Frequently Asked
Questions
Human Resources Employment Directory
Mailing Address:
City of Springfield
Human Resources
840 Boonville Ave
Springfield, Missouri 65802
Jobs Line:
(800) 864-2086 or (417) 864-1606 (Includes Firefighter
and Police Officer)
General Information: (417) 864-1607
Fax: (417) 864-1186
TDD: (417) 864-1555
Office Hours (Except City-recognized holidays):
Monday – Friday, 8:00
a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website: http://www.springfieldmo.gov
Email: Employment@springfieldmo.gov
Back to top
I want a career with the City of Springfield. How do I get my
foot in the door?
The first step on the road to a City of Springfield career is
to apply and test for a City job. Every week the Human Resources
Department opens new recruitments for different jobs which may
have different recruitment time-frames. Employment applications
for these jobs are available during recruitment periods only.
Back to top
The job I want isn’t posted can I still apply?
No, the City only accepts applications for positions that are
open for recruitment.
Back to top
How will I know if a job is open for recruitment?
The surest way to find out which jobs are open for recruitment
is by calling the City’s 24-hour job line at (800) 864-2086
or (417) 864-1606. The job line lists all jobs currently being
recruited and is updated late each Friday afternoon (after 5:00
pm). Because the job line is accessible seven days a week, we encourage
you to call on weekends to find out the jobs that are open for
recruitment the following week.
Another way to learn of our job openings is through the Internet.
Our web site address is http://www.springfieldmo.gov.
Once at the web site, click on Employment Opportunities.
You may also view our open positions at the Human Resources Office
on the 3rd floor of the Busch Municipal Building located at 840
Boonville Ave.
Back to top
How do I apply for a job?
Applications are available only during the posted recruitment
period. For each of the application methods described below an
individual is able to apply for multiple open positions.
eApplication:
To electronically submit an application, under “Vacancy
Announcements”, click on APPLY
ONLINE. Then select the title
of the positions that you are interested in. Currently, you are
able to apply for three open recruitments per electronic application.
Download application:
To download an employment
application and, if applicable, related documents, under “Vacancy
Announcements”,
click on “DOWNLOAD
PDF Version of Job Application”.
Currently, you are able to apply for as many open recruitments
as you are interested in.
NOTE: If you are having trouble downloading an application, call
the Human Resources Office at (417) 864-1607. Currently, the downloadable
application is in PDF format.
In Person:
Pick up applications at the City of
Springfield Human Resources Office, 840 Boonville Avenue. Office
hours are Monday
- Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (except City holidays).
By Mail:
Call (417) 864-1607 to request an application by mail.
All applications must be received in the Human Resources office
by the closing deadline listed on the Vacancy Announcement or posted
by 5:00 on the closing date.
Applicants should pay close attention to open and close dates
of each job. Completed application materials must be received in
the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the published closing
date.
If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in
the application and/or testing process, please contact the Human
Resources Department.
It is a good idea to keep a copy of the Vacancy Announcement and
application materials you submit, to assist you in preparing for
any test and/or interview that may be required. Please be aware,
however, that all application materials become property of the
City of Springfield and no copies can be made or returned to the
applicant.
Back to top
Can I Submit A Resume?
Applicants may submit a resume for consideration of an employment
vacancy (except for the positions of Police Officer and Firefighter),
however, a signed application will be required if an interview
and/or testing is offered. Applications and resumes are only accepted
for positions that the City is currently recruiting for.
If applicants choose to submit a resume, please follow the these
guidelines:
Targeted Position:
Write the name of the job for which you are
applying.
Title:
Must be listed for each position held in the last 10 years.
SSN:
Must include your social security number. Please
include your SSN on your application materials. Why? See FAQ titled
"Why do you want my SSN on my resume?
Dates:
Must be in MONTH/YEAR - MONTH/YEAR format. (01/98 – 05/2006)
Include the dates for each title listed. Year/Year (2002-2004)
format is unacceptable
and may result in the applicant not receiving full consideration for employment.
Duties:
Must be specific.
Recruiters are not able to assume the duties assigned to a position. Please
describe the primary duties that were performed for each title/position listed
on a resume.
Employer:
Must be listed.
Please list the name and location of your employer for each title/position
listed.
Education:
Must indicate if degree was received or the number
of hours earned and the institution attended.
You may view a sample resume by clicking on the following link:
SAMPLE RESUME
Back to top
Why do you want my Social Security number on
my resume?
Currently, the City of Springfield uses your social security number
for applicant tracking purposes. Your Social Security number will
be used to create a unique application record and allow Human Resources
staff to track the application materials as they move through the
recruitment process.
Privacy Statement
Protecting your privacy and your personal information is an important
aspect of the way the City of Springfield creates, organizes, and
implements its activities on-line and off-line.
The City of Springfield will only collect personal information
from you with your prior knowledge and consent. You can access
the City's website home page and browse the City's site without
disclosing personal information.
The personal information provided by you via the on-line employment
application will only be used internally by the City of Springfield
and its affiliates.
