| 1.When can I file an employment application?
The County of San Luis Obispo only accepts applications for current job openings. A list of current openings is available for your review, and is also posted outside the Human Resources Department located at 1055 Monterey St., Suite D-250, San Luis Obispo. The County provides a 24-hour job line that can be reached by calling (805) 781-5958.
2. How do I find out more about a specific job?
A job announcement is created for each job opening. These announcements are available from the Human Resources Department and are posted online. These announcements include information regarding the salary, job duties, minimum qualifications required, the possible type(s) of examination(s) to be given, and the final filing date (the last day applications for that job will be accepted). Online applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the final filing date. Paper applications must be on file at the Human Resources Department no later than 5:00 pm on the final filing date. If your application is submitted or turned in after the final filing date, it will not be accepted by the Human Resources Department. You may also download an application form by following the instructions provided here.
It is important that you obtain a job announcement for each job you will apply for. You may apply for as many jobs as you choose. However, a separate application must be submitted for each. Resumes may be attached to an application, but may not be substituted for an application form.
It is recommended that applicants make a copy of their application before it is submitted. The Human Resources Department will not return originals nor make copies of any materials once it is submitted.
3. How do I determine if I qualify for the job?
The minimum qualifications for the position are listed on the job announcement. Read these requirements carefully. Minimum qualifications may include college coursework, a specific amount of experience, a license or certificate, or skills, knowledge and abilities in a specific field. You should be able to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications. If you are not sure, submit your application and the Human Resources Department will review and determine this.
The education/experience standards listed must be met as of the filing date. Possession of these requirements, however, does not assure a place on the eligible list. A candidate’s performance on the examination will be judged in comparison with the performance of other candidates.
4. How does the Human Resources Department determine if I qualify for the job?
Human Resources Department staff reviews your application and any other material required. These other materials may include a supplemental application designed for that position, a list of college classes, or a statement of qualifications. It is very important that all of your qualifications -- your education, experience (paid or volunteer), licenses, certificates, and special skills -- be submitted on the application. If all information is not provided, your application will be disqualified. Appeals of selection decisions should be directed to the Human Resources Department within five (5) business days to initiate a review.
The County of San Luis Obispo, in implementing its affirmative action plan, seeks applicants who will be considered without regard to political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. For information concerning affirmative action and employment of persons with disabilities contact the County Affirmative Action Coordinator at (805) 781-5959.
5. What kind of examination will I have to take?
The type(s) of examination(s) given are listed on the job announcement. They may consist of one, or any combination of, the following: a written, an oral, performance, bilingual skills, or rating of training and experience shown on your application. Notification will be emailed to you regarding when and where the examination will be given.
If you feel that you have physical limitations that would require special testing accommodations, please contact the Human Resources Department at (805) 781-5959 no later than the final filing date to make arrangements.
6. What happens after I take the examination?
Those applicants who pass the examination(s) are placed on an eligible list in order of overall score. Notification of examination results will be emailed to you approximately one to two weeks after the examination. If you were successful in the examination process, this notification will include your overall score, your rank and the expiration date on the eligible list. Those applicants who fail the examination will also receive notification by email. The top names on the eligible list are certified to County departments for hiring consideration. The departments schedule final selection interviews and notify candidates of the results of these interviews.
Unless you are otherwise notified, your name will remain on the eligible list for up to one (1) year.
7. What should I do if called for a selection interview?
Remember that the selection interview is your opportunity to demonstrate to the department that you are the best person for the job. The following tips may help: review the job announcement and your application in order to familiarize yourself with the position and with how your qualifications match those required of the position; conduct practice interviews with a friend (or a tape-recorder); be prompt; dress appropriately; if you have questions about the job, ask; and ask when you will be notified of the department's decision.
If you feel that you have limitations that would require special accommodations at this final interview, it is your responsibility to notify the hiring department upon receipt of your notice of certification.
8. What happens when I am hired?
If a department offers you a position, the following topics should be discussed: starting salary; orientation/physical examination appointment; and when your first day of work will be.
Appointment to a position is contingent upon passing the pre-employment medical examination, a psychological and/or background check (if required). The County of San Luis Obispo provides these examinations at no expense to you.
