Employment Office
609 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-5593
e-mail us

F.A.Q'S

Where is the Employment Office located?

The Sacramento County Employment Office is located at 609 9^th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. We are at the corner of 9^th and F Streets downtown. 

What are your office hours?
The Employment Office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding observed holidays.

Is there parking at the Employment Office?
Metered parking or parking in the County garage (entrance located on G Street before 7^th street) are your options for parking. The meters only take quarters and there is a fee to park in the County garage.

What kinds of jobs are available with the County of Sacramento?
The County has over 14,000 employees working in over 900 job classes. Employees work in locations all over the County. There are jobs in every major professional group and in all trades. Therefore, the minimum qualifications for positions vary from “not requiring any education and experience” to “requiring a Master’s degree with State licensure.”

Do I get extra points if I am a veteran?
Yes. The County of Sacramento gives veterans preference points in open recruitments. You will receive 5 points for being a veteran, and 10 points if you are a disabled veteran.  In order to receive these points, you must have served in the US military during war time or conflict and your discharge must be classified as “honorable.” Additionally, you must provide a copy of your DD214 and, if applicable, a copy of your disability award letter.  Please attach a copy of the appropriate paperwork to each application.

What does it mean when an exam is “continuous file”, “open”, or “promotional”?

• Open examination – Any persons qualified for the position may apply for the examination. Applications are typically accepted during a 2 to 4 week filing period.

• Promotional examination - Only qualified County employees with permanent status (has successfully passed the probationary period) may apply for these exams.

• Continuous file – Any persons qualified for the position may apply.  Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and processed on a predetermined schedule and on an as-needed basis.

I’ve been waiting for the County to recruit for the position I want, and it never seems to be posted, while other jobs seem to be posted over and over. What determines how often a recruitment is held?

Recruitment schedules are based on a number of things including:

•   availability of a current eligibility list;
•   number of individuals on the list who are still interested in the position;
•   number of anticipated openings;
•   total number of positions with the same title as the position for which you are applying.

For some jobs with limited turnover and a small number of positions, recruitment every three years or as needed may be sufficient. For others, recruitment every six months or more may be necessary.

Is there a way to know when a job opens so I don’t have to keep checking back?
To be automatically e-mailed when a position opens, click on the link “Class Specs” on the left hand side of the Employment Office Home Page.  Once you find the class you are interested in, click on the class title.  There will be a link on the right hand side of the page that reads “Email me when this position opens.”  You can provide your personal information and our system will automatically generate an email when the position you are interested in opens for applications. In order to use this function, you will need to have or obtain a personal email account.  You can sign up for free e-mail at services like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, or Excite.  It only takes a few minutes to register.  

How do I get information about job openings?
All current job openings are listed on this web site. Click on the link labeled "Job Opportunities and Apply Online." The next web page shows the classes currently accepting applications, the final filing date and the salary. Click on any job title to view the job announcement for that particular job. The job announcement will include in depth information about the position, including essential functions, knowledge and skills used in the position, and required education and experience. From this page you may either print the job announcement or apply online for that position.

You may also call our 24-hour job line at 916-874-5627. The job line lists all jobs currently accepting applications, including final filing date. Detailed information about the position is NOT included on the job line.  All job announcements are posted in the Employment Office at 609 9^th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. If you would like a job announcement for a particular position, you may download it from this web site or stop by the Employment Office.  

 Why is it important for me to read the entire job announcement?

Valuable information on the announcement includes:

• Salary
• Position description
• Examples of knowledge and abilities
• Minimum qualifications
• Special requirements
• Information about the testing process including
  • Type of recruitment (open, promotional, or continuous)
  • Type of exam (written, oral, etc.)
• Tentative test date
• Resume information

• How to apply
• How to submit required documents when applying on-line
• Tentative final filing or cut-off dates
• Supplemental instructions and questions.
• Appeal rights:  When online, appeal rights are listed under the “benefits” tab.  When applying offline, applicants are directed to the County brochure titled “Sacramento County Employment Benefits You” for their appeal rights.

I saw a job announcement and think I’m qualified, but I’m not sure. What should I do?

Each job announcement lists the minimum qualifications and special requirements of the position.  Evaluate your experience, education, and training to determine if you meet the requirements and posses the knowledge and abilities outlined for that position.  If applicable, review the supplemental questions. If in doubt, submit your completed application packet and the Employment Office will determine whether or not you meet the requirements.

What does it mean when a job announcement states that upper division coursework is required? 
Upper division coursework is defined as coursework that is taken at a four-year university towards a Bachelor’s degree (or higher).  They are usually your “major” courses taken in your Junior and Senior year.

