search Committee will evaluate your application. Your qualifications in relation to the respective job, along with those of all other applicants, will be compared against the skills/qualifications needed for the position.

How long does the entire interviewing process take?

The search process varies for each opening due to the high volume of applicants.

Can I schedule an interview for a position that I’m interested in applying for?

Due to the large number of applications and requests for interviews, general appointments cannot be made. Should a department feel that your qualifications match the needs of their position, you will be contacted directly for an interview.

How are job interviews arranged?

The Search Committee Chair will contact you if you have been selected for an interview.

Will the HR Department contact me if my qualifications match a newly opened position?

Due to the large number of inquires that we receive, we cannot contact applicants when a position becomes available that matches their qualifications. Please visit the CFCC employment site frequently for updates and newly opened positions.

How can I follow up regarding my interest Cape Fear Community College?

You will be contacted directly by the Search Committee Chair if you are selected for an interview.

Will I hear a response either way?

Yes, all applicants will be notified by telephone or email.

How do I withdraw my application?

To remove your application from consideration for a position, click on the Withdraw Application link for that position under Status. If you withdraw your application, you will not be able to apply for the same position again.

CFCC HR Office Questions:

Who do I talk to if I have a question about my paycheck?
If you have a question about your paycheck, other than leave balances, you should contact the Payroll Department at x7430 or x7609.

How can I check my leave balances?
You can view your leave balances for annual, sick, or bonus leave on your monthly pay stub or by logging on to WebAdvisor and clicking on "Leave Plan Summary" under "Employee Profile". You must call our office at x7312 to inquire about your comp time balance.

Why is the leave balance on my pay stub different from the balance in the Human Resources Office?
The leave balance on your pay stub is always a month behind, since Human Resources does not receive your leave requests until after the close of the month. Therefore, when calculating your leave time you should always look at your pay stub balance and subtract out any leave you took during the previous month to get an accurate calculation.

What do I have to do to get my address changed in the system?
If you are a full-time employee, visit the intranet and you will find the Employee Address Change Request under Business Forms. Once you submit, your information will be emailed to the necessary departments. We will distribute the information to our benefit providers for you.

What do I have to do to get my name changed in the system?
Before we can change your name in the system, you must apply for a new Social Security Card and bring us a copy. We will distribute the information to our benefit providers for you.

How do I get my position vacancy advertised?
First, you must complete an online Position Vacancy Announcement (PVA) using PeopleAdmin, detailing the position. Follow the steps outlined on the PeopleAdmin user manual (http://intranet/person/documents/PeopleAdminCFCCUsertraining.pdf). The PVA will then be electronically passed along the chain of command. Once the President has approved the PVA, we will post the vacancy on our web site and advertise in local papers. You will be given the chance to review ads and job descriptions before they are advertised.

Where can I find the required paperwork for my new part-time hire?

If you go to the intranet, you should be able to view a folder in the left sidebar labeled "Part-time Employment Forms". When you open the folder, you should see the option to: Click to open all part-time new hire forms

Benefits Questions:

When is open enrollment for benefits?
Open enrollment for the State Health Plan occurs in the Spring, with an effective date of July 1. Open enrollment for all optional benefits through Wellington Benefits is each Fall, with an effective date of January 1.

What is the benefit plan year?
For the State Health Plan, the benefit year runs on a fiscal calendar, from July 1 through June 30. For all optional benefits, the benefit year is a calendar year, from January 1 through December 31.

I lost my insurance ID card. How do I request a new one?
We can request a new State Health Plan insurance card for you, or you may do it online through eBenefitsNow. For Dental or Vision insurance, call Wellington Benefits customer service representative Brenda Warren at (252) 883-7013.

How do I drop or add dependents to my insurance, or change my address with the State Health Plan?
If during an open enrollment period, you may add or drop dependents on-line by visiting our State Health Plan eBenefits website, http://cfcc.hrintouch.com. Your default username is your first name, first initial of your last name, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. By default, your password is your full SS# without spaces or dashes. If you have logged into the system before, you should have chosen a new password. We can reset your password in HR if you call x7028, x7423, or x7606.

If it is not during an open enrollment period, a qualifying event must occur for any dependent changes. Please call HR if you think you have a qualifying event but are not sure. Changes are made effective the first of the month following the day the event occurred. You only have 30 days following the event to make this change or you will need to wait until open enrollment.

Once logged in, you may add or drop dependents, cancel coverage, or change personal information such as address and telephone number. Please note that you cannot switch between coverage levels (basic vs. standard) outside of open enrollment, even if you have a qualifying event.

How do I drop or add dependents to my optional insurance, such as dental or vision?

If during open enrollment, you will make this change with your Wellington Benefits Representative during your annual mandatory meeting. If outside open enrollment, you will need a qualifying event. If you have a qualifying event, you will need to fill out the proper enrollment/change form, found under our forms section on this website (here). After filling out the form, please mail or drop off in the HR office.

What is a qualifying event?
Examples of qualifying events: birth, loss of insurance, gain of insurance, death, marriage, or divorce

Can I check my flexible spending account balance on-line?
Yes, you can! Visit http://www.ffga.com. You will have to register the first time you access this website. Our group number is 75034.

Retirement Questions:

How do I select/change my beneficiary for my retirement contributions/death benefit?
Visit www.myncretirement.com and register for the ORBIT system. Once you have logged in you will have the option to select your beneficiaries.

Can I contribute more than the mandatory 6% of my salary?
No, the 6% is mandatory and no more or less can be contributed. If you would like to contribute more to a retirement plan, you can participate in the NC401K plan, or one of the 403(b) or 457 plans.

When should I apply for retirement, and what are the requirements?
You can apply a maximum of 120 days before your desired retirement date, and are encouraged to apply earlier rather than later to ensure a smooth transition period. All of the required forms can be found here.

You must meet one of the following qualifications to be eligible to retire from the State with full benefits*:

65 years old with 10 years of creditable service
60 years old with 25 years of creditable service
any age with 30 years of creditable service

With reduced benefits:

60 years old with10 years of service
50 years old with 20 years of service

*IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you were hired before August 1, 2011 you will need to work for and contribute to the state retirement system 5 years before becoming eligible for retirement benefits. Age requirements above remain the same.

Am I automatically eligible for Disability benefits under the Retirement System?
After you have been a contributing member for a year, you are eligible for Short-Term Disability. Short-Term Disability will provide 50% of your salary for up to 1 year after a 60 day waiting period for non-permanent disabilities. After you have been a contributing member for 5 years and are vested into the system, you are eligible for Long-Term Disability, which pays 65% of your salary on a permanent basis.

If I no longer work for the state, what happens to my retirement contributions?
You can elect to remove the contributions with a refund of contribution form (here), or if you have more than 5 years service, you can leave the contributions in until you reach retirement age. At that time, you would be eligible for a retirement benefit and be guaranteed the State Health Plan (the cost of insurance will depend upon your years of service at retirement.) If you have less than 5 years of service, you may still leave in your contributions for the chance that you will work for the state at some point down the road.

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Cape Fear Community College

Human ResourcesFrequently Asked Questions

Employment Questions:

Checking Your Status After Applying:

CFCC Human Resources Office Questions:

Benefits Questions:

Retirement Questions:

Employment Questions:

Checking Your Status After Applying:

CFCC HR Office Questions:

Benefits Questions:

Retirement Questions:

Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions