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Human Resources - Employment

Show All Answers

1. What is CityCareers and how secure is it?

CityCareers is the name for the City of San José’s recruitment and job application system. CityCareers is a cloud-based talent management system that uses Oracle Taleo Cloud Service to meet most of the City’s recruitment needs, including job postings, job application, applicant screening, and applicant hiring.

Oracle Taleo Recruiting is used by hundreds of companies throughout the world. It contains state-of-the-art technology to ensure that users can only access their own information. To further support security, you may be prompted to change your password every 365 days. Please remember to keep your password confidential.

2. How do I view open jobs?

To see a listing of current open-competitive job postings, click on the link below. Once you are on the Career Section page, you can use a job number or a key word to navigate through all open jobs within our organization. Also you can search jobs by selecting relevant criteria in the drop down menu of the “Job Field” and “Organization”. You may also search for a job by using Basic or Advanced search tab. Click on the posting title hyperlink to see a detailed description.

List of Open-Competitive Job Postings

3. Are all open positions at the City of San José posted on the website?

Yes, all classified open positions are posted. Unclassified open positions such as executive recruitments may not always be posted on the City of San José website.

Please note that “internal-only” positions, which are only available to current City of San José employees, can be viewed if you click on the link for Internal Recruitments, but you will be unable to log in and apply unless you are a current City of San José employee.

4. How do I register and apply for a job at the City?

Prospective Employees: If you are not currently employed by the City of San José, please follow this simple three-step process to register and apply for jobs:

• Step 1. Create your account

Click the Sign In link on the right side of the recruiting home page. On the Login page, you can create your own login account (user name and password) by clicking the New User button. Once you have successfully created your user account, you will have a unique login with which you can proceed to step 2 of this process.

If you already have an account, enter your unique login information when you click the Sign In link on the right side of the recruiting home page to begin your search for opportunities. Proceed to step 3.

• Step 2. Create your CityCareers recruiting candidate profile

Once you login, you can create your candidate profile where you will be able to provide your personal information, education, and employment history. There are three options for entering education and employment history.

• Option 1. Click on the LinkedIn logo to enter your LinkedIn profile. Review for correctness before continuing. Please note that the LinkedIn profile feature is only a convenient tool for your application process and it’s your responsibility to check the completeness of your resume before final submission.

• Option 2. Upload a resume; if you select the option of resume parsing, the system will “parse” data from your resume into the education and employment history fields. For best results parsing from your resume, use a simple file format with a common font such as Arial or Times New Roman; tables, graphics and advanced formatting and styles may interrupt the parsing process. The simpler the file, the better the parsing feature will work, and the more information will load into the Job History. Please note that resume parsing feature is only a convenient tool for your application process and it’s your responsibility to check the completeness of your resume before final submission.

• Option 3. Enter data into the education and employment history fields manually.
Please note that Options 1 and 2 are only available when you first create your profile. If you continue without loading your LinkedIn profile or a resume, you can only add or edit education and employment history manually.

Once you have successfully created your candidate profile you will be able to apply for jobs.

• Step 3. Apply for jobs

You can search and apply for jobs from the recruiting home page. You can gain access to this page by using your login account after you have successfully completed steps 1 and 2. You can search for jobs using the search criteria provided. Click the job title to review more details regarding the position. Click the Apply Online button to complete your application process. If you have not already registered, you will be asked to do so. Be sure to review your application on the review page for correctness before you submit your application.

Current City of San José Employees: Please see the next question.

Prospective Employee Reference Guide

5. How do I apply for open jobs that are available only to City employees?

If you are currently employed by the City, you are required to access internal-only jobs by signing in via the “Internal Recruitments” link on the Employment web page; current employees can reference the Current Employee Reference Guide for information regarding the login process. Jobs that are open-competitive can be viewed on this page without signing in.

Please be aware that some current City of San José employees may not be qualified to apply for internal-only positions. In order to qualify, you must be a permanent City of San José employee, meeting the criteria below. If you have questions about your eligibility for internal-only positions, contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 535-1285.

• “Permanent” means full-time or part-time benefited employees who have passed their initial probation (i.e. candidates who have passed probation in any class may apply for an internal recruitment while they are on probation for a promotion or lateral transfer). Part-time unbenefited employees who have worked at least 1040 hours will be considered internal candidates.

• Employees in the unclassified service that have six months of service are considered internal candidates with the exception of Temporary Unclassified, Rehired Retirees, and (Graduate) Student Interns.

• For internal promotional recruitments, candidates must be current employees at the time of selection for the position (i.e., an internal candidate cannot separate from City service during the course of an internal recruitment and still be considered an “internal” candidate). If the recruitment is later posted externally (meaning open to all candidates and not just current City of San José employees), candidates who separated are welcome to reapply at that time.

• Temporary Classified employees must have six months of service with the City of San José to apply for internal promotional recruitments.

Internal Recruitments Web Page

6. Are there any instructions for applying to jobs or setting up my User Account?

For step-by step instructions regarding how to apply for jobs in CityCareers, please see the Prospective Employee Reference Guide or Current Employee Reference Guide linked from the Employment web page.

Employment Web Page

7. What if I have forgotten my User Name or Password?

Please go to the City of San José Career Section login page and click on the “Forgot your user name” or “Forgot your password” link. You will be prompted to enter either your email address or your user name. Your password will be emailed to you. Please note that you will be requested to change your password every 365 days.

8. How do I change my contact information?

You can update your contact information by clicking on “Access My Profile” link on the Career Section page. If you have a change in contact information while you are in the selection process, it is also recommended that you contact the Human Resources Department so we can notify the hiring department immediately.

9. Who can I contact for help with my online application?

If you have questions or encounter any difficulties completing your online application, please email Human Resources at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 535-1285 during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST) Monday through Friday.

