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Recruitment FAQ

Below is a list of questions applicants frequently have during and after submitting an online application. This information will explain a variety of things including what to expect after submitting an application, how to view your application status, and how to apply for additional positions.

Creating a Login ID

Having Problems with My Computer

Updating/Changing My Personal Information (My Profile)

Applying for Jobs

Completing the Online Application

Testing

Application Status

Interviews and Hires

Current and Former County Employees

Requests for Accommodation / Information for Disabled Applicants

Additional Requirements

Need Help

If you have questions or encounter any difficulties completing your on-line application, please call (503) 655-8459 during regular business hours, 7 AM - 6 PM (Pacific Time) Monday - Thursday for assistance.  Note:  Clackamas County Department of Employee Services is closed on Fridays effective November 1, 2008 as part of an alternative workweek pilot program. top

What is Candidate Gateway (formerly known as eRecruit)?

Candidate Gateway is the Clackamas County online application system. It allows you to view current positions at the County, apply for job openings, and track your progress through the recruitment process. top

I don’t have a computer at home. Where can I apply for Clackamas County jobs?

You can access our on-line applications anywhere you access the Internet. This includes public libraries, community colleges, and internet cafés. You may also visit Clackamas County Department of Employee Services (DES) at 2051 Kaen Road, 3rd Floor, Oregon City, OR 97045. DES has Candidate Gateway accessible computers available 7 AM - 6 PM (Pacific Time) Monday - Thursday.  We are closed Fridays and holidays. top

I don’t have a login. What do I do?

If this is your first visit to Candidate Gateway, after you have clicked on a job posting title and clicked the Apply Now button, use the click here to Register or Register Now links.  You will be asked to enter registration information that includes creating a unique User Name and Password. You will also be asked to re-type the password, just to confirm your password is spelled and entered correctly. Both the User Name and Password are case sensitive. If you are returning to Candidate Gateway, your login is the User Name and Password you used at your last visit. If you do not remember your password, call our office during regular business hours (Monday - Thursday 7 AM - 6 PM, Pacific Time) and we will be happy to reset your password.

I was in the middle of completing my on-line application and I got an error message saying “This page contains both secure and nonsecure items. Do you want to display the nonsecure items?” When I clicked “yes” (or “no”) I got another error message.

This typically happens when a person uses their mouse or keyboard commands to move forward or backward between pages within the Candidate Gateway application. Instead, use the blue “Previous” or “Next” buttons to move from page to page within the application. Alternatively, you may also click on the application page links (Preferences, Online Questionnaire, Education, Current and Prior Employment, References, Languages, How did you find out about us?) to go back to any page within the application. If this happens again, unfortunately, you will need to return to the Career Home Page and start the application process over again. Please contact us if you continue to experience difficulties. top

America Online (AOL) is my internet provider. I am having problems accessing and completing the online application. Can you help?

The AOL browser is not supported and will not allow you to successfully access the online application. We recommend while logged into AOL that you launch a separate internet browser window (Internet Explorer or Mozilla). In addition, be sure your cookies are turned on.

What internet browser do you support?

Internet Explorer 7 is the leader in performance and user interface quality. Internet Explorer 7 is the recommended web browser running on Windows.  The following are the combinations of web browser and client operating systems:

  • Internet Explorer 7 on Microsoft Windows. 
  •  Internet Explorer 8 on Microsoft Windows. 
  •  Firefox 3.x on Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Linux, and Mac OS X.
  • Apple Safari 2.0.4 on Mac OS X.

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The screen looks odd and I can’t see the whole page, what is wrong?

Most likely your PC screen resolution is set to 800x600. For ease of use with the Candidate Gateway system, we recommend a screen resolution setting of 1024x768 with 1152x864 possibly yielding better viewing results. This setting is typically found under the “My Computer>Control Panel>Display>Settings>Screen Area” on most computers. top

I have recently moved and/or changed my name. How can I change the name, address, email addresses and/or phone numbers listed on my online application?

