Hiring Process: What to Expect

Find open job positions online

Thank you for your interest in working with the City of Berkeley! You can find open job positions and apply online. Each open position on the website contains detailed information which we encourage you to read thoroughly. Please be sure to submit the required application materials by the final filing deadline referenced in the job posting. You must apply online; applications sent by fax, email, or mail will not be accepted.

You can sign up to receive email alerts when jobs you are interested in become available. To sign up for alerts, first search our job descriptions for the position you are interested in. Once you are on an individual job description, click the “Email me when jobs like this become available” link. The City also shares jobs in its email newsletter.

What to expect from the hiring process

Submit your application

Please apply for jobs with the City of Berkeley through our online portal. We cannot accept applications sent by fax, email, or mail. 

When applying for a job, please read the posting carefully, including all eligibility requirements, the application process, application materials, and the salary range for the position.

After applying, you can review your application, track its status, and receive updates by logging in to your account on GovernmentJobs.com.

Round 1: Exam (if applicable)

After the job posting’s closing date, an HR analyst will review your application to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications described in the job posting. If you do, you will be invited to an exam (if applicable). If there is no exam, you will be added to the employment eligible list. 

The exam is designed to assess whether you have the knowledge and abilities described in the job description. Search for the position you applied to in our list of job descriptions to review the desired knowledge and abilities. 

If you receive a passing score on the exam, you will be added to the employment eligible list. You may also be sorted into a category (1, 2, or 3) based on your test results. Hiring managers can choose to interview any candidate on the list, regardless of which category they are in.

Round 2: Interviews

All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and receive a passing score on their exam (if applicable) will be added to the employment eligible list. The hiring department(s) will review candidates on this list and choose which applicants they would like to interview.

Final hiring decisions

After the interviews, hiring department(s) will extend an offer to the selected candidate, and all other candidates will be notified. It typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time a recruitment closes for the final hiring decisions to be made.