Frequently Asked Questions

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Note: For questions about how to use the NEOGOV system that we are now using for job applications, see the NEOGOV Applicant FAQ or call NEOGOV customer support at 1–855-524-5627.

FAQ – Applying for a job

How do I apply for a permanent position?

We accept online applications for most jobs. When viewing Career Opportunities, click the job title & then click the green Apply button.
How can I find out about extra-help/temporary employment?

View a list of extra-help/temporary positions. Once you have applied, your application will be held in our database for 6 months and the information will be available to all interested departments. You may also want to contact departments directly about the availability of extra-help. Remember that extra-help employment is limited to 2 years, and you must be off County payroll for 90 days before you can take another extra-help assignment.
Do you accept employment applications for positions that are not open?

No. We only accept employment applications for current posted job vacancies. However, you may complete a Job Interest Card to be notified by email when positions in any of the categories you are interested in are posted.
What does it mean when a job shows a closing date of "continuous"?

A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time without notice. Applications are reviewed and processed as needed to fill positions within departments.
I saw a job announcement but I'm not sure if I qualify. Can I still apply?

Yes. Carefully read the job posting and try to determine how closely your education, training, and experience match the Employment Standards on the job posting. Be thorough in completing your application so that the Human Resources Division can determine whether or not you meet the requirements.
I qualified for a position in the past, but now I don't qualify. How can that be?

Jobs change over time and the minimum qualifications may have changed since the last time you applied. In addition, your application is reviewed based on what you submit in your current application packet. We do not refer back to previous applications and exam files to determine present qualifications.
Can I submit my résumé instead of an application?

A résumé may be attached to supplement your responses to the application and supplemental question sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the fully completed application.
Can I fax my application materials?

The best way to provide application materials is to upload them into your applicant account. However, you may fax attachments such as your résumé, certificates, transcripts and other items requested on the job posting. When sending supplemental materials for a job posting via fax, you must provide the job title, date applied, and job # if known. Human Resources Fax: (661) 868-3928.
Can volunteer and part-time work be counted as work experience?

Experience, as listed in the Employment Standards for a job posting, means full-time paid experience unless the job posting states otherwise. Part-time experience will be prorated accordingly.
I don't live in the United States. Can I apply online?

Yes, as long as you have a legal right to work in the United States.
Will I be able to get a copy of the application once I've submitted it?

You should print a copy of your application for your records before you submit it, and you should also keep copies of any documents you submit to Human Resources, as Human Resources will not return any documents submitted to them. If needed, Human Resources can make copies of your application materials, but there is a fee involved and it may take a few days to get the copies.
I missed the deadline - can I still apply?

Once the closing date has passed, no application will be accepted or considered. If you wish to be notified of new job postings in areas that interest you, complete a Job Interest Card.
Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

Yes. Once you have completed your online application you can apply for multiple positions that are currently open. You do not need to create a new account every time you’re applying for a new position. However, each posting requires a separate submission of application materials and/or answers that are unique to the job for which you are applying.
Will I automatically be considered for other positions if I previously submitted an application?

No. You must submit an application for each position you are interested in.
How often do you recruit for a particular position?

There is no set time frame. Recruitments are initiated depending on departmental needs.
I have a disability, how can I participate in the testing process?

The County of Kern makes reasonable accommodation for the disabled. If you require accommodation to participate in testing, you must inform the Human Resources Division, in writing, of the need no later than the final filing deadline for the recruitment. Please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at DEI@kerncounty.com.
The job I'm interested in requires a typing certificate. Does the County have a list of agencies authorized to provide these certificates?

Yes, see the Skills Certificates page. This page also includes information on bilingual proficiency and 10-key certifications.

More FAQs

FAQ – After Applying

What are the steps/processes that will happen after I apply for a given job?
The general process is as follows:

Note: Notification will be by e-mail or postal mail, depending on which option the applicant chose when they submitted their application.
1. Human Resources will review all of the applications that have been received for this job opening.
2. Human Resources will notify those who didn't qualify for the job based on their applications. If applicants are evaluated solely on their application materials, Human Resources will also notify those who did qualify for the job.
3. If the job requires any of the following:
  - Written exam
  - Oral exam
  - Agility exam
  - Performance exam
  Human Resources will conduct each one individually and not necessarily in the above order. For each exam, Human Resources will:
  1. Notify qualified applicants providing the exam date/time and location
  2. Conduct the exam
  3. Compile the exam results and notify those who did not pass the exam. Note: applicants who failed to attend the exam will not be notified.
4. After all exams are completed, Human Resources will
  1. Compile an "eligible list" which contains the names of all of the applicants who qualified for the job. The names are ranked by their combined scores on all exams.
  2. Notify all applicants who took the last exam and let them know if they are on the eligible list and what their final score was.
5. When a department has an opening, they will ask Human Resources for a list of the top applicants on the eligible list for that job and will then contact those applicants directly.
How long does the recruitment process take?