You can update your contact information at any time. To do so, return to the Careers Home Page, and login to the system using your User Name and Password, click on the My Profile link in the My Career Tools box. After updating your information, click the yellow Save button. top

Before the upgrade to Candidate Gateway, I had already created an online application and applied for positions. I just changed my email address. How does this affect my ability to use your on-line system?

Your old email address converted to your user name login for Candidate Gateway. You will be required to use your old email address each time you log back into the system. Maintain a record of your old email address so you can log into our online application at future visits. To change your email address, go to the Careers Home Page (after you provide your login information), you can click on the My Profile link in the My Career Tools box.  From there, you may change your email address. top

How do I notify you of a change in address or phone number?

From the Careers Home Page (after you provide your login information), you can click on the My Profile link in the My Career Tools box.  From there, you may change your name, address, email addresses and/or your phone numbers. top

Does Clackamas County accept paper applications?

All applications for classified and non-classified positions must be submitted on-line. If you are interested in a temporary or internship position(s), please click on the “Temporary” or “Internship” jobs hyperlink and follow the instructions contained in the job listing as to how to apply, who to contact, etc.

How Do I Find Out What Jobs Are Available?

You do not have to sign in or register to look at our current job openings. From the Careers Home Page, all current job openings are listed under Latest Job Posting. You may view additional job postings by clicking on the previous and next buttons. If all current job postings are displayed, these buttons are inactivated. Additionally, you can sort the list of jobs by clicking on any of the headers. For example, if you click on the “Job Title” heading, it will sort the openings in alphabetical order. top

How do I apply for a job that I see here?

New Users:
When you have clicked on a job title or job posting check box and clicked the Apply Now button, use the click here to Register or Register Now links that will appear.  You will be prompted to create a User Name and Password. After you have created a unique login, you will be able to apply for job postings.

Returning Applicants:
Sign in using your User Name and Password. Click on the Job Title link or job posting check box and click the Apply Now button.

Can I apply for more than one job posting at a time?

No.You will need to apply for one job at a time. After you submit your application for a job, you will be returned to the My Applications Page. Click on the Careers Home link at the top left corner of the page. Click on the next desired Job Title link or job posting check box and click the Apply Now button.

If I’m not sure which job I want, can I just submit a blank application online and let you determine what job I qualify for?

Because of the high volume of applications received annually, Clackamas County cannot match candidates to available positions. Many jobs require responses to multiple choice questions that vary from position to position. Therefore, you must complete and submit an online application for each position for which you are applying. Remember, if you are applying for multiple jobs simultaneously, you will only “fill out” one application at a time in Candidate Gateway.

How can I view more information about one of the job titles listed?

Click on the job title for a full description of the position. If you want to apply for that job, just click the “Apply Now” button on the posting.

I applied for a job yesterday. I found another job online that I want to apply for today. Do I have to fill out all my information again?

With Candidate Gateway, once you log in using your User Name and Password, Candidate Gateway will retrieve your application. Candidate Gateway will “remember” some of the information you have already provided, currently this includes any data you have input on your profile, preferences, education, work experience, references and language pages. Please verify that the pre-populated information is accurate. You will have the opportunity to add or edit the pre-populated information for the new job opening. You will need to fill in your information on all of the other pages that do not pre-populate and you must answer all of the application questions for each job opening. top

Can I enter an application for a position before the job is open?

Only recruitments that currently open will appear on Candidate Gateway under Latest Job Postings. If you anticipate a specific position becoming available, please return to Candidate Gateway frequently. top

I have already created an online application and applied for positions. I am now returning to apply for additional jobs and receive a message saying “User Name already exists.”

If this is your first time logging into the system, it will be necessary to choose a different User Name in order to apply for job postings. If you have already created an account and are a returning applicant, please go to the Careers Home Page, login to the system using your User Name and Password from your last visit under the “Returning Applicant” login box. If you do not remember your password, call our office during regular business hours (Monday - Thursday 7 AM - 6 PM Pacific Time)  and we will be happy to reset your password. top

Are all sections of the application required and do I need to answer the online questionnaire?

