How do I apply for a DPW job?

1. Review the Jobs Available and follow the instructions to apply.
2. Call the DPW 24 hour job hotline at (626) 458-3926.
3. For all other Countywide job opportunities, visit the Department of Human Resources at: http://hr.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dhr/job_search

What requirements must I meet for my application to be accepted?

To qualify you must meet the requirements listed on the posted job bulletin.

If I have a question related to the job announcement for an exam, what should I do?

Call the department contact listed on the job announcement; the telephone number and e-mail address are located on each announcement.

Will a resume be accepted in place of my application?

No, resumes are not accepted in place of your application. You are required to complete an application to provide more detailed information such as job title, exact dates on the job and hours worked per week with each employer, salary, number supervised, etc. You may attach your resume to your application.

Why do I have to include my Social Security Number on the application?

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is your unique identifier and it is required for processing your application. Please enter your SSN correctly. Using an incorrect number will cause delays.

How do I change my mailing (home) address, or telephone number?

Please fill out the Change of Address Form and submit it to 900 South Fremont Avenue, Lobby Floor, Attn: Exams Unit, Alhambra, CA 91803.

Can I get notified when a job I am interested in opens?

Yes, you must create an account in the online application system (email address/user name, password, and security question). Remember your user ID/email address and password; you will need them to set up email notifications and when you apply.

I want to apply for several of the jobs listed. Do I need to fill out a separate application for each job?

Yes, every application is evaluated separately based on the job for which you are applying. It is, therefore, necessary to turn in a separate application for each job classification.

If I apply to an exam online how can I find out where I am in the exam process?

You will be able to see your exam status online once you log into your online account at the Welcome Page. Once you are logged on, click on the 'Job Submission Status' link.

How do I add an attachment to my application?

From the Attachment section of the application, you can attach any of the listed items.

1. Click the Browse button
2. Look for and select your file you want to attach and click on Open
3. Click the Upload button
4. Under Category from the drop down menu, select document type
5. Repeat 1. through 4. to attach additional attachments (you can upload up to 15 attachments of up to 5 megabytes each)
6. Click the Next button to go to the next screen

If I am a veteran, can I receive veteran's credit?

Yes, but only when you receive an overall passing score on an Open Competitive (open to the general public) exam, you may be eligible to receive additional points. To receive this credit, you must submit a copy of your DD214 at the time of application, verifying your dates of service and honorable discharge:

• During a declared war; or
• During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; or
• For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or
• In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal or expeditionary medal has been authorized and awarded.

If I am disabled and want to participate in an examination, how does Los Angeles County accommodate my special needs?

We provide reasonable testing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Check the job announcement for the number to contact to request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations

• Applications are accepted for County examinations only when the bulletin is posted which announces that the examination is open and applications are being accepted.
• Please follow the filing instructions as outlined on the job bulletin. Applicants must submit applications specifically how and/or where the bulletin states the application should be filed.
• Examinations usually have deadline dates by which application must be submitted. This means that the applications must be received in the designated location by the closing date; otherwise, the application will be rejected as late. A postmark by the closing date is not sufficient.
• Any false statements of material facts or omissions may subject the applicant to disqualification or dismissal.

Online Job Application

This is the quickest and most efficient method of applying for County jobs. We encourage you to complete an online application because:

• You only have to complete one profile. Your profile will be retained in the County's database and you may use the same profile to apply for several jobs that match your experience and education.
• If you apply online, and you include an email address, you will receive immediate notification that your application has been received. If you don't have an email address you can obtain one free through online services (Yahoo, MSN, Outlook.com, or GMail).
• If you don't have a computer and would like to apply online, you may visit one of the many locations where computers are available including your local library. If you wish, you may still choose to complete a paper application and mail to address listed on the job bulletin.
  
  To download and print a paper application, please click HERE. (Adobe Acrobat required)

We understand that applying for a job in government service can be a complicated process. The following is a brief overview about how you can successfully submit your application.

Start by Reviewing the Official Job Announcement (also called the Bulletin)

• Requirements
• Minimum/Selection Requirements are not negotiable
• If you are sure you do not meet the requirements keep searching for an examination for which you qualify
• Type of Recruitment
• If this examination is only open to employees of the County of Los Angeles or it is for a specific group, i.e., veterans, student workers, internship participants, etc., please make sure you meet the criteria before applying
• Open Examination Only
• If the close date of the examination is not listed on the job announcement, call the contact number on the bulletin to make sure the examination is still open
• Examinations are subject to close without notice
• Special Requirement Information
• Include all proof of education, licenses and supplemental information as requested. If you do not do this, your application may be rejected
• Attaching information can be tricky; if you are not sure you attached the information call the examinations unit to check
• Examination content
• If the examination has a written test, you may want to practice your skills before taking the test
• Application and Filing Instructions
• Sometimes examinations have special instructions, like 'online filing only' or 'supplemental application must be attached'
• If you do not follow the posted instructions, this may cause your application to be rejected

