When can I file for employment?
Applications are accepted for positions that are in the open recruitment process. Current job openings are available on the City's web site and on the City's 24-hour Job Hotline (760) 435-3505. Online applications for open positions can be found on our web site. A computer application center is located in Human Resources, 2nd floor, City Hall South, 300B North Coast Highway, Oceanside, California. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 4:00 on Friday. Applications and all required supplements must be received by the filing deadline posted on the job announcement. Postmarks do not satisfy the deadline requirement.
I was told a job would be opening soon. Can I turn in an application for that position?
No. Applications are accepted for current openings ONLY.
If the position I am interested in is not open for recruitment, can you keep my name on file?
Yes. The Human Resources Department maintains a file of "Job Interest Cards" which are used to notify interested persons when a specific job opens for application filing. The cards are available at the Human Resources Department counter. If a recruitment opens for your position of interest within one year, you will be notified by mail. At that time, you may file an application for the position. A book of all City job descriptions is kept in the lobby of the Human Resources Department.
Where can I get details about the position, such as duties, requirements, salary, and the examinations to be used in the testing process?
This information is listed on the job announcement for each recruitment. Job announcements for open recruitments are available in the Human Resources Department or via the website. The announcement will list the closing date for each recruitment.
Can I send a resume?
Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application packet. In other words, you must complete an application and you may attach a resume to your packet. Please do not send a resume alone as your application will be denied.
What is a supplemental questionnaire?
A supplemental questionnaire is a series of questions used as the primary tool in evaluating your qualifications for a specific position. The supplemental questionnaire needs to be completed in full and each question answered in sufficient detail so that we can understand and evaluate your qualifying experience and accomplishments. To see if your job application requires a supplemental questionnaire please click on "Current Job Openings" and the box will be marked if applicable.
How do I qualify for the job?
The minimum requirements are listed in the Job Announcement. Read the requirements carefully. A position may require college, a specific type of experience, number of years of experience, a license or certificate, or simply skill, knowledge and ability in specific fields. You should be able to determine if you meet the qualifications. Your application will be reviewed by the Human Resources staff for completeness and fulfillment of the requirements. Include pertinent information about your qualifications, such as your education, experience (volunteer or paid), licenses, certificates and special skills on your application. Emphasize those areas which meet the specific requirements of the job.
How long does this process take?
In most cases, you should receive initial contact by mail from the Human Resources Department within 2 weeks following the application deadline for the recruitment. If your application is accepted, the notice will inform you when and where the first examination will take place. If your application is declined, you will be notified by mail. All properly completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process, which could include a written and/or oral examination to assess job-related experience. If more than one test is involved, there will usually be about one to three weeks between each examination in order to notify all candidates of their status. You should receive notification of your final standing in the recruitment within two weeks of the last test in the process.
What happens after I take the examination(s)?
You will be notified of your score and placed on an Eligibility List if you pass all phases of the testing. You will also receive a notice if you are not successful in the examination process. When vacancies for the position occur, names from the Eligibility List are referred to the hiring City department, starting with the highest score on the eligibility list. The Human Resources department schedules applicants for selection interviews. The hiring department then conducts interviews and determines which candidate they would like to hire for the available position. The Eligibility List is valid for a minimum of three months.
What should I do if I am called for an interview?
If you are called for an interview by a department, there are some things you should do. Remain calm, be prompt and dress appropriately. You may also want to review the job announcement to prepare yourself for the interview. Remember, the interview is the time to show the hiring department that you are the best person for the job!
Will I be told on the day of my interview if I have the job?
No. Once the department has interviewed the candidates, a Human Resources Representative will contact each person by phone or mail.
What if I am selected?
The Human Resources Department will send an offer of employment letter along with documents to be completed and returned to Human Resources. You will also be scheduled for a physical examination and a fingerprinting appointment. Candidates are notified once the City receives results. This job offer is contingent on successful completion of the pre-employment conditions with no limitations relating to the job requirements. Remember! The sooner you complete your inprocessing requirements after receiving your offer letter, the sooner you can start working.
What if I am not selected?
The Eligibility List is valid for a minimum of three months. Please keep us informed of any change in your address or phone number during that time. If your circumstances change and you are no longer interested in being considered for a position, please notify us, and your name will be removed from the Eligibility List.
We do appreciate your interest in employment with the City of Oceanside and wish you success in your future endeavors.
What is Veteran Credit?
Veterans honorably discharged from military service not more than ten years prior to application and who served at least one-hundred-eighty days active duty during time of war shall be entitled to an additional credit of five points to be added to their final examination scores in determining their standing on a nonpromotional Eligibility List, subject to the following conditions:
- Veterans' credit shall be available only for the first employment with the City.
- "Veteran" as used herein is defined as any person who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, or Army or Navy Nurse Corps in time of war and received an honorable discharge, release, or certificate of honorable active service. Proof of such service must be presented prior to establishing the eligible list.
- Veterans' credit shall be added to final examination scores of veterans who have attained a passing grade in the examination without the addition of such credit.