Yes and yes. It is your responsibility to ensure that all sections of the online application are completed including the online questionnaire. Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. Likewise, it is your responsibility to be sure that your online application reflects the required work experience and education needed to meet the minimum requirements for the position(s) for which you are applying. top

Do I need to list all the positions I have held?

Yes. Your “application” must be a complete and accurate representation of your education and work experience. Please be sure your application includes the following information for each position you have held within the last 10 years:

  • Starting and ending dates—month, day and year
  • Name of company/employer
  • Supervisor Name
  • May we contact this Employer
  • Address—country, city, state
  • Telephone number
  • Ending Job Title
  • Ending Hourly Rate
  • Hours Per Week
  • Job Duties
  • Reason for Leaving

If you have experience applicable to the position you are applying for that is more than 10 years old, you may include it also.
Also include any university/college you attended and the type of degree(s)/major awarded. top

How do I submit attachments such as a cover letter, resume, reference letters or letters of recommendation?

Clackamas County normally does not accept resumes for our applicants.  However, some job postings may request resumes or supplemental questions.  Applicants will be instructed via the job posting and through the screening questions when cover letters and resumes are part of the application process. The cover letter and resume need to be individual documents and will be uploaded separately.  At this time, we can only accept documents created with Microsoft Word .doc or Adobe .pdf, or rich text format .rtf.  We currently have a file size limit of 5 MB per document.  Any files larger than the limit will not upload and will cause a file type error.  Applicants will need to submit their documents and complete the online application by the job opening close date to be considered for the screening process. To upload a cover letter and resume, navigate to the Attachments and Referrals link on the application.  Use the drop down arrow to select an appropriate attachment type.  In the Attachment Purpose field include the Job Opening number. You need to type the Job Opening number in this field or you will get an error.  Click on the Add Attachment link.  From there, you can click the Browse button and select your file from your computer to upload.  When the file name is displayed, you can click the Upload button.  When the file has been uploaded, you will see it listed. Once the application has been submitted, you cannot view, edit, or delete the attachments.   We have illustrated instructions available on our Job Information page. top

The job I am applying for requires supplemental questions.  How do I submit my document?

At this time, we can only accept documents created with Microsoft Word .doc or Adobe .pdf, or rich text format .rtf.  We currently have a file size limit of 5 MB per document.  Any files larger than the limit will not upload and will cause a file type error. Applicants will need to submit their supplemental questions document and complete the online application by the job opening close date to be considered for the screening process.To upload a supplemental document, navigate to the Attachments and Referrals link on the application.  Use the drop down arrow to select an attachment type of Supplemental Questions.  In the Attachment Purpose field include the Job Opening number. You need to type the Job Opening number in this field or you will get an error.  Click on the Add Attachment link.  From there, you can click the Browse button and select your file from your computer to upload.  When the file name is displayed, you can click the Upload button.  When the file has been uploaded, you will see it listed. Once the application has been submitted, you cannot view, edit, or delete the attachments.   We have illustrated instructions available on our Job Information page. top

What if my resume and cover letter are not Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or rich text format (.rtf) documents?

At this time, our system can only accept documents created with Microsoft Word or Adobe .pdf, or rich text format .rtf. You will need to convert your documents before attaching them to your application.

The position I am applying for requires a certification, degree or license. Do I need to submit proof I possess it?

Yes. If you are applying for a position that requires a certificate, degree or license you will be required to provide documentation of such during the selection process. Typically, applicants are asked to provide the documentation at the first face to face contact during the selection process. Occasionally, the documentation will be required as part of the application process and instructions will be listed in the job announcement on how to submit it. A detailed job announcement can be found by clicking on the “Job Title” link under the latest job postings. top

In addition to applying online, would you recommend that I also forward my resume directly to the hiring department or Employee Services?

While we appreciate your enthusiasm, the online application is the official way to apply for positions at Clackamas County. Applicants who forward resumes to the Personnel Division of Employee Services or the hiring department will be redirected back to the online system. If a cover letter, resume or other documentation is an additional requirement to the online application for a position, it will be listed in the job announcement with instructions on how to submit it. top

Do I have to attach a personal resume or cover letter in order to apply for a position?

