How do I apply for a job that is currently open?
- You can only create ONE user account per email address. Sharing your account or email address with another person will jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply, and may result in missed employment opportunities. When you create your account, please document your email address and password as you will need this information to access your account in the future.
- Carefully read the job posting and the application form with specific attention given to the minimum requirements.
- Complete each section of the application to ensure your qualifications are fully documented. Also, remember to attach any required documents (e.g., proof of degree, certification, license). An incomplete application could cause a delay in processing your application and may result in your application not being approved.
- Submit your application form within the official application filing period advertised for each job posting.
Can I print a copy of my application?
The application process will take you through a series of steps (Job Application, Agency-Wide Questions, Supplemental Questions, Confirm Application, Certify and Submit). After completing these steps, you can print a copy of your application by clicking on the “View” application link located at the top of the page. You can also view and print your application at any time by accessing your account.
How long do I have to complete the application?
The length of time it takes to apply will depend on how much information you wish to include in your application. To expedite this process, it is recommended that you have supporting information readily available at the time you apply (e.g., work history with complete dates of employment, employer's name and address, supervisor's contact information; education history including name of school, college major, units completed and degree completed). You should also have available all the documents you are required to submit with your application. The average time to complete the online application process is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
There is a ONE-HOUR window period. You MUST SAVE your online application at least once every hour, even if you are actively entering information. If you fail to save your application, you will be timed out, and you will lose information not previously saved. Your application must be submitted prior to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on the closing date. You will NOT be able to submit even a SAVED application after 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on the closing date.
What documents will I need to submit with my application?
Please refer to the Required Documents section of the job posting for documents you are required to submit with your application. Supplemental information or other materials may be required as part of the application, as they are necessary to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying.
To be considered, you must submit all required documents at the same time you submit your application. This may be done at the time of the online submission. Follow the instructions in the ‘First Time User Guide’ on how to attach documents to your online application prior to submittal.
What information will I need to have readily available to fill out my application?
Work History
(e.g., company/agency name, address, start and end date [month/year], position title, hours worked per week, supervisor's name and title).
Education
(e.g., name of school, city and state, start and end date [month/year], college major, units completed [semester/quarter units], degree received).
Certifications/Licenses
(e.g., type, month/year issued, expiration month/year, certificate/license numbers [if applicable], issuing agency).
Can I apply with a résumé and cover letter?
Please do not submit a résumé to the Personnel Department. Résumés will NOT be accepted in lieu of an employment application.
Can I still submit an online application if I miss the deadline?
No. The date and time listed on the job posting is the deadline to apply and is the recruitment closing date. If you are in the process of applying but have not submitted your application prior to the closing time, you will not be allowed to submit your application for that position. You must click “submit” prior to the deadline in order for your application to be received.
Can I add information or documents to my application after it has been submitted?
You will not be allowed to modify your application once it has been submitted. Required documents should be attached electronically to your application. If you are unable to attach at time of application submittal, you must submit them as soon as possible via fax: (619) 533-3337; or to the Employment Information Center: City of San Diego Personnel Department, 1200 Third Avenue – Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101. Include your name and the title of the position for which you are applying. You may also contact the Personnel Department, Testing Office at (619) 236-6358, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) for additional information.
How can I check the status of my online application?
You can review the status of your application at any time by logging in to Applicant Login/Registration using the username and password you created when you established your account, and then clicking on “Application Status”. You will see a list of your online applications and the current status of each application.
Do I have to submit a separate application for each posting?
Yes. Each application is evaluated separately based on the job for which you are applying.
What are the typing requirements when a typing certificate is required?
Typing requirements, if any, are specified on the job posting. If you wish to be considered for jobs requiring the ability to type, a copy of your typing certificate indicating the ability to type at a minimum corrected speed of 30 net words per minute on a computer keyboard (some positions require 50 net words per minute) must be submitted to the Personnel Department at time of application. The certificate must be issued under International Typing Contest Rules, specify the name of the organization/agency and signature of the person administering the test, the net and gross speed, the number of errors and that the test was five (5) minutes or longer. Certificates specifying more than five (5) errors will not be accepted. Internet typing certificates or certificates specifying more than five (5) errors will NOT be accepted.