You do not have to submit the employment application on-line unless
you choose to do so. You have the choice of downloading and printing
the application and mailing it directly to the City of Springfield's
Human Resources Department. If you choose to submit your application
on-line, you will be required to provide personal information, such
as contact information (e.g., name, address, telephone/fax numbers,
e-mail address, and your social security number).
The City of Springfield will only use personal information provided
by you for the purposes for which it was collected. The City of
Springfield will not disclose your personal information to a third
party. The City ensures that your personal information will not
be disclosed to any other institutions and authorities except if
required by law or other regulation.
The City of Springfield has implemented technology and security
policies, rules, and measures to protect the personal information
that the City has under its control from: unauthorized
access, improper use, alteration, unlawful or accidental destruction
and
accidental loss. The City of Springfield will remove personal information
from its system where it is no longer required (except where archiving
is required).
Back to top
Can HR pull my previous application and apply it to another job
I want to be considered for?
No, HR is not able to make copies of any previous application
materials (resumes, transcripts, DD-214, certifications, etc) and
apply them to a new position that applicants are interested in.
Applicants must submit new application materials each time they
apply for a position.
Back to top
Can I get a copy of my previously submitted application materials?
No. All application materials become property of the City of Springfield
and no copies can be made or returned to the applicant.
Back to top
I received an Affirmative Action letter in the mail, what does
that mean and do I have to fill it out?
The City of Springfield is fully committed to the concept and
practice of equal opportunity and affirmative action in all aspects
of employment. Applicants for the City of Springfield are considered
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, ancestry, age or veteran status.
The City of Springfield is required by federal statutes and executive
order to collect and maintain specific data regarding all applicants
for positions with our organization. The information requested
is voluntary and is strictly confidential. It will not be used
to evaluate your qualifications for employment and does not affect
your application status in any way. This information will be used
solely for affirmative action reporting purposes and is maintained
separately from all other applicant information.
Individuals who have applied for a position with the City of Springfield
may receive a letter and an Affirmative Action Data form to
complete at their earliest convenience. This form is completely
voluntary.
The information provided by applicants is used to prepare the
City of Springfield’s Affirmative Action plan that is compiled
on a regular basis.
Back to top
Must I live within City boundaries to apply/work for the city?
Applicants do not have to live within City boundaries to apply.
Only Department Directors are required to live within City limits,
unless otherwise approved.
Back to top
How do I find out about the job duties, requirements and type
of exam for the job that I am interested in?
Each job for which we are recruiting has a Vacancy Announcement.
The Vacancy Announcement is an excellent source of information
that lists the salary, duties of the job, the minimum requirements
of the position, the type of exam to be given (if applicable),
special requirements, and the date by which applications must be
submitted.
A job’s education and experience requirements are stated
on the Vacancy Announcement. Read the requirements carefully. The
job may require certain education and/or experience, a license
and/or certification, and knowledge and/or ability in specific
areas. The information is helpful in determining if you meet the
minimum requirements of the job.
Back to top
How does the Human Resources department determine if I qualify
for this job?
Generally, a recruiter will review the application materials
for primarily two reasons:
1) to determine if a candidate’s
education and experience makes him/her eligible to take a written
exam and/or interview, or
2) to evaluate a candidate’s education
and experience and determine if he/she is qualified to do the job.
In either case, it is very important that you complete the application
materials thoroughly.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on the information
you provide in your application materials. Therefore, be sure to
include paid and voluntary work experience. Also include other
information that is relevant to the job, such as licenses, professional
affiliations, classes you have taken, training you have received,
and all other special qualifications. If you need more space to
adequately describe your experience, please attach additional sheets
to you application materials.
Be aware that qualifications above the minimum requirements may
be necessary to qualify you to proceed in the next phase
of the recruitment process. Higher screening criteria may include:
additional
years of required experience, specific licenses or certifications,
and additional educational requirements. The following are some
examples of qualifications that are frequently screened for:
Recency:
Relevant experience must be recent (typically within
the last 5 years) in order to be considered qualified experience.
Stability:
Individuals must demonstrate a pattern of stability
in their employment (typically no more than 3 different employers
in the last 5 years.)
Back to top
When will I receive a response from my application?
Currently, only those applicants who were determined to be qualified
will receive a response from the City. Applicants are determined
qualified if they meet the screening criteria set by the recruiter
and subject matter experts for the open position.
Because the City of Springfield usually receives a large number
of applications for each recruitment, the screening process can
take up to two weeks after the closing deadline posted on the Vacancy
Announcement. Please be patient. We want to give each application
the consideration it deserves.
Back to top
Why didn’t I get an interview or scheduled for an exam if
I met the requirements on the posting?
Due to the volume of applications received for open recruitments,
it is often necessary for the recruiter to screen beyond the minimum
requirements of the posting. Recruiters may screen for additional
years of required experience, specific licenses or certifications,
and additional educational requirements as well as recency of experience
and stability of employment.
Back to top
What kind of exam will I have to take?
The type of exam that you will be given is stated on the Vacancy
Announcement. Exams are developed based on the actual job duties.
Depending on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for
the job, the exam may consist of written tests, demonstration tests,
simulation exercises, oral presentations, oral examination interviews,
and or assessment centers.
Back to top
How do I prepare for the exam? What do I study?
