Q: 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 applicant’s 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.