FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQ: When does the county accept applications?
A: We only accept applications for specific positions that are
currently open, and only until 5:00 p.m. on the closing date of a position. Please DO NOT turn in an application unless it is
for a specific, open position, because we will not keep it.
Q: If I have already applied for a position with the
county and would like to be considered for a different one, do I need to fill out another
application?
A: Yes. Applications are filed according to the position, you must
fill out a separate application for each position that is advertised.
Q: Where can I pick up an application?
A: You may pick up an application packet, consisting of a job
announcement, job description and application, at our office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday. The Personnel Department is located in the Administrative
Services office on the third floor of the County Administration building, located at 207
Forth Avenue North, Kelso, Washington 98626 (See Directions).
Q: Can I have an application sent to me if I live out of
the area?
A: Yes. You may call the Personnel Department at (360) 577-3065,
TDD (360) 577-3061 or email us, to
request an application packet to be mailed or faxed to you.
Q: Where do I return my completed application packet?
A: You may return your application to the Personnel Department
(see above) or you may mail it to the same address or fax it to (360) 423-9987.
Q: Do I need to attach a resume with my application if it
is not specified in the position announcement?
A: No. We do not require that a resume accompany an application
unless it is directly stated in the position announcement. However, feel free to include a
resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, or copies of awards, certifications, etc.
Q: How long are applications kept on file?
A: Applications are kept on file for three years after the
closing date, which is the day that applications are no longer accepted for that position.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, there is no application fee.
Q: Does the county require any kinds of testing as part
of the application process?
A: Depending on the position, applicants may be required to
complete and pass one or more tests to be eligible for a position. It is the
applicants responsibility to show up on time and prepared for testing. The only
notification we will give for a test is included within the job announcement for each
position, describing the type of tests, if any, that are required for that position. The
date, time, and location of the test also will be provided.
Q: When/how will I be notified of my test results?
A: Typically, test scores are calculated within a week after all
testing for that position has been completed. After this occurs, a letter providing the
test scores will be sent immediately to the test-taker. It is our desire that the
applicant will receive his/her test results within two weeks of taking the exam.
Q: If I have already taken the same test and passed, do I
have to re-take it?
A: If you have previously received a passing score on a specific
test (whether it was for the same position or not), you do not need to retake it. If you
have received a passing score, simply indicate this on your application by writing
"Please use previous scores" somewhere along the top of the application. HOWEVER, if for some reason the tests are
revised, all applicants will be required to take the test. If this occurs, it will be
noted in the job announcement.
Q: How soon will I be contacted for an interview or
notified that the position has been filled?
A: After the closing date, all applications are sent to the
specific department where the position is located. At that point, the department head or
supervisor will review all applications then decide who he/she would like to call for an
interview. Depending on the circumstances, this will typically occur within two weeks of
the closing date. Once interviews have been conducted and an applicant has been selected
for employment, letters will be sent to the remaining applicants, notifying them that the
position has been filled. While it is the desire of all department heads that applicants
are notified as soon as possible after the closing date, sometimes circumstances delay the
interviewing and hiring process.