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UNDERSTANDING THE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
When can I file an employment application?
Applications are accepted only for jobs that are in the open recruitment process. Jobs in the recruitment process are announced on the 24-hour job line (909) 387-5611 and in the Employment Opportunities publication, which is available at the Human Resources office and County Libraries. Job opportunities are also posted on the Internet http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/hr.
How do I find out about the job, the duties, requirements, benefits, and type of examination?
After finding a job title that is of interest, ask the Human Resources receptionist for the job announcement. The job announcement lists the salary, duties, the minimum requirements, the type of test to be given, the topics to be tested, and most importantly, the date by which applications must be submitted. Your application must be received by Human Resources by the closing date listed on the job announcement. A separate application must be submitted for each announcement. There is no limit on the number of jobs you may apply for, but read each announcement carefully to be sure you meet the requirements for each.How do I qualify for the job, and how does the employment division determine whether I meet the minimum requirements?
The minimum requirements are listed on the job announcement. Read the requirements carefully. Announcements may require college coursework*, a specific amount and type of experience, a license or certification, or simply skill, knowledge, and ability in specific fields.
The Human Resources Analyst assigned to the recruitment for which you have applied reveiws your application and any other material required by the job announcement. These other materials may include a supplemental application designed for that position, a form to list completed college classes, or a statement of qualifications. It is very important that everything necessary to prove you meet the requirements - your education, experience (volunteer or paid), licenses, certificates, and special skills - be submitted on the application so that the Human Resources Analyst can make the correct decision. Failure to complete the application and/or to provide information that clearly demonstrates possession of the requirements will result in elimination from the examination process. You may not submit additional information later. Resumes are not acceptable in lieu of a completed application. This determination of qualifications may be made before or after you have taken a test.
* "Upper Division" courses are those obtained in a four-year college or university open to third and fourth year students.
What kind of test will I have to take?
The type of test, the topics to be covered and the test dates will be listed on the job announcement under the Examination Process section. The test will consist of one or any combination of: a written test, writing exercise, evaluation process, oral assessment, performance test, or an assessment center exercise. You will be notified by mail of when and where you are to report for the test along with any other test instructions. For some of these test processes you may be notified by telephone as well. For some recruitments, the test may consist of a competitive evaluation of the application and/or a supplemental application, therefore, it is very important that you complete all application materials as required under the Examination Process section of the announcement. If you have not received notification to report for a test within three days of the examination date stated on the job announcement, it is your responsibility to contact the Human Resources Department regarding your eligibility. Makeup examinations are rarely allowed.
If you require any assistance in any stage of the application/examination process due to a medically diagnosed disability, complete the "Special Testing Accommodations Request Form" at the time you submit your application, so that accommodations may be considered to meet your needs.
If you are successful in the examination process and are interviewed for a position, it is your responsibility to inform the interviewer if you will need accommodations to perform the essential job duties; the hiring department will then determine whether those accommdations can reasonably be made based on their needs as well as yours.
What happens after the test process is completed?
You are notified by mail of your results. If you are successful in the examination, you will be informed of the score range into which you were placed. It is your responsibility to keep your notification card, as it tells you how long your name will remain on the list. You are responsible to keep this office apprised, in writing' of any changes of address and telephone numbers, and to respond promptly to all inquiries about your availability. You will also receive a notice if you are not successful on the test either by failing to meet requirements or failing to score competitively among the applicant group.
When a vacancy occurs, names of those with the top ten scores are referred to a County department. That department contacts applicants for hiring interviews, and then contacts applicants for hiring interviews, and then contacts the person to whom they offer a job. You should wait until a department contacts you. If contacted for an interview, be sure you have the correct location, address and interview time. Do not call Human Resources to verify a hiring interview appointment, to ask when you might be interviewed, or whether the job has been filled.
Unless otherwise indicated on the job announcement, or unless there is a significant change in the examination procedure, the period of list eligibility is one (1) year. You may not retest for the same job for six months. If you do retest after six months, the second score, better or worse, counts. It is your responsibility to inquire when the examination will be administered again.
What happens if I am selected?
When you are notified that you have been selected, ask the hiring department when you will start and when you are scheduled to take the physical examination.
Job offers made are contingent upon passing a medical examination which will include a drug/alcohol screening and/or a psychological evaluation. Failure to meet all medical standards may result in withdrawal of appointment or termination, if employed prior to completion of medical examination.
When you are selected, your name is automatically removed from the eligible list for that job classification. Your name will remain on other eligible lists for the usual period.
What if I am not chosen?
Every department's objective is to hire the best person for the job, so competition is keen. If you are interviewed and not hired, your name remains on the eligible list unless it is removed for cause. If your name is removed for cause, you will be notified by mail. During your period of eligibility, your name may be removed for the following reasons: failure to appear for a scheduled interview, declining a job offer, declining the opportunity to be interviewed on three occasions, and failure to keep the Employment Division informed of address or telephone number changes. It is important to keep your address and phone number current.
If you do not receive a job during your period of list eligibility, you should wait for another announcement and reapply.