Will I have to submit my college transcripts or copies of my degrees/licenses?
Each job announcement lists the minimum qualifications and special requirements of the position. If the minimum qualifications and/or special requirements list a specific type of college coursework, degree, license, certificate, etc, then applicable documentation must be submitted. We accept unofficial transcripts.  Your degree should indicate your name, the name of the school, a specific field of study and date of graduation. If applicable, required documentation should be submitted with each application.  Please do not send originals; copies of the required documents are acceptable.

Is volunteer experience or part time qualifying?
Experience required in the minimum qualifications means full time paid experience unless the announcement states otherwise.  Part time experience will be prorated accordingly. 

I applied on-line, how do I submit additional information?

You can submit all additional and/or required documentation by fax (916-874-7351), mail, or in person at the Employment Office, 609 9^th St., Sacramento CA 95814.  These documents should be submitted by the final filing or cut-off date.  The title of the position you are applying for, your name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, and your phone number should be indicated on each page.  Please make sure all copies are legible (especially faxes).

May I fill out one application and leave the “Job Title Applying For” section blank and have you put me in all the jobs I qualify for?
No.  While there is no limit to the number of positions for which you may apply, you must identify the exact job title on the application. Sacramento County does accept photocopied applications; however, different job titles, original signatures and current dates are required.

If I want to apply for more than one position do I have to file more than one application?
Yes.  You must submit a separate job application for each position. Once application materials are received, they become the property of the County of Sacramento and are not returned. You should keep a copy of any application you have submitted. Remember, an original signature is required on each application.

However, if you apply online, you can create an account which allows you to create and save your application, eliminating the need to complete a hard copy paper application for each recruitment.  An online application allows you simply log into your account, type in the new job title you are interested in and update your application (i.e., experience, education, etc) if applicable and submit.

I applied for a position that indicates level (i.e. Office Assistant Lv. I/II), do I have to submit a separate application for each level?
No.  With positions that indicate levels, there is only one exam associated with that position, so only one application needs to be submitted.  Your application is reviewed at Level I for minimum qualifications.  Once you get on the eligible list for hire, the appointing authority may bring you in at Level II provided you meet the minimum qualifications for that level.

How is applying for a levels position different from a position like Administrative Services Officer I (ASO I), Administrative Services Officer II (ASO II), or Administrative Services Officer III (ASO III)?
The Administrative Services Officer positions will be announced separately and there will be a different exam given for each. If you only applied for ASO I, your application will not be considered for ASO II and III if they are all open for recruitment.  You must submit a separate application for each position.  There are separate eligible lists for hire that will be established for each position.

I filled out an application for a position with the County a couple of months ago. Can I get a copy of that one from you and change the job title for the new recruitment?
No. The Employment Office does not provide copies of previously submitted applications or attached materials. We recommend that you keep a copy of the material you submit for future reference. Applications and attached materials are not available for photocopying.

My resume includes all the information you should need. Can I just submit my resume and a cover letter to apply for a job?
No.  You must submit a completed County of Sacramento Employment Application for each position you are interested in. You may attach a resume and cover letter; however the information on the resume cannot substitute for the completed application. You must also complete and submit any additional information listed on the job announcement. This may include a Supplemental Questionnaire, work samples, or copies of licenses/degrees/transcripts.

What is the purpose of the supplemental questionnaire?
A supplemental questionnaire consists of questions related to the experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the job.  For formula rate exams, this is your test.  Please answer each question completely and concisely.  Supplemental questionnaire instructions are outlined in the job announcement.

Do I have to sign the County application?
Your signature verifies that the materials submitted are true/accurate to the best of your knowledge.  Once signed and submitted, your application packet becomes a legal document. 

Once a completed application is submitted on-line, then that is considered your electronic signature.

If you do not want us to contact your present or previous employers, then you should still sign the bottom of the application but indicate not to contact them in each work experience box you complete.

If I don’t want to submit an application online, what do I do with my hard copy application?
While we encourage you to apply online, we also accept hard copy applications.  Applications are only accepted for positions that are open for recruitment. Completed applications, along with any other required documents, must be turned in to the Employment Office by 5:00 PM on the final filing date (postmarks are not accepted.)  The final filing date is listed on all job announcements.  You should keep a copy of the application materials you submitted and job announcement to assist you in preparing for any test and/or interview process that may be required.  

How does the Employment Office determine if I qualify for the position?
The Employment Office will review the information on your application against the current minimum qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Please list all paid work experience, licenses, professional affiliations, classes you have taken, training you have received, applicable volunteer work and any other special qualifications you possess which relate to the position for which you are applying. Without accurate and complete information, we will not be able to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualifications for the job. It is very important to include all requested information. Failure to include requested information (including writing “see resume” on the application in the area of experience) will result in rejection of your application.