When you are selected for a permanent position, your name is automatically removed from the eligible list for that job classification. Your name will remain on other eligible lists for other classifications for which you may have applied.
New employees are required to complete an INS Employment Eligibility Verification form to certify citizenship or legal residence and authorization to work.
9. What if I am not selected?
Our objective is to hire the best person for the job. If you are not successful in getting a job right away, your name remains on the eligible list until the list expires. If you are not hired during the life of the eligible list, you may re-apply when a new recruitment for that position opens.
10. How do I find out if I am still on the eligible list?
You may request information regarding your status on the eligible list by contacting the Human Resources Department. Information given to you will be the status, expiration date and your rank.
To ensure you are notified of job opportunities, please keep your contact information current in your online application account. You can do this by clicking on the 'Update My Contact Info' button on the employment opportunities page ( http://www.jobaps.com/slo ).
If you've submitted a paper application, contact the department either by email or US postal mail regarding any changes to your contact information.
11. How do I find out about other positions that are not currently open?
The County of San Luis Obispo accepts applications or resumes only when a recruitment is open. If you did not see the position you are interested in on this week's job listing, you should check back each week. The job hotline number and website identify all current job opportunities.
You may also sign up to be notified when a recruitment for a specific position opens. From the job descriptions page, click on the position you're interested in and then click on the 'Email Me When a Job Opens for the Above Postion' link.
12. Can I submit a resume instead of an application?
Resumes may be added, but cannot be substituted for any portion of the official County of San Luis Obispo Human Resources application.
13. Can I fax my application to you?
Faxed applications cannot be accepted. You may submit your application online by clicking here.
14. When is my application due?
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the paper application is on file in the Human Resources Department no later than 5:00 pm on the final filing date. Online applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the final filing date. Late applications will be rejected.
The application is part of the examination process. Failure to meet all the requirements enumerated in the announcement by the final filing date is cause for rejection.
15. Can I submit a paper application?
Yes. Paper applications can be downloaded in PDF format and are located at the bottom of any online job announcement. Included in the paper application is a document cover sheet that should be used for submitting additional material (resumes, certificates, transcripts, etc). It is recommended that a cover sheet be used for each additional document. The document cover sheet is intended to be a stand-alone sheet.
All paper applications must be typed or printed clearly in INK.
In lieu of paper, we encourage all applicants to use the Online Employment Center. Establish a job application on-file and use no paper!
The application is part of the examination process. Failure to meet all the requirements enumerated in the announcement by the final filing date is cause for rejection.
16. How long will my application be kept on file?
Applications for regular recruitments either a) expire one year after the date they are submitted or b) expire with any eligibility list expiration date that they may be associated with.
Applications for Service and Maintenance or Clerical and Support positions expire six months after the date they are submitted. Once expired, applicants must reapply if they wish to be considered for future lists.
17. How can I apply online if I don't own a computer?
Don't have access to a computer? Download a list of local organizations and businesses that provide Public Internet Access. You may also come to the Human Resources office and use a computer kiosk for submitting your application online.
18. How can I copy an existing application into a new application?
Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on any position you might be interested in applying for. This will take you to the announcement page. Either scroll to the bottom of the announcement or click on the ‘Click HERE to apply’ link. At the bottom of the page, click on the ‘Apply Online’ icon.
Read the Terms of Use, and click on "I agree with the above Terms of Use". Click on the ‘I have REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY’ button. Log in using your UserID and password.
You will be given a list of all jobs for which you have previously started or completed an application.
Click on the application that you wish to use to copy into the new job application.
The new job application will be filled out using data from your selected application. You will still need to indicate locations and shifts and complete any supplemental questions for the new job. Make all other desired modifications and SEND the new application by clicking on the SEND button.
20. How to get to the job status board
There are two ways to see the current status for a specific job.
Jobs that are still open for recruitment:
Provided you have applied for the job, go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on the My Applications button. Log into your application account and find the application. To the right of the application, there will be a ‘Recruitment Status’ link that you can click on for current status information.
