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Human Resources

Show All Answers

1. What positions are currently available?

We have our available jobs posted on this site. To access these postings, click here.

2. Can I apply online?

Contra Costa County only accepts online applications. When viewing a job posting for a currently open examination, you can select the option that says 'Apply'. To see the list of currently open examinations, click here.

3. Can I use one online application for multiple jobs?

No. You must submit a separate online application for each recruitment.

4. What if I do not have a computer?

You may complete an on-line application at the Contra Costa Human Resources Department at 651 Pine St., 2nd Floor, Martinez, CA 94553. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. In addition, most college placement offices, job search agencies, career centers, public libraries, and some civic centers have computers and Internet access for their patrons' free use.

5. What if I don't have email?

There are several Internet Service Providers that offer free email accounts. Hotmail and Yahoo are just two of these. Through them or other companies, you can obtain a free email address that you can use to apply. However, don't forget to check your new e-mail account for correspondence from Contra Costa County.

6. What will I need to complete an application on-line?

It's important for your job applications to be complete and accurate. Make sure you have all the information you need handy before you begin the application process.

The information you will need to complete an application for employment:

Personal Information:
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Eligibility to Work in US
If under age, school work authorization
Driver’s License number and Class

Education:
Schools/Colleges Attended
Major
Degree/Diploma
Graduation Date(s)

Position Applied For Information:
Title of the job you are applying for
Hours/days available to work
When you can start work

Employment Information:
Names, addresses, phone numbers of previous employers
Supervisors’ names
Dates of employment (months and years)
Salary
Reason for Leaving

References:
List of three references - names, job titles or relationships, addresses, phone numbers

Other Documentation:
Any other documentation requested in the job announcement such as permit, license, or certificate.

7. What does it mean when an exam is “Continuous file”, “Open”, or “Promotional”?

Open examination -- Any persons qualified for the position may apply for the examination. Applications are typically accepted during a 2 to 4 week filing period.
Promotional examination -- Only qualified County employees with permanent status (successfully passed probationary period) may apply for these exams.
Continuous file -- Any persons qualified for the position may apply. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and processed on a predetermined schedule and on an as-needed basis.

8. I’ve been looking for the County to recruit for the position I want, and it never seems to be posted, while other jobs seem to be posted over and over. What determines how often a recruitment is held?

Recruitment schedules are based on a number of things including:

Availability of a current eligible list;
Number of individuals on the list who are still interested in the position;
Number of anticipated openings.

For some jobs with limited turnover and a small number of positions, recruitments will open on an as needed basis.

9. Why is it important for me to read the entire Job Announcement?

Valuable information on the announcement includes:

Salary
Position description
Examples of necessary knowledge and abilities
Minimum qualifications
Special requirements
Information about the testing process
Type of recruitment (open, promotional, or continuous)
Type of exam (written, oral, etc.)
How to submit required documents when applying on-line
Tentative final filing or cut-off dates
Supplemental instructions and questions

10. A job posting is listed as represented. What does that mean?

A represented classification is one that has an agreement between the County and a labor organization governing particular benefits. These agreements are called Memoranda of Understanding. To view these agreements, click here.

11. I saw a job announcement and think I’m qualified, but I’m not sure. What should I do?

Each job announcement lists the Minimum Qualifications and special requirements of the position. Evaluate your experience, education, and training to determine if you meet the requirements and possess the knowledge and abilities outlined for that position. If applicable, review the supplemental questions. If in doubt, submit your completed application packet and the Human Resources Department will determine whether or not you meet the requirements.

12. What does it mean when a job announcement states that upper division coursework is required?

Upper division coursework is defined as coursework that is taken at a four-year university towards a Bachelor’s degree (or higher). They are usually your “major” courses defined as “upper division” by the awarding institution.