I received a notice stating that I wasn’t qualified.  Who should I contact?

Please contact the person listed on your notice.  It should provide their name and contact phone number.  Please understand that for the larger examinations, we may be trying to respond to hundreds of phone calls.  Please leave a message for the person listed on your notice, and he/she will get back to you as soon as possible.

Are my responses to supplemental questions enough to qualify me?
No. The supplement is a part of the testing process and not used in the screening portion to determine if a candidates meets the minimum qualifications.  The application must be filled out as completely as possible with all relevant experience and education identified.

I qualified for a position in the past, but now I don’t qualify.  How can that be?
Minimum qualifications can change over time as the job duties and needs change over time.  Therefore, it is possible that you could have qualified in the past for a particular exam and not for the current exam administration.  In addition, your application is reviewed for these minimum qualifications based on what you submit in your current application packet, as we do not refer back to previous applications and exam files. 

How often can I apply for the same position?
You may reapply for most exams as often as the job opportunity is announced. Some continuous recruitments require a six month waiting period between applications.  See the job announcement for more information.

What is the policy for rescheduling exams?
Candidates may be rescheduled for religious or disability reasons  and County employees may be rescheduled for military commitments.  Please contact our office before the final filing date and ask to speak to the Technician in charge of that exam to explain your situation.  Documentation may be requested.

What kind of examinations will I have to take?
Depending on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position, an examination may consist of one or more of the following:

• evaluation of training and experience on the application and on a Supplemental Questionnaire (if required)
• written examination
• oral board examination (before a multiple person interview panel)
• performance examination
• assessment center
• physical agility test (for some safety positions)

The type of exam given for a particular position is outlined under the “Testing Process” on the job announcement. Notification of each examination will be by mail approximately two (2) weeks prior to the exam.  If you do not receive notification two days prior to the examination, please call our office. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that the County of Sacramento is notified of any address changes.

Can you explain the different types of exams?

Training and Experience Evaluation – Also called a formula rate exam within Sacramento County, is an evaluation of a candidate’s education, training, and experience in response to the supplemental questionnaire.  Panel members rate the applicant’s responses to the supplemental questions according to structured guidelines prepared by the exam development analyst and subject matter experts.  This is the examination and how your score and rank is determined.

Written (Job Knowledge) – Tests for both basic and technical knowledge required for the position and other job-related characteristics, such as reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar, mathematical abilities.  Written exams can be multiple choice, true-false and/or fill-in-the blank questions that are designed to measure knowledge and abilities related to the class.  It is the most cost-effective device when dealing with a large applicant group, and there is evidence that validity is typically strong. 

Credential Screening – A pass/fail exam that is always used in conjunction with, and prior to, an oral exam.  The screening panel members review the candidates’ responses to the supplemental questions and assess the competitive qualifications of all candidates meeting the minimum qualifications against guidelines prepared by the exam development analyst and subject matter experts.  The screening process determines the most highly qualified candidates, who then advance to the oral exam.

Structured Oral Interview Exam– A face to face examination, where panel members ask structured questions to each candidate and rate the responses according to guidelines prepared by the exam development subject matter experts.  These interviews typically consist of 9 to 15 structured questions, and may include an advanced written exercise, oral presentation, role play, etc.  This is not a job interview; rather an examination to test a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Performance – The applicant is required to perform some aspect of the job.  Examples of a performance exam include: a typing test, a driving test, identifying different types of plants, etc.

Each of these exams is developed in order to establish an eligible list.  The standardized exam process is separate and distinct from the selection or hiring interview process.  Items such as resumes and letters of reference are not factors considered during the standardized exam process.

How do I prepare for the test? What do I study?
All tests are job-related and test the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined in the job announcement for that particular position. To prepare, read the job description on the job announcement, then study the material you feel would directly or indirectly relate to the necessary knowledge, skills, or abilities. For example, if two of the requirements for a position are performing mathematical calculations and interpreting regulations, some of the exam questions will probably cover math and reading comprehension.

What happens after I take the examination?
After all the examinations are completed, the candidates who passed all the steps will be notified by mail of the examination results.  You will be placed on an eligible list for hire according to your score and rank obtained. This process can take approximately two weeks to complete.
 

The department(s) that have vacancies will request a copy of the eligible list to start their interview process. They will either contact you via the telephone or by mail.  They can interview anyone in the top three ranks and there can be more than one person in each rank. If you have a change of address, phone number, or name, please call the Employment Office at 916-874-5593 so we can update the eligibility list to enable the departments to reach you when there is an opening. 

I had my oral board interview and got a letter telling me I am in one of the top ranks. When will the Department contact me for an interview?