All City of Springfield tests are job related and designed to
test the knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the essential
functions of the job. Read the job duties and general description
of the test on the Vacancy Announcement, and then study the material
that you feel directly or indirectly relates to the required knowledge,
skills, and abilities. For example, if two of the requirements
for a job are performing mathematical calculations and interpreting
regulations, some of the exam questions will probably cover math
and reading comprehension.
For examinations that have study materials, a list of the materials
will be on the Vacancy Announcement.
Back to top
What happens after I take an exam?
You will be notified of the results. The City is looking for the
highest qualified applicants. Pass/fail determinations and final
score may be based on the distribution of scores resulting from
the evaluation/exam. The cutoff point may also be influenced by
the number and quality of applicants, amount of turnover, number
of vacancies expected and total number of positions authorized.
If you are notified that you were not successful in passing the
exam or that you are not among the highest qualified candidates,
don’t be discouraged. The City of Springfield selection processes
are very competitive. You are encouraged to apply again the next
time the job opens for recruitment.
If you pass the evaluation/exam you will be invited for an oral
interview.
Back to top
Is there anything that I can do to prepare for an interview?
- Be prepared by finding out as much as you can about the position.
- View
and review the job description.
- Be prepared to talk about your past experience, education,
skills and abilities as they relate to the position. Past
experiences can include customer service,
high public contact, and other related experience applicable to the position
you are interested in. Don’t forget related educational experiences!
- Be sure to fully explain your skills and abilities even if
the interviewer is familiar with your background and resume. Don’t
assume that an interviewer will just know that you are the best
candidate.
- If you do not hear or understand a question, ask the
interviewer to repeat it.
- Practice before the interview. Anticipate
questions you may be asked and practice answering them out
loud prior to the interview.
- Dress appropriately - always be well
groomed.
- Be prompt - plan to arrive early for the interview
to allow time to find parking, to locate the appropriate
office, and
to complete any necessary
paperwork.
- Remember to maintain good posture and body language.
- Finally,
just try to relax.
Back to top
How do you score the interviews and what do the scores mean?
The City uses a very structured interview process. All candidates
will be asked the same questions. The questions are developed from
the job description for each position. Candidates are scored against
several dimensions that describe the knowledge, skills and abilities
that are required for the position.
Scores are converted to a 100 pt. Scale. To be placed on an eligibility
list an individual must achieve a score of 71 or higher.
Back to top
I’ve applied, tested and interviewed, what happens now?
If you have successfully passed the testing and the interview
process, your name is placed on an eligibility list. Eligibility
lists contain
the names
of the individuals that a supervisor may hire for his/her open vacancy. Supervisors
will be given the names and phone number of the top candidates on the eligibility
list. Individuals may be asked to come in for a second interview, departmental
tour, etc.
If you have not successfully passed the interview, you will be notified by
mail that you were unsuccessful in the interview process. You are encouraged
to apply for any open recruitment that you still have an interest in.
Back to top
When does the eligibility list expire?
The life span of City of Springfield eligible lists varies from
six months to eighteen months, depending on the job. You may
contact the Human Resources
office to find out when a list will expire.
If you have a change of address, telephone number, or name, please contact
the Human Resources department at (417) 864-1607 to have the change(s)
made to the eligible list.
Back to top
Do you require drug testing, background checks, credit checks,
etc.?
The City of Springfield conducts pre-employment drug testing
on all applicants that are made contingent job offers. In most
circumstances,
applicants must
report to the testing site within 24 hours of being made a contingent job offer.
All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing the later phase of
our pre-employment screening process which may include; a mandatory pre-employment
drug test, a criminal background check, credit check, and references.
The City
of Springfield will conduct a criminal background check on each
prospective employee. A background check will be run
for the last seven (7) years for the
applicant. All local, state and federal records will be researched for conviction
information. Applicants must disclose any conviction information on their application
materials. Traffic violations are considered convictions as a result; applicants
must disclose any traffic violations (speeding tickets, running a stop light,
etc) on their application materials. If an applicant does not remember the
specific dates, they may obtain a copy of their driving record from the department
of motor vehicles where the violation occurred.
Credit checks will ran on all
prospective employees that will be in cash-handling positions and may be ran
on public safety positions
such as Police Officer.
Credit checks will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Back to top
Do you give veteran’s preference?
Merit Rule 5.10 Veteran’s Preference is summarized below:
Applicants who present
evidence showing honorable service in the armed forces of the United
States or placement on the reserve
list who have met the minimum
requirements imposed for each test and who have received at least the passing
grade required for eligibility, shall have added to their earned gradings an
additional five (5) points on the basis of 100. All such persons except Police
and Fire Department applicants, who are suffering service connected disability
of at least 10% compensable disability rating, based on the findings of the
United States Veterans Administration, shall have added to their earned gradings
10 points on the basis of 100.
Applicable documentation will need to be provided
to the Human Resources office, which may include DD-214 and a certificate
from the Veteran’s Administration.
Back to top
What type of benefits do you offer?
A complete summary of the City of Springfield benefits can be found
at: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/business/jobs/benefits.html.
Back to top
|