The time varies depending on the number of applicants and the number of tests/exams for that particular job.
How do I check the status of my application?

When you apply, you will choose whether you would prefer to be contacted via e-mail or postal mail. This method will be used to notify you of important updates to the status of your application. You can also log in to your Applicant account for status information.
How and when can I update my application?

If the job is still open, you may log in to your Applicant account and submit another application for the job. If the job is no longer open, contact Human Resources.
How do I report a change in my personal contact information?

Log in to your Applicant account and make the change in My Account to ensure that future applications have the correct information. For applications that you have already submitted, if the position is still open you can submit a new application for the position; if the position has closed, contact Human Resources.
Can I get copies of my application or related documents?

Yes, but there is a fee involved and it may take a few days to get the copies. For more information, contact Human Resources.
Will I need to have a physical or drug screen before I am hired?

Once an offer of employment has been made, you may be required to pass a medical and/or physical exam, including drug testing, at County expense. Do not quit or give notice to your present employer until such exams are completed and passed.
I applied for a job but was notified that my application did not qualify. The job is still open - can I apply again?

Yes.
Do you have sample tests for me to study for some of the exams associated with the job I applied for?

No, sample tests are not available. We recommend general study of the subjects listed for the written exam on the job posting. You may have references of your own such as textbooks, or you may wish to contact your local library for assistance in finding materials.
I applied for a job but was notified that I did not pass one of the tests/exams. The job is still open - can I apply again and re-take the exam that I did not pass?

If the job is still open, you may re-apply if at least 60 days have elapsed since the date that you failed the test/exam. You will need to re-take all tests/exams for the position, not just the one that you did not pass.
What is an “eligible list”?

An eligible list is made up of all of the applicants who passed the examination process. They are placed on the list according to their score, which determines their ranking on the list.
I have been notified that I am on the eligible list for a given job. What happens now?

When departments need to fill vacant positions, Human Resources provides them with a list of qualifying applicants from the eligible list. Human Resources will notify you if your name was forwarded to a department.
How long will I remain on the eligible list for a given position?

Per Civil Service Rule 502.10, eligible lists shall continue in force for a period of one (1) year from date of promulgation unless abolished or extended by order of the Commission. In no event shall lists remain in force for less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years. Notice of intention to abolish an eligible list shall be sent to all candidates whose names appear upon the list to be abolished. If you are no longer interested in the job, contact Human Resources.
I am on an eligible list and the job is still open. Can I take one or more of the tests/exams again to get a higher score?

No. Once you have been placed on the eligible list under a specific exam number, your score remains the same for the duration of your eligibility.
How will I know if I have an interview with the hiring department?

If your name is referred to a hiring department for consideration, you will receive notification advising you of the department, the job classification, and who to contact to schedule an interview. The referral is known as certification. Be certain to read the notification and follow instructions carefully. Failure to respond by the deadline noted in the notification will jeopardize your chances to be contacted for future job openings.
I had an interview with the hiring department. Can you tell me if the position has been filled, or when they will notify me?

Once the Human Resources Division has certified names to a department for hiring selection, we are not aware of the interview schedule, the hiring decision, or when remaining applicants will be notified until the department tells us. You should expect this information from the hiring department within a reasonable time after your interview.

More FAQs

FAQ – Veterans Information

Does Kern County offer preference points to job applicants who are veterans?

Yes.
How do I prove that I am eligible for veterans preference points?

You must submit suitable evidence of an Honorable discharge, a Certificate of Honorable Active Service, or an Under Honorable Conditions (General) discharge by the application filing deadline. Any discharges which are classified as under other than honorable conditions, bad conduct, dishonorable, or uncharacterized are not qualified for veterans preference credit. For additional information see Civil Service Rule 310.00.
What types of service qualify for veterans preference points?
To be eligible, a veteran must have served at least 90 consecutive days during one of the following periods:
- August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975
- August 2, 1990 to present
National Guard or Reserve active duty for training of six months or less will not quality for veterans preference points.
If I am a disabled veteran, do I get more preference credits?

If you meet the above service and discharge requirements and are presently receiving compensation for a service-connected disability of 10% or more you may be entitled to additional preference credits.
How do I prove my disability status?

You must provide the Human Resources Division with a letter from the Veterans Administration verifying current disability and dated within one year prior to the final filing date. The letter must be received by the application filing deadline.
Can I submit electronic copies of supporting documents (e.g., DD214) when I submit my job application?

Yes, as long as you can produce the original documents when requested.
How can I get the supporting documents I need to support my claim?

If you need assistance in obtaining your DD214 or disability rating letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), please contact the Kern County Veterans Service Department.
How can I get more information about veterans preference points?

Contact the Kern County Human Resources Division.

More FAQs

View additional information regarding Veterans Benefits and/or Services