Hiring Process

Hiring Process
A City of Gilroy application form is required for all positions, part-time or full-time. A resume may be attached to an application but will not be accepted in lieu of an application for employment. Applications are only accepted for open and posted positions. Following the application deadline, all applicants will receive an e-mail notification advising them of their status in the recruitment process. Applications received for ‘open until filled positions’ will be reviewed periodically and e-mail notifications will be sent advising status in the recruitment process.

Complete application packages are reviewed against the job requirements outlined in the job flyer and job description. The City of Gilroy screens applications for the most qualified and sometimes those who meet the minimum qualifications do not move forward in the hiring process. Incomplete application packages (those that are missing required documents, such as typing certificates) will not be considered further regardless of an applicant’s qualifications.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on the information listed on your application materials. As a result, it is very important that you fill out the application completely, even if you attach a resume. Please be thorough in describing your education, experience, job duties, professional affiliations, and volunteer experience.

Tip: If you move or change your e-mail address or telephone number, it is important to notify the Human Resources Department.

Interview Selections
Candidates who are selected to interview will be contacted by phone or e-mail. Applicants not chosen for interviews will be notified by e-mail. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

The selection process may include one or more of the following: written, oral and performance tests, as required by the job classification. Oral interviews are typically conducted by a panel consisting of City employees and representatives from outside agencies or the community.

Tip: To prepare for the testing process, it is helpful to review the job announcement and job description and to identify job responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the position. You should also conduct a self assessment of the related competencies you specifically possess which are transferable to the position for which you are interviewing.

Tip: You might also find that gathering information about the Division, Department and City is helpful.

Eligibility Lists
After the interviews are completed, and based on your placement on the eligibility list, you will be contacted either by phone or e-mail as to your status. Applicants participating in the selection process shall be ranked on an Eligible List in categories of "Outstanding", "Satisfactory", or "Unsatisfactory". All applicants, including those failing the selection process, shall be notified of their status. Those placed in either the "Outstanding" or "Satisfactory" categories will be placed on the Eligible List, but will not be listed by rank. "Outstanding" band applicants will be considered first when determining the next step in the recruitment process. All eligible lists shall remain in force for one (1) year, unless exhausted, abolished, or extended before that time. If you are not recommended for a second round interview, you will be notified by Human Resources.

The entire Eligible List and all qualified application materials are made available to hiring departments as openings occur. An appointment can be made from anywhere on the employment list, which allows hiring departments flexibility to appoint any candidate from the list who is deemed most appropriate and suitable for the current position.

Background Process
All finalists selected for positions undergo some level of background screening. All applicants undergo a criminal records history check (fingerprinting), educational verification, and reference check process. Safety sensitive positions undergo a more thorough background investigation which may include a polygraph and psychological examination.

Job Offers
A Human Resources representative usually contacts finalists to make a conditional job offer, which is contingent upon successfully passing a post-offer medical exam and may include a drug screen. Finalists are encouraged to not provide resignation notice to current employers until they receive notification that all conditions of the job offer have been successfully satisfied.

If you have any questions regarding the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (408) 846-0228.

ADA/Reasonable Accommodation
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): If you are a qualified individual with a disability as defined by the ADA and you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the tests, you must notify the Human Resources Department by the final filing date for the specific job. Official documentation of your functional limitations to support your request may be required.

Thank you again for your interest in employment with the City of Gilroy. We look forward to meeting you.