Closed jobs (i.e. no longer open for recruitment):
Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on the Closed Jobs Status Board button. Scroll down the page to find the recruitment you’re looking for. Click on the ‘Check Status’ link.
21. How to create an online application account
The easiest way to create an application account is by applying for a job. Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on any position you might be interested in applying for. This will take you to the announcement page. Either scroll to the bottom of the announcement or click on the ‘Click HERE to apply’ link. At the bottom of the page, click on the ‘Apply Online’ icon.
(Note: If you don’t have a specific position you want to apply for, you can still create a ‘generic’ application that can be copied from for future applications. To do this, click on the ‘Application-On-File’ link at the top of the Job Title column. )
Read the Application Instructions and at the bottom, check ‘I agree with the above terms of use.’. For a new account, click on the ‘I am a NEW USER’ button (if you already have an account, click on the ‘I have REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY’ button).
Now you can fill out your profile (name, contact information, etc). Once done, click on the ‘Submit Registration’ button and you will be placed into the application screen for the recruitment you wish to submit to.
22. How do I apply for a job?
Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on the position you are interested in applying for. This will take you to the announcement page. Either scroll to the bottom of the announcement or click on the ‘Click HERE to apply’ link. At the bottom of the page, click on the ‘Apply Online’ icon.
(Note: If you don’t have a specific position you want to apply for, you can still create a ‘generic’ application that can be copied from for future applications. To do this, click on the ‘Application-On-File’ link at the top of the Job Title column. )
Read the Application Instructions and at the bottom, check ‘I agree with the above terms of use.’. For a new account, click on the ‘I am a NEW USER’ button (if you already have an account, click on the ‘I have REGISTERED PREVIOUSLY’ button).
For a new account, fill out your profile (name, contact information, etc). Once done, click on the ‘Submit Registration’ button and you will be placed into the application screen for the recruitment you wish to submit to.
For existing registration, you will be placed into the application screen for the recruitment you wish to submit to.
23. How to change contact information
Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on the “Update My Contact Info” button. Enter your UserID and password. You will be presented with your profile and contact information.
24. How to recover a forgotten password or UserID
Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on the My Applications button. Then click on the ‘forgot your password?’ or ‘forgot your UserID?’ links. You will be prompted for identifying information and the system will email your UserID or password.
25. How to print out your application
From your application, go to the Review tab. From this screen, you can print your application by clicking on the “Print My Application” button.
Applications are designed to print best in Internet Explorer 5.5 or above or a comparable browser. If you are using a different browser, the pages may not break exactly as they will when viewed and printed by the hiring agency.
For best results: If you are using Internet Explorer, please click on File/Page Setup and then set
header: &w
footer: &bDate Printed &d Page &p of &P
Set the Margins to
left:0.25 right:0.25 bottom:0.46 top:0.4
then click OK.
If the checkmarks appear on your application when you are reviewing it on the screen, but do not appear in the printed version, you need to turn on the option for Printing Images. For Internet Explorer look under Tools/Internet Options/Advanced and then locate the option to Print Images under Printing. You must have the option for Print Images turned on to view checkmarks on your printed copy.
26. How to turn off pop-up blockers
From Internet Explorer:
Select the Tools menu. Click on Pop-up Blocker. If another box appears and you see an option to Turn Off Pop-up Blocker, click Turn Off Pop-up Blocker.
For other browsers, go to http://support.select2perform.com/105662 for further information.
27. When in my application, if I click on a tab, nothing happens
Chances are you have a pop-up blocker restricting access to the tab screens. You will need to turn off the blocker.
From Internet Explorer:
Select the Tools menu. Click on Pop-up Blocker. You will see an option to Turn Off Pop-up Blocker, click Turn Off Pop-up Blocker.
For other browsers, go to http://support.select2perform.com/105662 .
28. When will I be notified for a Clerical & Support or Service & Maintenance position interview?
Applications for Clerical & Support and Service & Maintenance positions are kept on file for six months. After that period, you may re-apply.
When a vacancy occurs, the application system matches the needs of the requesting department with the qualifications and preferences provided by applicants. Applicants who are best matched for the position are then placed on an Eligible List and contacted by the hiring department for interviews.
