Alameda County’s Hiring Process

Finding a job in the public sector is different from the private sector. Here’s a breakdown of how the process works in Alameda County:

Merit-Based Recruitment Process

Alameda County's hiring process, like most government recruitment processes, is based on merit. We promote a fair hiring process and give applicants an equal opportunity.

Step 1 – Search for a job opening and apply for a position.

For all job openings, you are required to submit an application to participate in a civil service examination. You will be rated on your qualifications and on your performance in the examination process. If successful, you will be placed on an eligible list for hire.

Step 2 – Participate in the examination process.

Your application will be assessed and evaluated. First, we determine if you meet the minimum experience and education requirements for the position. If yes, your application and other materials submitted for the position will be evaluated to determine if you are among the “best qualified” for the position. All successful applicants will then advance to the examination process.

The type of examinations you may participate in depends on the job requirements. The examination may include one or more of the following components:

· A written test,

· A panel interview, or

· A physical ability assessment.

You will be assessed on factors such as your experience, education, skills, and character. The most common exams are panel interviews, led by subject matter experts, where the questions further assess your qualifications for the position.

Applicants that score the highest on each exam component proceed to the next step until an eligible list of qualified candidates is established.

What is my examination score?

You will be placed on the eligible list in rank order based on your score in the examination process. The list is provided to the hiring department for their selection when a vacancy occurs.

All examination results are communicated to candidates via email. Qualified candidates typically remain on the eligible list for one year.

Rule of the Five Highest Scores:

Alameda County follows the "rule of the five highest scores" for vacancies. This means that the department interviews all candidates with the five highest scores from the list and selects one for the position.

Step 3 – Participate in a departmental interview.

If your ranking is in the five highest scores, you will be notified how to schedule a departmental interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a panel made up of the hiring manager and a couple of other people to further assess your qualifications and provide you more specific information about the position.