Will my application still be reviewed if I don't submit the required supplemental questionnaire?

No. If it is noted in the examination announcement that a supplemental questionnaire is required, your application will not be considered if you don't submit the questionnaire. In addition to the regular application, the questionnaire is used in the screening process to identify the best-qualified candidates from among those applicants who meet the minimum requirements to continue in the examination process.

I am a disabled person. Is there a procedure in place to accommodate persons with disabilities?

Persons with disabilities are asked to contact the Human Resource Services Department if accommodations in the examination process are needed. For additional information please read the Reasonable Accommodation page.

What is the examination & hiring process for the County of Alameda?

The examination & hiring process comprises the following phases:
The Examination

Examinations may include any combination of the following components although not limited to these:

- Application Reviews
- Review for Minimum Requirements
- Supplemental Questionnaires
- Multiple Choice/True-False Written Tests
- Situational Exercises
- In-Basket Exercises
- Writing Sample Tests
- Group Discussion Exercises
- Performance Tests
- Oral Interviews

The various components of each examination are specified in the job announcement for that examination.

The Examination Results

If you are successful in all phases of the examination process, you will receive a total examination score and your name will be placed on the eligible list for the position for which you applied.

Certification to Departments

Alameda County utilizes the "rule of the five highest scores." This means when a vacancy occurs, the department with the vacancy will interview the candidates with the five highest scores and may select one of them to fill the vacancy. The specific number of names will be determined by the number of persons, including those with tie scores, having the five highest scores. If you are one of these, you will receive a certification notice form directing you to contact the department with the vacancy for an interview. After interviewing, the candidates with the five highest scores, the department may select one of them to fill the vacancy.

Conviction Records

As part of the employment process, you are required to complete a Conviction History Form (CHF) and submit it when requested by the County of Alameda. The form can be obtained at the Human Resource Services Department, 1405 Lakeside Drive, Oakland or on the website at http://www.acgov.org/hrs/index.htm. Please do not submit the Conviction History Form with your application unless directed to do so on the job announcement.

All new County employees will be fingerprinted. A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant or employee. Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness. Any record of conviction(s) will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination if warranted.

Medical Examination

All prospective employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment. For positions that require a commercial driver's license and the performance of functions defined as "safety sensitive," Federal law and County policy require the examination include a drug screening process.

Probationary Period

New employees must satisfactorily serve at least a six-month probation period before permanent status is attained. The hiring department can advise prospective employees of the specific period of probation.

Is the written test a mandatory component of the examination process?

No. Some examinations don't require a written test. However, for most entry-level positions and for many other positions within Alameda County, a written examination is used to test the technical knowledge required to perform the job satisfactorily. Some of the areas that may be covered on the written examination are listed on each examination announcement.

If I want to prepare for an exam, how can I find test samples?

While the County does not offer sample items for examinations, there are a number of test preparation booklets published that may offer guides on general test taking. These are available at most libraries and bookstores.

How can I prepare for the oral interview?

For most County examinations an oral interview will be given. The purpose of the oral interview is to further assess your knowledge and ability as well as your education, experience, achievements, occupational goals and other job-related factors relevant to your qualifications for employment in the position for which you applied. If you have taken a written exam, the oral board will at no time know your written score.

The questions asked will cover a variety of job-related areas, so you should have your thoughts organized when you come into the interview. We offer the following suggestions for preparing yourself for the interview:.

1. You should read the examination announcement carefully to gain a clear picture of the position. If you have the opportunity, inquire about the position and its requirements by contacting the department in which the position is located.
2. Be prepared to tell the interviewer why you believe you are qualified for the position. It is up to you to fully present your qualifications as well as you can in the time available.
3. Unless requested, it is not necessary to furnish letters of recommendation or other documents relating to your proficiency or character. These types of documents are better suited for the hiring interview if you are certified to a department.
4. Be yourself. The interviewer(s) understand you may be nervous and will be left with best impression if you act naturally.
5. The interviewer(s) will form an overall picture of your suitability for the position as compared to those of the other candidates. It is on this overall comparison between candidates that your examination score will be determined./li>

How do I report a change of address?

A change of address must be reported in writing to the Alameda County Human Resource Services Department located at 1405 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California 94612-4305. On the request for a change of address, provide your name, your old address, your new address, your current phone number, and the position(s) you are applying for. Please sign and date your request.

I received a notice saying that I had failed the examination. How do I file an appeal if I believe that the County has made a mistake?

If you are disqualified in the examination process or you receive a score below qualifying and can document an irregularity in the examination process or a clerical error, you may file a written appeal with the Civil Service Commission. This must be received in our office within 10 working days of the mailing of your notice by the Human Resource Services Department. The appeal must clearly state the specific facts and reasons upon which the appeal is filed.

I heard about Preference Points. How does this work?

Those candidates receiving a passing score who have been honorably discharged from military service will be given Veterans Preference if they have presented a copy of their DD 214 for verification when filing the application or at last step of the examination (usually the interview). Additional Preference Points will be given to those candidates with a service-connected disability if they present written proof from the Veteran's Administration of current disability of 10% or more. The score received will include these additional points.

What happens if there is a tie in score?

In the case of tie scores among candidates on the eligible list, more than five names may be submitted to the appointing authority for consideration. The specific number of names will be determined by the number of persons, including those with tie scores, having the five highest scores

If I am not selected by the hiring department this time, can I still stay on the eligible list and be certified at a later date?

If you are not one of the eligibles with the five highest scores, and if you are not appointed to a position, you will generally maintain your place or move up on the eligible list as others are appointed. Then you will be certified as other positions become available. However, when a new examination is held, the old list is cancelled and all names removed.

What happens if I refuse an offer of employment?

If you are offered employment three times and refuse each time, you lose your place on an eligible list.

Will I still be considered for employment if I don't pass the medical examination?

Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of the medical examination. Failure to pass a medical examination may be cause for disqualification, or for withholding of an applicant's name from certification, or for removal of an applicant's name from the eligible list.