Fill out your application completely

• You must provide all the information requested to assure that the Department will be able to assess your qualifications
• Beginning with your most recent experience, please account for all employment and any periods of unemployment
• Include self-employment, military service, and volunteer work related to the job for which you are applying
• Also list any jobs held more than ten years ago which relate to the duties of the job for which you are applying
• Describe the work you did as completely as possible and list each job separately
• You only have to complete one profile if you file online
• Describe the work you did as completely as possible, and list each job separately
• Showing how much time you spent performing the required tasks is helpful
• County experience is based on a 40 hour work week. Part time experience will be prorated.
• For example, 12 months of experience working 20 hours per week, is calculated to be 6 months of qualifying experience
• Throughout the application, focus on accomplishments that relate most closely to the job you want
• Use the job announcement as a guide
• Caution: Do not copy the job announcement word-for-word; this may result in application rejection
• Do not falsify information on your application
• Use concrete examples of the work you do that applies to the posted requirements
• Resumes are not substitutes for filing out the application
• Attaching a resume is a great opportunity to provide detail about your work experience
• Simply writing 'see resume' is not acceptable as most resumes do not include the level of detail that is requested in the application
• Make sure the dates on your resume are the same as the dates on your application
• Conflicting information may cause the examination analyst to question the authenticity of the information you provide

Apply on Time

• If the examination you are interested in does not have a posted close of filing, call the departmental number listed on the bulletin to assure you meet the close of filing deadline
• This information is usually found at the bottom of the last page of the bulletin (if you are viewing or printing from DHR website)
• Do not wait until the last minute to apply
• Applying at the last minute can cause you to make mistakes that cannot be fixed
• If you are applying online, you will want to make sure your computer is compliant with Los Angeles County's browser requirements
• A large number of applicants trying to send information electronically at 5:29 p.m. on the last day of filing may cause computer issues

Troubleshooting

• Computer glitch errors: contact the department immediately
• Document any computer related complaints
• Without documentation, examination staff has no way to verify your claims
• Retain copies of any relevant emails you receive from the system or the department
• If you speak to examination staff regarding your submission, ask for an email confirmation or at least get the time and name of the person who assisted you with the error
• If you cannot attach documentation: Try using the fax machine information listed on your bulletin
• If you fax materials, please retain your transmittal for proof
• If you fax materials, call the department to make sure the information is received
• Getting your official transcripts in time for an examination is the responsibility of the applicant
• Keep copies of this type of information handy for job submittals
• County Employees - keep copies of your updated Verification of Experience Letter (VOEL) at all times
• Waiting for the announcement of a promotional examination to get proof of out-of-class experience may cause you to miss the filing deadline

What kind of test(s) will I be given?

There are different kinds of examinations which are used to determine the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed. Any one or a combination of tests may be given. The examination information is listed on the announcement. Below are examples of the type of examinations that can be given:

• Application Evaluation: standard application and/or supplemental questionnaires, etc., are reviewed by an analyst or panel of subject matter experts to determine possession of required knowledge, skills, and abilities. All candidates are rated against the same criteria.
• Oral: a rater panel asks questions to determine an applicant?s qualifications to perform the essential job functions of the position
  • To help you prepare for your oral interview, you can download our guide, "Preparing for an Interview"
    
• Written: tests specific areas of knowledge and abilities (usually multiple choice)


• Performance: evaluates an applicant's physical ability to perform the essential job functions

How can I prepare myself and test for employment with the Department of Public Works?

We suggest that you keep a copy of the job bulletin to use as a reference in preparing for written and oral examinations. The County of Los Angeles has developed several test preparation guides to assist you in your preparation for a County of Los Angeles written employment test. These guides address subject areas that are commonly assessed on County written employment tests and are available in the formats described below.

• Online Test Preparation System

The Online Test Preparation System website provides an opportunity for you to take the practice test questions contained in the test preparation guides via an interactive, online experience. It also provides answers to frequently asked questions about County of Los Angeles written employment tests and links to additional test preparation resources in the County of Los Angeles.

To visit our Online Test Preparation System, click here.


• Printable Hard-Copy Versions

The printable, hard-copy versions provide an opportunity for you to take the practice test questions contained in the test preparation guides via the traditional pencil-and-paper method. This format allows the guides to be easily printed and photocopied.

To access the printable hard-copy versions of the test preparation guides, click here.

Please email your questions or comments related to the test preparation guides to testprep@hr.lacounty.gov

I have a disability and need special accommodation for testing. What do I do?

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, please call the Exams Unit prior to the schedule test date at (626) 458-2141 or TTY (626) 282-7829.

What happens after the examination?

If you pass all the examination components you will be notified of your test results by US mail and your name will be placed on an eligible list. Eligible lists are active for 12 months, unless otherwise specified.

If I apply to an exam online how can I find out where I am in the exam process?

You will be able to see your exam status online once you log into your online account at the Welcome Page. Once you are logged on, click on the 'Job Submission Status' link.

When can I expect to be hired by the County of Los Angeles?

The County of Los Angeles may consider you for hire, if you pass the entire testing process including a review of your background. Based on your test results (if passing the required test), you will be placed on an eligible list (a list of passing candidates). Placement on this list does not guarantee you a job with the County of Los Angeles. As vacancies occur, you may be contacted directly by the hiring department. Candidates in the highest grouping/band are given first consideration. Your opportunity for appointment depends on the number of vacancies, the number of candidates in your band as well as the number of candidates in higher bands. A band is a grouping of fixed ranges, for example, 100-95, 94-90, etc. Each band may contain zero to many candidates based on their passing score. Be sure to provide updated contact information, otherwise you may miss future job opportunities.