13. Will I have to submit my college transcripts or copies of my degrees/licenses?

Each job announcement lists the Minimum Qualifications and special requirements of the position. If the Minimum Qualifications and/or special requirements list a specific type of college coursework, degree, license, certificate, etc, then applicable documentation must be submitted. In order to be qualifying, education must be from a U.S. accredited (or equivalent) institution. Acceptable forms of educational documentation are transcripts (official or unofficial), and/or a copy of your diploma/degree.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and but must list the student name, institution name, field of study, and date the degree was awarded. Copies of diplomas should indicate your name, the name of the school, a specific field of study, and date of graduation. If applicable, required documentation should be submitted with each application. Please do not send originals; copies of the required documents are acceptable. No submitted documents will be returned. For recent graduates who have not received proof of their degree yet, a letter from the registrar’s office stating that all requirements for graduation have been met and listing the field of study will be sufficient proof of graduation.

14. I submitted an application for a job and/or I’m a current employee, and I previously submitted documentation, do I need to resubmit my information?

Each application is reviewed separately. All requested documentation must be submitted with each application.

15. I am interested in applying for a job on-line and have not previously. How do I create an on-line application and apply for a job?

Once you locate a job that is currently accepting applications, click on the ‘apply now’ link in the upper right hand corner, log onto www.governmentjobs.com, and follow the on-line instructions.

16. When I open my browser to GovernmentJobs.com I get a message that says “Warning! Your browser doesn’t meet technical requirements..." Will I still be able to complete an on-line application?

According to Neogov/GovernmentJobs.com, the minimum level of Internet Explorer they support for the on-line application is IE8. However, the drag and drop feature to attach documents to the application is not supported in IE8. You have to browse to locate and upload the attachment. If you are using IE8 you will still be able to log in and complete an application.

17. I applied on-line, how do I submit additional information?

You can upload electronic copies of required documents during the on-line application process. You can also submit any additional information to [email protected] and request the documentation be attached to your application.

18. My resume includes all the information you should need. Can I just submit my resume and a cover letter to apply for a job?

No. You must submit a completed application for each position you are interested in. You may attach a resume and cover letter; however the information on the resume cannot substitute for the completed application. You must also complete and submit any additional information listed on the job announcement. This may include a Supplemental Questionnaire, work samples, or copies of licenses/degrees/transcripts. Resumes will not be considered when determining Minimum Qualifications or test scores.

19. What are the most common reasons why an applicant may get a ‘Rejection’ notice?

The applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications.

The applicant does not provide enough detail about their work experience and duties in the Work Experience section on their application. For example, if you are applying for Automotive Mechanic, just writing “10 years as mechanic at XYZ Ford” doesn’t provide enough detail about your duties. Writing “As a mechanic at XYZ Ford dealership, I performed computerized diagnostics, repaired and replaced all components of the drive train, specialized in repairing hybrid vehicles, and did trouble-shooting of difficult electrical problems.” provides enough information to assess your experience to see if it meets the Minimum Qualifications.

Required documents are not attached to the application, such as a transcript, diploma, or typing certificate. If the Job Announcement states you must attach documents to substantiate your education or certifications, your application will be rejected if you don’t.

20. I qualified for a position in the past but now I don’t qualify. How can that be?

Minimum Qualifications can change as the job duties and needs change over time. Therefore, it is possible that you could have qualified in the past for a particular exam and not for the current exam administration. In addition, your application is reviewed for these Minimum Qualifications based on what you submit on your current application. We do not refer back to previous applications and exams.

21. The job announcement refers to an “eligibility list”; what is that?

An eligible list is comprised of all the candidates that passed the Contra Costa County exam process. They are placed on the list according to their score and ranking for that particular exam. Individuals are encouraged to be on as many eligible lists as possible to maximize their employment opportunity with the County.

22. How can I change my personal information?

To change your name, address, telephone, SSN, or email address, you will need to complete a Change Request form and return it via email to [email protected]. To access a copy of this form, click here.

23. Can I waive an interview with a department?

In accordance with Contra Costa County's Personnel Management Regulations (PMR), 717.3 Waiver of Particular Certifications- An eligible may waive right to certification to any particular position or after certification may waive possible or offered appointment by written or telephone statement to the Director of Human Resources or the appointing authority giving the reason for waiver. After three (3) such waivers of certification or appointment to permanent positions in any class, the eligible's name may be removed from the employment list. Waivers made to an appointing authority must be reported by the appointing authority to the Director of Human Resources."

24. How will I be informed of the results of a hiring interview?

The hiring department will contact you with interview results either by phone or by mail.