31. How and when can I re-apply for a Clerical & Support or Service & Maintenance position?
Applications for Clerical & Support and Service & Maintenance positions are kept on file for six months. After that period, you may re-apply.
To re-apply, log into your application account using your UserID and password. If your Clerical & Support or Service & Maintenance application has expired, you will see a ‘ReApply’ button next to the position you’ve applied for. Click on the button and a new job application will be filled out using data from your previous application. You will still need to indicate locations and shifts and complete any supplemental questions for the new job. Make all other desired modifications and SEND the new application by clicking on the SEND button.
33. What should I do if my computer is not compatible with online applications?
There are several options we can suggest such as a friend's computer, your library or a career center such as Creekside Career Center in San Luis Obispo. These locations will have workstations you can use without any fee. Another option would be internet cafes (usually a fee is applied). You may also come to the Human Resources office in San Luis Obispo and use one of our workstations for applying.
For a list of public locations for computers with internet access, click Public Internet Access.
You may also contact the Human Resources department for a paper application, though we strongly encourage you to submit your application online because of the ease of maintaining your application and making copies for future recruitments.
34. How can I submit additional information?
Additional material (resumes, certificates, transcripts, etc) may be submitted with your application by filling out a document cover sheet and delivering the documents to the Human Resources office. Document cover sheets are part of the application packet and can be downloaded from the bottom of any online job announcement. It is recommended that a cover sheet be used for each additional document.
35. Can I use my Apple computer for online applications?
Yes.
38. How do I retrieve my online application?
Go to the Current Job Openings page (www.jobaps.com/slo) and click on the My Applications button. Log into your application account and find the application. To the right of the application, there will be a ‘Recruitment Status’ link that you can click on for current status information
39. Veteran's Preference Points
Wartime veterans, disabled veterans and unremarried military widows may be entitled to points during the examination process. Veterans eligible for Veteran's Preference Points must file at the Veteran's Services Office, 801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo (at the rear entrance of the Veteran's Memorial Building) before the examination date.
40. Background Investigations
It is the policy of the County of San Luis Obispo to obtain information about candidates and employees to determine their qualities and suitability for employment with the County. Investigations are conducted to ensure the timely identification of information, criminal or otherwise, that reflects the potential for adverse job performance or a risk to the public’s safety
41. What is the new Clerical & Support Application Process?
As of October 2, 2008, the Clerical & Support application process will be updated. The most significant change in the application process is that there will no longer be a clerical skills test. The updated system requires only an application and responses to a supplemental questionnaire that will be part of the application.
42. What if I already have an application for a Clerical & Support position submitted on or before September 23, 2008?
As of October 2, 2008, the Clerical & Support application process will be updated. As a result of this update, all Clerical & Support applications will expire as of midnight, September 23, 2008 for the Clerical & Support recruitment, 0705KS-CLRCL-01.
IF YOU HAVE A CURRENT APPLICATION FOR A CLERICAL & SUPPORT POSITION, IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AFTER THIS DATE.
In order to be considered for a Clerical & Support position in the future, you will need to re-apply. To re-apply, go to http://www.jobaps.com/slo, click on the "Clerical & Support Staff Positions" recruitment, and log into your application account.
YOU MAY RE-APPLY ANYTIME ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 2, 2008.
You will not be able to electronically copy your old application to your new application. You should print out your current application for reference. Old applications will not be accessible after midnight, Friday, September 26.
The most significant change in the Clerical & Support application process is that there will no longer be a clerical skills test. The updated system requires only an application and responses to a supplemental questionnaire that will be part of the application.
If you have any questions, you can contact Human Resources at 805-781-5959 or hr@co.slo.ca.us.
43. If I took the online Clerical Skills Test before September 23, 2008, will the score still be used for determining my relative rank?
No. Scores from the Clerical Skills Test will no longer be used for ranking. The test has been removed from the Clerical & Support application process and ranking will be determined entirely from your responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
44. When I re-apply for a Clerical & Support position, can I copy my old Clerical & Support application into the new application?
No. The old and new systems are incompatible. Applications in the old system will not be accessible after midnight, Friday, Sept 26. If you plan on re-applying, you should print out your old application before Friday and use it as a reference.
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