Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I obtain information about current Job openings?
- Visit the City of Oakland Employment Opportunities page and then click on current job listings.
- View Job Announcements posted at many City offices and One-Stop Career Centers throughout the City of Oakland.
- Visit the City of Oakland Human Resources Department at 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor Suite 2352 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
2. Are applications accepted online only?
Yes. All applications for employment opportunities are accepted online only, visit our Employment Opportunities page for more information.
3. What if I need help applying online?
For technical assistance, please call NeoGov at (877) 204-4442. For all other assistance call (510) 238-3112, TTY 238-3254.
4. What if I don't have access to a computer?
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also work stations at the Department of Human Resources Management, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Work stations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
5. How will I know if my application has been submitted?
The Human Resource Department will send you a notice by e-mail informing you that your application has been submitted.
6. What should I do if I want to be notified when a job I am interested in becomes available?
You should fill out a job interest card. For the next 12 months after you submit this form, you will receive an email notification each time a position opens with City of Oakland whose category matches one of the categories you've chosen.
7. Will my application be reviewed if I don't submit the required supplemental questionnaire?
No, if it is noted in the job announcement that a supplemental questionnaire is required. Your application will not be considered if you do not submit the questionnaire. In addition to the required application, the questionnaire is used in the screening process to identify education and work experience of those candidates who have meet the minimum qualifications and who are the best qualified candidate for the position.
8. I am a disabled person, is there a procedure in place to accommodate person with disabilities?
Persons with disabilities are asked to contact the Human Resources Department if accommodations in an examination process are needed. A Human Resources Analyst will ask you to complete a form with pertinent information and what accommodation is required. A doctor's note should be attached.
9. What is the examination and hiring process for the City?
Examinations may include any combination of the following components:
- Application Reviews
- Review for Minimum Qualifications
- Supplemental Questionnaire
- Multiple Choice/True-False Written Test
- Problem Exercise/ Writing Sample Test
- Performance Test
- Oral Interview
The various components of each examination are specified in the job announcement for that examination.
10. If I want to prepare for an exam, how can I find test samples?
While the City does not offer items for examinations, there are a number of test booklets published that may offer guides on general test taking. These are available through local libraries and bookstores.
11. How can I prepare for the oral interview?
Most City examinations include an oral interview. The purpose of the oral interview is to further assess your knowledge and ability as well as your education, experience and other job-related factors relevant to your qualifications for the employment position for which you applied. The questions asked in an oral interview will cover a variety of job-related areas. Human Resources offers the following general guidelines for preparation of the oral interview:
- Review the job description for the position to become familiar with the position duties.
- Be prepared to tell the interviewer about your education, work experience and qualifications as it relates to the position you have applied for
12. How do I report a change of address?
Applicants can update their contact information at any time after logging into their NeoGov account. Current employees should fill out a change of address form and submit it to the Department of Human Resources Management 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 2352 Oakland CA, 94612.
13. I am a veteran, how do I apply for Veteran Points?
To obtain Veteran's credit you must have been HONORABLY discharged and you must submit a DD214 with each application. Disabled Veterans can obtain Veterans' credit by presenting proof of disability from the Veterans' Service with each application; there is no limit as to the date of discharge. Documentation must be received on or before the final filing date.
14. If I am not selected by the hiring department this time, can I still stay on the eligible list and be hired at a later date?
Yes. If you are not chosen for a position, you may remain on the eligible list.
15. Once I'm on an eligibility list, can I decline an interview until the right job comes along for me?
Yes, you may decline up to three (3) different times to be interviewed for a position. However, on your 3rd wavier of interest, your name will be removed from the employment list.
16. Once I'm on an eligibility list, how many interviews can I be sent on?
You can be sent on a maximum of four (4) job interviews from a particular eligibility list.
17. What if I find out about a job opening on the closing date and do not have time to complete an application and turn it in before the deadline?
All applications must be completed and submitted to Human Resources by the final filing date. There are no exceptions to this rule.
18. What if I have a criminal convictions, can I still apply for a job with the City?
A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant or employee from the hiring process. 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.
19. Can I get my score and rank on the eligible list?
Yes, you can forward a self address stamped envelop to the Human Resource Department requesting your rank and score on an eligible list.
20. How do I obtain information about benefits for the job I am applying for?
Contact the Human Resource Department Benefits Unit at (510) 238-7295, TTY 238-3254 for Medical, Dental, Insurance, Employee Wellness and Deferred Compensation information.