For most recruitments, no. If a resume or cover letter is a requirement to apply for the position, it will be indicated in the job announcement with instructions on how to submit it. All recruitments require you to provide contact information (my profile), work schedule preferences, online questionnaire responses,  education, current and prior employment history details, references, languages (if applicable) and how did you find out about us. . Failure to complete all sections of the online application may prevent your information from being forwarded to the hiring department. It is your responsibility to ensure you read the detailed application instructions, and ensure the completeness of your online application. top

What happens if I submit an online application but do not complete all required sections?

Online applications that are incomplete will not be considered. In order to receive full consideration for the position(s) for which you submit an application, you need to completely fill out each section of the application.  Please be sure that all sections of your online application are completed prior to clicking on the “Apply Now” and “Submit” button. top

How many applicants apply for a position?

The number of applicants who apply for a position vary from vacancy to vacancy and recruitment to recruitment. The average number of applicants for any one position is generally around 50. It is not uncommon, however, for us to receive over 100 applicants for one vacancy. Specialized positions, such as Electrical Inspector or Soil Scientist, may have fewer than 10 applicants. Keep in mind that the application process at Clackamas County is very competitive. Since many applicants hired into positions have qualifications that exceed the advertised minimum requirements, we recommend that you target those positions that most closely match your experience, education, and interest top

I see there is a close date for the job I am applying for, but no close time. Does that mean I can submit my application at any time on the closing date?

You may submit your application up until 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the closing date. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged not to wait until the last minute to submit their application for several reasons: 1) If you do not COMPLETELY finish your on-line application and click the “Apply Now” and “Submit” button prior to 12:00 AM (Pacific Time) our system will not accept your application; 2) Our staff is only available to answer your questions and offer assistance during regular business hours: 7 AM - 6 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Thursday.  Note: we are closed on Fridays and holidays.  3) It is impossible to predict technical difficulties, on your end OR our end. Please do not wait until the last minute. Clackamas County is not responsible for technical difficulties or delays. top

Do I have a time limit on how long I can spend on each section of the application?

To protect the security of your data, the system will time out and log you out after 60 minutes of inactivity. If you are unable to finish your application, you may click the “Save for Later” button and complete your application at another time without having to start over. However, please keep in mind, your application cannot be submitted after the Close Date listed on the job announcement. If you are logged out before you click the “Save for Later” or “Apply Now” and “Submit” button, you will lose your work for that particular job opening. Unfortunately, just typing in the boxes does not reset the clock. You can click the heading hyperlinks or the previous and next buttons to reset the clock. We recommend, especially on the Work Experience page, that you prepare all your information in a word processor document first. You can then cut and paste the information into the Candidate Gateway pages and cut down the amount of time you are in a page. This should help you avoid the timeout error.

Will I need to take a specialized test such as a typing test to be considered for a position?

Some jobs require a certain level of proficiency on a particular skill to continue through the selection process. For example, the Office Specialist series or Communications Dispatcher series require typing skills. Each job posting will identify any tests necessary. On the Careers Home page, click on the job title to display job description & test details. top

Does this position require that I take a test?

Each job posting will list selection procedures for individual recruitments. Most positions will require a test of some sort, whether it is an oral test (graded interview), written exam, typing/keyboarding exam or other test. When an Employee Services representative has reviewed your application and determined that you meet the minimum qualification and/or screening questions, your application status will change to “Screen.” Employee Services will notify you via your mailing address and/or email address of test date/time/location. top

How do I know that you have received my application?

Once you submit your application and agree to the conditions of employment you will receive a confirmation email (if you have provided an email address) within a few hours.

Can I print my application?

Clackamas County is committed to sustainability.  We encourage you to view your applications electronically.  You may view any application(s) that you have submitted by logging in and viewing your history on the “My Applications,” on the “My Careers Tools” page. If you would like to print your application, you will need to print each section separately by clicking on the page with your right mouse button and selecting the print option.