10. Will my information be kept private?

Your information is treated confidentially and will not be shared with anyone. We use the information provided for the sole purpose of determining qualifications for employment. Only authorized Human Resources and hiring personnel have access to your information.

11. What if I don’t have an email address?

Having a valid email address allows the Human Resources Department to send you notifications, new positions of interest, and correspondence from hiring departments and/or managers. It will also allow you to receive timely notification when new jobs are posted.

Various organizations provide email accounts free of charge. Visit www.yahoo.com, www.hotmail.com, www.gmail.com, or your internet service provider for more details. The City of San José is not affiliated with these sites nor does the City of San José guarantee their service.

12. Can I apply without selecting a job?

No. The City of San José only accepts applications for posted job openings.

13. Do I need to apply for each position I am interested in?

Yes. In order to be considered for a position at the City, you should apply for each job you are interested in.

14. Is there a time limit for my session when applying?

The default session limit is set to 60 minutes (1 hour), but the draft will be saved each time you move forward into another step in the application. If a step in the application is taking longer due to volume of data entry, you may wish to “Save as Draft” periodically to be safe.

15. Are all sections of the application required?

Yes. Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. Likewise, it is your responsibility to be sure that your online application reflects your work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position(s) you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately screened. (Note: You must enter your Application Information during the online application process if you want your Information to be considered during the selection process. Include any relevant Work Experience, Educational History, Job Training, Licenses and Certificates and Languages. If you do not enter your Application Information, your application may be screened out. Attaching a resume alone is not sufficient.)

16. What do I list as my Regional Location in my application?

Regional Location is the closest major city to your location on the provided list.

17. How do I add my school and major and what do I do if I cannot locate my school or major in the system?

If you are unable to find your school or major in the education look up list, you can manually type the name of the school you attended in the “School” field. To enter more than one school or degree program, click “Add Education”. A new section including blank fields will appear to enter.

18. My license or certification is not listed in the application. Where do I list my certification?

If the job requires a specific license or certification, it will be listed as a job specific question for candidates to answer as part of the application process. If you wish to include additional licenses and/or certifications, please include them in your resume.

19. As a current City employee, must I include all my employment information, including my current job duties?

Yes. Employees’ applications are evaluated based on the information provided on their applications. Omission of current position and/or duties may result in the rejection of your application. (Note: You must enter your Application Information during the online application process if you want your information to be considered during the selection process. Include any relevant Work Experience, Educational History, Job Training, Licenses and Certificates and Languages. If you do not enter your Application Information, your application may be screened out. Attaching a resume alone is not sufficient.)

20. Do I have to submit a resume?

No, the City’s review is primarily based on the education and employment history sections of the application. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately processed during our screening process.

21. How do I submit attachments such as a resume, cover letter or reference letter?

In the “File Attachments” section of your application workflow, be sure to upload and name any attachments that you wish to include in the consideration of your application. This is also where you will attach certification documentation. You are limited to 10 file attachments. Please indicate:
• Whether the file is relevant to your application
• Whether it is a resume
• Any comments you have regarding the file.

22. When I click on the hyperlink of an attachment that I loaded such as my cover letter or resume why does it not open?

You may have your pop-up blocker on. Try holding down the SHIFT key while you click on the hyperlink.

23. When applying online, what is the difference between "Save as Draft" and "Submit"?

The "Save as Draft" can be done many times to save a draft of your work, but "Submit” means that application is submitted. You will have a chance to review your application before submission, and you can also edit your submission as long as the application period is still open.

24. How will I know that my job application has been accepted?

If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. If you do not receive the confirmation, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. Another way to confirm that your application was accepted is to log in to your CityCareers account through the “Sign In” link on the top right side of the Career Section portal, click the “My Jobpage” tab, and verify your submission was completed under the “Completed Submissions” heading.

25. I made an error in my application. Can I go back and fix it?

If the posting is still active, you can access your submission by logging in to your CityCareers account through the “Sign In” link on the top right side of the Career Section portal. Click the “My Jobpage” tab, then your completed, draft, or withdrawn submissions are listed for your view or edit. Click the “View/Edit Submission” link for the job application you want to correct your error.

As long as the posting is still active, you can click the “Edit” button in your application, and update. Please note that for ongoing (posted until filled) recruitments, you will need to contact the representative listed in the Posting to let the person know that you have updated your application.

26. I had saved a draft of my application. How do I locate my saved draft?

To find saved drafts of applications, log in to your CityCareers account through the “Sign In” link on the top right side of the Career Section portal, click the “My Jobpage” tab, and find the job title under the “Draft Submissions” heading. To continue editing, you must first confirm that the Job Status in the posting is still “Active” and “Posted,” and then click the ”Finish Draft Submission” link at the bottom of the requisition title to continue your application process.

27. Will I be contacted by the City of San José once I have applied for a position?

Once you apply for an open position, you will receive an email that your application has been submitted. The City of San José will attempt to send notifications to every candidate regarding the status of their applications. However certain jobs such as extremely high volume of applications or ongoing job posting may only send notifications to who are moving on in the selection process. If you have questions regarding the status of your application, please contact the person listed in the job announcement or Human Resources Department at (408) 535-1285 during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST) Monday through Friday.

28. How can I see what jobs I’ve applied for?

You can see which position(s) you have applied for by logging in to your CityCareers account through the “Sign In” link on the top right side of the Career Section portal. Click the “My Jobpage” tab to verify the positions for which you have applied under the “My Submissions” heading.

29. How often are positions posted at the City of San José?

New job postings are typically posted on Mondays. However, you should check the job listing site regularly to stay informed about the City of San José’s current job opportunities.