HR Q & A
HR Q & A
Internship, Volunteer & Temporary Questions -
Q. Where do I begin?
A. Everything starts at our City web site, www.cityofvancouver.us. There you will find links to Job Opportunities, an Applicant User Guide, and help for getting started. Above all, remember to keep a record of your username and password once you have set up an account. You will need it to apply for other positions or to check the status of your application and when you re-enter the system, you will need to input this information exactly as it was originally entered.
Q. Can I get help with completing the online application?
A. Human Resources is committed to ensuring that this process is easy and user-friendly. To help applicants, the following resources are available:
Applicant User Guide
Live help from Human Resources during business hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,
Phone: (360) 619-1004
Email: hr@vanhr.org
In-person: 610 Esther Street, 2nd floor
Q. How do I find out what jobs are available?
A. A list of available positions can be viewed from any computer with Internet access. Visit the City's web site at www.cityofvancouver.us and click on the link for Job Opportunities or Internal Opportunities-Open to City Employees Only.
Q. What if I do not have a computer or access to the web?
A. There are a number of ways to access Job Opportunities with the City:
A kiosk is available in the Department of Human Resources. Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m. We are located at 610 Esther Street, 2nd floor. Please note: There may be a waiting list and time limit if customer demand is high.
You may also use the public computers located at Vancouver Public Libraries. Evening and weekend hours are available. Be prepared to sign up to use a computer and there may be a time limit.
Family and friends might also have Internet access available for you to use.
Q. What information will I be asked to provide?
A. You will be asked to provide personal information such as name,address, phone number, etc. You will also be asked to provide information about your education, employment history, and references. An email address will also be required. See the FAQ, "An email address is required. How do I get an email address?" for more information. You will shorten the time it takes to complete your application if you gather this information before beginning the online process.
Q. An email address is required. How do I get an email address?
A. If you do not already have an email address, free email is available through a number of providers. Though we cannot endorse any particular vendor, you may want to visit Yahoo, GMX Mail, Gmail and AOL Aim Mail for more information.
Q. What if I am interested in a position that is not currently on the City job list?
A. If you wish to receive notification when a job you are interested in becomes available, go to www.cityofvancouver.us and go to the Job Opportunities page. Click on "Request job notifications by (choose class title or category)" and follow the online directions.
Q. How do I check the status of my application?
A. Check your email for status notices. If you are no longer being considered for a position, a notice will be sent to the email address you used on your application. If you are selected for an interview or an offer of employment, you will be contacted in most cases by phone.
Q. How do I save my application?
A. You must click "SAVE" to retain the information you have entered. If you close your browser prior to clicking "SAVE," you will lose any information you entered after the last time you clicked "SAVE." If at any time you need to exit out of the application form, click the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the form. You can return to your application by logging into your account with your Username and Password.
Q. What if I want to submit a resume?
A. You may either attach or cut and paste a resume into your application. Please note that submitting a resume does not substitue for completing the application form.
Q. Who will see my application if I use the online application process?
A. All information is on a secure web server. Only the Human Resources Department and other City department users authorized to review specific job openings will have access. The City of Vancouver does not share its database with other companies or localities.
Q. Can I apply for more than one job at a time?
A. Yes. Once you have completed your online application, you can apply for multiple positions that are currently open.
Q. How do I print my application?
A. After you have submitted your application, you will see a link to 'Click here for a printable version of the application you just submitted.'
Q. I missed the deadline-can I still apply?
A. As with any position, once a closing date has passed, no application will be accepted or considered. Please continue to visit www.cityofvancouver.us website and apply for new jobs as they become available. You may also want to complete a Job Interest Notification Request to automatically be notified when a postiion you are interested in becomes available. To do so, see the FAQ, "What if I am interested in a position that is not currently on the Job Opportunites list?"
Q. Do I have to fill out an application?
A. Everyone who applies for a position is required to create an application, which includes certain information. Required information is denoted with an asterisk (*). The more information you provide, the easier it will be to effectively evaluate your skills, abilities and qualification. Incomplete applications may be rejected so please be thorough.
Q. Can I apply by sending my resume via e-mail?
A. Paper applications and resumes will not be accepted by fax, e-mail or postal service. Please apply online using the City's site, www.cityofvancouver.us.
Q. Will I automatically be considered for other positions if I previously submitted an application?
A. To ensure you will be considered for other positions, watch our Job Opportunities site or fill in a Job Notification Request. You must submit a separate application for all positions you are interested in.
Q. What if I am not ready to fill out the application at this time?
A. No application is submitted until you click on the "Accept" button, which is "Step 4: Confirm and Submit" (see the progress guide at the top of the screen). If at any time you do not want to complete your application, save your work, then logout.
Q. How and when can I update my application?
A. Changes can be made to your application at any time before it is submitted. Once you submit an application for a particular position, you cannot go back and make changes to the submitted application. If you make changes and submit another application before the position closes, we will only consider your most recent application. You may also make changes before submitting your application for any new positions.
Q. Where can I get information about internship opportunities with the City?
A. Internship opportunities are listed in the City's Job Opportunities site.
Q. How are interns recruited and placed with the City?
A. Interns interested in advertised internship opportunities will be required to submit a letter of interest, resume, or other application materials as specified in the internship announcement. In some cases a background, criminal records check, or other screening procedures may be required before an internship can begin.
Q. Who will be considered for City internships?
A. A currently enrolled student whose school allows an internship in the public sector or in a program or service that would apply to the student's area of study. Students should earn credit hours through an internship experience or complete a defined goal based on their academic course of study. Schools internship guidelines, evaluation forms, and other applicable materials will be required.
Q. How much do interns get paid?
A. Most City internships are unpaid and intended as a work experience only. On occasion, the City has paid internships in specialized areas.
Q. How long can an intern work for the City?
A. Internships assignments may last anywhere from 1- 6 months depending on academic requirements and the needs of the City.
Q. Does the City of Vancouver have intern partnerships with specific colleges and universities?
A. Yes, but these are limited and do not forgo the option of considering additional college and university students for internships with the City.
Q. Do City policies and procedures apply to work experience participants?
A. Employment policies
- Interns are not considered an employee of the City. Therefore, they have no right to continued or regular employment with the City and can not apply for internal job openings. In addition, they do not have rights to any other "recognition" of regular or temporary City employment. For example, attendance to employee recognition or social events. Interns of the City can be discharged from their internship assignment at any time for any lawful reason or for no reason, with or without clause.
- Interns may apply and be considered for any external job opening.
Performance appraisals and references
- Interns do not receive performance appraisals from the City. At the end of each placement, the direct manager or supervisor will provide the college or university and the intern with an evaluation of the assignment and of the intern's performance. In addition, if requested and with a signed release, the City may provide a factual written reference based on the individuals internship assignment. All signed release forms and written references must be reviewed by Human Resources prior to release.
Q. Does the City hire temporary workers?
A. Yes. To get more information about temporary jobs, please contact one of the temporary agencies listed below. Both agencies have a contract with the City to provide qualified temporary staff for our various seasonal and temporary needs.
Northwest Staffing Resources
315 W. Mill Plain Blvd
Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-695-4900
Kelly Services
309 E. 15th Street
Suite E
Vancouver, WA 98663
360-699-5337
TEK Systems
9600 SW Barnes Road
Suite 350
Portland, OR 97225
888-891-8390 or 503-205-3425
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