What happens after I apply for a position?

After submitting your online application, the “My Applications” window will pop up displaying “You have successfully submitted your job application.”  Additionally, your application status will change to “Applied.”  

Online applications are reviewed after the recruitment close date by staff of Employee Services and the hiring department. Applicants who submit complete online applications and who meet the minimum education and experience requirements for the position, along with any other requirements, are competitively evaluated in order to select the most suitably qualified candidates for employment. Only those applicants who demonstrate the most closely related work experience, education and training will receive further consideration for employment. Other applicants will be placed on inactive status. top

How will I be notified of my status?

You should receive a letter in the mail approximately two weeks from the close date of the recruitment advising you of the status of your application. If you do not hear from us by the 14th day after the recruitment has closed, please contact us regarding the status of your application. You may also view your status online at anytime during the recruitment process (see next question). top

Is there a way to see a list of the positions for which I applied as well as where my application is in the hiring process?

Yes, you may view a list of the positions you have applied for and track the status of your application by returning to the Careers Home page and signing in (using your User Name and Password). Click on one of the Application links displayed in the “My Careers Tools” box.  You may sort the “My Applications” list by clicking on any of the headers. For example, if you click on the “Status” heading, it will sort your statuses in alphabetical order. top

The system says my application status is “Eligibility List.” What does this mean?

This means you are one of a list of candidates who met the screening criteria for a particular recruitment, and are eligible to be referred to the hiring department/manager. This does not guarantee you will be contacted for an interview, but Human Resources will retain your application for potential interview consideration during the life of the eligibility list and refer names to the hiring department per County code. top

The system says my application status is “Inactive.” What does this mean?

This means you are no longer being considered for this recruitment. This can be for a number of reasons, such as your qualifications and experience were not as competitive as other candidates or you failed a portion of the screening/selection process. For most inactive status changes, you will be notified by email and/or mail within 14 days with more specific information on your inactivation. For applicants who fail to appear for a scheduled testing process, your application will not be given further consideration and will be inactivated without sending notification.  If you have further questions after you receive your letter, please call our office.

Can you define each of the application statuses? (PLEASE NOTE: Not all of these statuses will apply to every job opening.)

Status Description
Not AppliedYour application was not submitted. Your application status has been “Saved for Later” for submission prior to the job close date. NOTE: Applications not submitted by the close date will not be considered.  
AppliedYour application was submitted successfully, no qualification reviews have been completed yet. PLEASE NOTE: Typically, we do not communicate with candidates until after the job CLOSING DATE regarding their application status.
ScreenYou are in additional phases of testing or interviews. As each test and/or interview process is completed, you should receive an email or letter within 7 business days advising you of your status.
Eligibility ListYou are on the eligibility list and you may be referred to the hiring department for an interview based on hiring needs. You should receive an email or letter within 7 business days with more details. If you are referred to a department interview, an email and/or letter will be sent to with additional instructions.
HiredYou have been hired.
InactiveThis means you are no longer being considered for this recruitment. This can be for a number of reasons including :
  • Your qualifications and experience were not as competitive as other candidates.
  • You failed a portion of the screening/selection process.
  • You were placed in a “pended” status. Typically, this status is used for open continuous recruitments.
  •  You should receive an email or letter within 7 business days.
  • You withdrew your application from consideration for a specific position.
  • The period of eligibility for being referred for a department interview has expired. If this position is reposted in the future, you would need to reapply to be considered for employment.

Due to the large number of applications we receive for each job opening, we ask that you wait until you receive your email and/or letter before contacting our office for more details. If the letter does not answer your questions, we welcome your phone call. top

How quickly after applying may I be called for an interview?

The length of time it takes for applicants to be called for interviews or further testing and ultimately to fill a vacancy varies from department to department and position to position. Some searches last several weeks while others may take several months. You may view the status of positions for which you applied at any time by returning to the Careers Home page, and signing in (using your User Name and Password). Click on one of the Application links displayed in the “My Careers Tools” box.  You may sort the “My Applications” list by clicking on any of the headers. For example, if you click on the “Status” heading, it will sort your statuses in alphabetical order. top

If I am selected for an oral board interview or further testing, who will contact me?

