Assessments and Interviews


Assessments are used to help find the right candidate for the job and can include application reviews, interviews, skill tests, or physical agility tests. These evaluations narrow down the pool of applicants, as not everyone can be interviewed. Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers who rate candidates, and successful candidates are placed on an eligibility list for future job openings. To improve your chances, prepare by researching the department, dressing appropriately, and practicing common interview questions. 

Assessments and Interviews

Assessments, or exams, are tools that impartially evaluate candidate applications. Assessments are designed to rank candidates, this can be in the form of an application review, phone interview, panel interview, online skill test, or even physical agility test. Some recruitments will include multiple assessments.

Although we would like to interview every applicant, we may not have the time and resources to do so. Assessments narrow down the list of applications. Sometimes, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications won't have an opportunity to interview, this is why a thorough and complete application is so important!

Panel interviews are question and answer format with a panel of interviewers. Typically a panel consists of 3-5 individuals within or outside the County who are familiar with the position we are recruiting for.  Candidates are rated on their performance during the panel interview. Candidates who are successful will be placed on an eligibility list, which can be used by all County departments.

  1. Research the County Department you are interviewing for and plan to speak to the information you’ve learned during the interview. 
  1. Dress in an appropriate manner for the job; plan what you will wear the night before. When in doubt, business appropriate attire is recommended. 
  1. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled interview time. 
  1. Thoroughly review the job posting and job description. Turn off your cell phone prior to going into the interview. 
  1. Try to relax and bring your authentic self. 
  1. Listen carefully and take notes if there are multiple parts to the question. It’s perfectly fine to ask the panel to repeat the question if necessary. 
  1. Give specific examples when answering interview questions. 
  1. Practice answers to common interview questions ahead of time. Pro Tip: If possible, practice with a friend or family member and ask for input on your responses. 
  1. Prepare questions you would like to ask. 
  1. Always treat your panel with professionalism and respect. 
  1. Be honest, but don’t be afraid to sell yourself. This is your opportunity to talk about yourself and help the interview panel see how you can fit into the position.

What is an Eligibility List?

  • An eligibility list is a list of qualified candidates that hiring managers use to fill their vacant positions.  If you are placed on an Eligibility List, that means that you are “eligible” to interview for any vacant positions  

Who has access to the Eligibility List? 

  • Any County department who has a vacancy in the classification for which the eligibility list was created and requests to view candidates who have been placed on the eligibility list.

Are all candidates on an eligbility list referred to the hiring department?

  • Per Civil Service Rules 9  + 1 ranks for each vacancy that exists are referred to a hiring department.  This means that if a department has 1 vacancy, 10 ranks are referred, 11 ranks are referred for 2 vacancies, 12 ranks for 3 vacancies, and so forth.  If there are tied ranks on the list, there may be several candidates for each rank.  Candidates placed on the eligibility list are not guaranteed contact from the hiring department.

How long does an eligibility list remain active?

  • Eligibility lists typically remain active for 6 months, however can be extended up to 1 year at the request of a hiring department.

What does my ranking mean? 

  • Candidates are ranked based on their overall score in the exam process for the recruitment.  They are placed in rank order beginning with the candidate who holds the highest score.  Their ranking reflects their position on the list.  Please note that ranking on the eligibility list is indicative of relative, rather than actual placement, since more than one person can have the same score.  Candidate ranking on eligibility lists resulting from continuous recruitments can change as candidates complete recruitment exams and are added to the list.  Candidates are typically considered in order, beginning with the first rank, for vacancies that exist.

Once the list of eligible candidates has been established through our meritorious recruitment process, the hiring department will conduct interviews and make a hiring selection. The department organizes the interviews and includes interview elements depending on the type of position. Some departments will have multiple rounds of interviews, ask candidates to prepare a presentation, or even offer a ride-a-long. Candidates will remain on the eligible list for 6 months or more, and may have opportunities to be interviewed by the same or other hiring departments when vacancies become available.