Once the eligibility list is certified to the department for final interview/selection, the Employment Office is unaware of the scheduling. While most departments contact candidates within a matter of days, there are occasionally circumstances where it may be weeks between certification and department interviews. You will be contacted for an interview when the department sets the schedule. Of course, if you have moved since the beginning of the recruitment process, or you have had a change of phone number, you should notify the Employment Office immediately when the change takes place. Otherwise, notifications to you may be lost.

The job announcement refers to an “eligibility list”, what is that?
An eligible list is comprised of all the candidates that passed the exam process.  They are placed on the list according to their score and ranking for that particular exam. The department(s) can interview anyone in the top three ranks and there can be more than one person in each rank.  Individuals are encouraged to be on as many eligible lists as possible to maximize their employment opportunity with the County of Sacramento.

If I am not in the top three ranks, will I ever be considered for employment for that position?
As people are hired from the eligibility list, ranks are cleared.  Clearing a rank means that each person is a particular rank was either hired or inactive. As ranks are cleared, the department can interview individuals farther down on the list.  

How long is the eligibility list in effect?

For open recruitments: The life span of the list normally varies from one year to three years, depending on the position. Lists may be cancelled earlier than one year if there are less than three candidates remaining. Lists may be extended from the initial expiration date of one year at the request of any department who may be utilizing the list.  For continuous recruitments: The lists for continuous recruitments are valid for one year. 

List dates are the dates indicated on your ranking notices.

I received a notice stating I have been removed from a list.  What can I do?

You can request that your name be re-activated to the list by sending the request in writing to the Employment Office.

Once a list is established for continuous exam, why are you still recruiting?

Positions are put on continuous file for a number of reasons.  The position can have high turn over, there are numerous positions utilized Countywide, hard to recruit for, etc.

I have been on an eligible list for a continuous file position for almost a year and have not been contacted; however, I still see that you are recruiting for the position.

Continuous file lists are always changing, with people being removed and added continuously.  Due to the nature of some positions, there are periods of frequent hires followed by periods of inactivity.  If you are still interested in pursuing the position, you are encouraged to reapply. 

What should I do if I am in the top three ranks and am called for a departmental selection interview?
If you receive an interest letter in the mail, be sure to respond before the deadline indicated on the notice.  Make sure a permanent position is being offered if that is what you are looking for.  Be sure that you know the time and place you should appear for the interview, to whom you should report to for the interview, how long the interview is scheduled to last, and the job for which you are being considered. Eligibility lists may be used by more than one department; therefore, the Employment Office may not know who contacted you. It is important to get all necessary information when you are contacted for an interview.

Research the department, section and positions that are associated with your interview. Make sure to review and have copies of your application or resume as well as the job announcement. Be prepared to discuss how your training and/or work experience relate to the position for which you are interviewing. During the interview, listen carefully to the questions. Your answer should cover everything you feel your interviewer needs to know to evaluate you fairly.

What happens if I am selected?
Conditional job offers are made "pending" a physical examination/questionnaire, background check and possible urine drug screening. If you are working when you receive a conditional job offer from the County of Sacramento, DO NOT quit your job until you have been instructed to do so. The County of Sacramento complies with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986. If offered a position, you will be required to present identification and/or work authorization paperwork. Only documents identified in law or regulation are acceptable.

After you have been offered and have accepted a position, be sure that you understand when you will begin, where and to whom you will report to on the first day, and whether there are any other steps the hiring department would like you to take before starting work. Be sure to get the telephone number of the person who contacted you for hire in case you have further questions.

When you are selected your name will be removed from the eligibility list for that position. Your name will remain on any other eligibility list you may be on for the specified life of the list. If you would like to be removed from the other eligibility lists, please notify the Employment Office.

What if I am not selected or interviewed?
If you are not immediately successful in getting a position, your name will remain on the eligibility list for consideration. You may be considered for other vacancies that occur during the life of the list. If you do not receive a job offer during the life of the list, then you must wait for that position to have another recruitment period before reapplying. It is a good idea to keep your final rank notice(s). This way you will know what eligibility lists you are on. If you are unable to attend an interview, contact the interviewing department. You may decline to interview with a particular department or for a particular position and still remain on the eligibility list for that classification. 

I went through the recruitment process and had my interview with the department. Can you tell me if the position is still available/if they filled the position/when they will notify me?
Once the eligibility list is certified to a department for final interview/selection, the Employment Office is unaware of the scheduling of interviews, the selection, or the notification of remaining candidates until we receive the certification list back from the department with the application material from the candidates who were not chosen. Notices to candidates advising that the position has been filled will be sent directly from the department involved, not from the Employment Office.

Inquire about the availability of documents in alternate formats.