You will receive a letter from the Department of Employee Services advising you of the what, when and where oral board interview you are scheduled for. We do our best to give you as close to a two week notice as possible. Typically, positions that require multiple test processes identify test details in the job posting. On the Careers Home page, click on the job title to display job description & test details.  top

Will I hear from a department or human resources if I am not selected for an interview?

You will receive a email and/or letter approximately two weeks after the close date of the recruitment advising you of your status. Then, after each step in the recruitment process, you will be advised whether or not you were successful in advancing to the next step in the process. top

How can I increase my chances of being called for an interview?

Given the competitive nature of positions at Clackamas County, we strongly recommend that you target and apply only for those positions where your experience and qualifications closely meets the position’s requirements. Be sure to carefully read the job announcement and pay special attention to the experience and skills that are being sought as well as any requirements. Remember that your online application will only be considered for those positions where you meet the minimum requirements. Mass applying for positions that do not match your qualifications is not recommended for success. top

Do I need to mail you a copy of my college transcripts? What about letters of reference?

Not unless you are instructed to do so in the online application. Transcripts are not generally needed during the application process; however, may be requested at some time during the selection process. While staff will generally verify your education, you may be asked to assist with this process. Education earned outside the United States must equal a diploma or degree earned in the Unites States in order to meet the minimum requirements for a position. Applicants with foreign degrees should be prepared to provide original and translated copies of diplomas or transcripts. top

When will my references be contacted?

Reference checks typically occur during the final stages of the selection process. Prior to a job offer, your employment and education may be verified--standard procedure is for departments to notify you prior to conducting reference checks. Some positions also require proof of licensure or certification and successful completion of a criminal background check or post-offer health assessment. top

The job posting I viewed lists a specific salary range. Is this negotiable?

Clackamas County provides a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, life, disability, holidays, vacation, sick leave and retirement. The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the Job Posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. The salary offer will be within the specified range listed on the job posting. top

What defines a “Current County” employee?

A current county employee is a person who is currently on the county payroll and receiving paychecks.  This includes regular full time and part time employees as well as temporary employees or unallocated employees.  Having your employee id ready will help you complete the Referral Information section of the application.  We have a field for your employee id.

Employees will be able to see all open and competitive jobs.  Not all internal job openings are available to all employees.  The job posting for the opening will detail the requirements needed to apply for the job.

As a current County employee, must I add in all my employment information, including my current job duties?

Yes. Employees’ applications are evaluated based only on the information provided on their applications. Omission of current position and/or duties may result in the rejection of your application. top

I am a terminated, retired, or former County employee.

In the Referral section, there is a question that asks if you are a former employee, please select the Yes radio button.  If you still have access to your employee ID, please complete the Employee ID field.

Do you provide special arrangements for persons with disabilities?

If you feel you require a reasonable accommodation for completing an application using Candidate Gateway or require a reasonable accommodation for testing, please contact Human Resources Employment Services at 503-655-8459. The Human Resources Department normal business hours are 7 AM - 6 PM Pacific Time Monday - Thursday).  We are closed on Fridays and holidays. Documentation may be required for some accommodation requests. top

I am a disabled applicant and would like to request accommodation during the selection process. How do I request accommodation?

We will be happy to consider your request for accommodation. We have experience successfully accommodating applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process. Please describe your request in the Request for Accommodation field on the voluntary Self Identification Information Page. This page will appear after you have successfully submitted your application.
The Human Resource Analyst coordinating the recruitment will contact qualified applicants who have requested accommodation prior to the next step in the selection process to discuss your accommodation needs. top

What are the requirements of the County's Driving Policy?

Some job openings require applicants to meet the requirements of the County's Driving Policy. This information will be listed in the job posting. See Employment Policy and Procedure #52