The Hiring Process

The Department of Human Resources is responsible for the recruitment and selection process for all positions within the City of Redwood City. The City currently employs over 500 people in full-time and part time positions.

Interest Cards are available to notify us of the position(s) you would like to apply for when they become available. The cards are maintained by Human Resources until the position is open, at which time you are notified and the applications materials are sent to you. You may then apply for the position.

The recruitment and selection process consists of a series of screening measures in order to select the most appropriate candidate for the position.

These steps are;

Application Screening
Applications are accepted only for positions currently open. Interest Cards may be filled out and submitted for positions not currently open.

Application materials submitted by the candidates are reviewed and evaluated based on the requirements of the position applied for. Each applicant is notified in writing of their status. Those accepted for further consideration continue in the selection process, which can include one or more of the following steps.

Written Exams
Written Exams provide an objective basis for determining if the candidates have the necessary skills, ability and knowledge required for the position. The exam content is specifically related to the job opening. There usually are no study materials available. Not all positions require written exams. Some positions require a practical exam in which the candidate performs various physical exercises relating to the position.

Oral Board Interviews
Most recruitments include an interview with a panel of three or more raters from within the City and other agencies who are familiar with the requirements for the position.

The purpose of the interview is to determine the candidate's ability to perform the work required. The candidates are asked prepared questions regarding their education and work experience and are evaluated on their job related skills and knowledge.

Assessment Center
An Assessment Center is an all day event in which the candidates perform various written and oral exercises or presentations to a group of qualified assessors. This process is used primarily for management level positions.

Department Interviews
The top candidates ranked by the oral board panel will be invited to a final round of interviews with the hiring department. The hiring manager(s) then make a recommendation to hire the candidate(s) they feel is most suited to the current opening.

Medical Exam
As part of the conditional offer of employment, candidates are required to attend a pre-employment physical examination provided by the City at no cost to the applicant.

Appointment
Appointment to the position is made by the hiring manager from a list certified by the Human Resources Director. A job offer letter is prepared by the Human Resources staff which includes the start date, orientation date and time.

Probationary Period
As part of the selection process, the probationary period is used to evaluate the work performance and conduct to ensure that it meets the job requirements. The probationary period is 12 to 18 months depending upon the position. Regular evaluations are made during this time period. An employee may be released from employment for any reason during the probationary period.