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Careers FAQ

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Q: Where do I begin?

A:

Everything starts at our City of Surprise Career Pages. On this page you will find current job opportunities, job descriptions, volunteer opportunities, City links and FAQs. Above all, remember to keep a record of your username and password once you have set up an account. You will need your username and password to apply for positions and check the status of your application. 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 this process is easy and user-friendly. The following resources are available to assist applicants:

Online:
Online Application Guide | Applicant FAQs

Phone:
623.222.3500 for help with your online application.

For login help or to reset your password, call applicant support at 855.524.5627

In-Person:

Live help from Human Resources is available during business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., located in City Hall at 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.

Q: How do I find out what jobs are available?

A:

A list of available positions can be viewed 24 hours a day; 7 days a week from any computer with Internet access.

Visit Surprise Careers

Q: What if I do not have a computer or Internet access?

A:

There are a number of ways to access the Career Pages and submit an online application:

• Computers are available in the Human Resources Department, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.
• A designated computer is available in the Parks and Recreation office, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation is located at the Surprise Recreation Campus located at 15930 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise. You may also use the public computers located at any public library. Be prepared to sign up to use a computer; keep in mind there may be time restrictions.
• Family and friends may also have computers with 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, an email address, social security number, etc. You will also be asked to provide information about your education, employment history, and references.

You will reduce the time it takes to complete your application if you gather this information before beginning the online process. View the Online Sample Application for details

Q: An email address is required. What if I don’t have an email address?

A:

If you do not already have an email address, free email is available through a number of providers.

NOTE: You cannot share email addresses with anyone else. Each individual applicant must have a unique user ID, password and email address.

Q: What if I am interested in a position that is not currently on the City job list?

A:

If you wish to receive a job alert when a department you are interested in posts a position, go to www.surpriseaz.gov/careers and select Register for Job Alerts.

To request notification of a specific job title, go to the list of city job descriptions. From this page, you can search for jobs by keyword. Click on a job title for the description to set up a job alert.

By completing the Job Alert Request, you will receive email notifications for the next 12 months every time a position opens whose category matches what you selected. Prior to the expiration of your job notification, you will have the opportunity to extend your notifications for another year.

Q: How do I check the status of my application?

A:

Visit www.surpriseaz.gov/careers and click on the Job Opportunities link. Click on any job, and click on Apply.

Once you are logged in, click on Application Status.

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 later by logging into your account with your username and password. Do not click the back button on your browser prior to saving your application, or you will lose any information that you have entered.

Q: What if I want to submit a resume?

A:

You have three options for submitting a resume:

• You may attach one document to the application. It must be in a text (.txt file extension), rich text (.rtf file extension), PDF (.pdf file extension), or Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx extension) and is limited to 1MB. If a file is larger than 1MB, you will receive an error message.
• You may copy and paste your resume into the Resume field of the application.
• You may type text into the Resume field of the application.

Please note, while we welcome your resume as a supplement to the application, it cannot replace any information on the application. Failure to list pertinent information within the application may result in disqualification.

Q: Who will see my application?

A:

The City of Surprise takes your privacy very seriously. All information is on a secure web server. Only the Human Resources Department and other designated City department users authorized to review applications for specific job openings will have access. The City of Surprise does not share its database with other companies or entities.

Q: Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

A:

Yes. Once you have completed your online application, you may 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. Select that option to print your application.

Q: I missed the deadline - can I still apply?

A:

Once a closing date has passed, applications will not be accepted or considered. To avoid missing a deadline, we encourage you to apply early for positions, as we are unable to make exceptions for technology-related delays or computer difficulties.

Please continue to visit the Career Pages to apply for new jobs as they become available. You may also want to complete a Job Alert to automatically be notified when a position you are interested in becomes available.

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 qualifications. Incomplete applications may be rejected so please be thorough. Remember, your resume may be included as a supplement to your application, but cannot replace any information required for the application.

Q: Can I apply by sending my resume via e-mail?

A:

Paper applications and resumes will not be accepted in person, by fax, e-mail or postal service.

Q: Will I automatically be considered for other positions if I previously submitted an application?

A:

No, you must submit a separate application for all positions you are interested in.

Q: How and when can I update my application or what if I am not ready to submit my application at this time?

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 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: How do I know that the City has successfully received my online application?

A:

After you have submitted your online application, you will receive an email confirmation. You can also check the status of your application to see if it says Application Received; to do this reference How do I check the status of my application? above.

Q: How much employment history should I include in my application?

A:

List your employment history for at least the past ten (10) years starting with your most recent employer. List all positions held, including military experience, part-time, summer, and/or volunteer work; do not omit any employers. Explain any gaps in employment. You must include job-related duties on your application even if you have included a resume.

Q: I was filling out my application and I lost all my information. What happened?

A:

You may have used the Back Button (located on your toolbar) which when used removes all data. To avoid losing your information save your information periodically. You may be able to log in to your account and see if your information was saved under your profile.

Q: What is the selection process?

A:

The selection process and timelines may vary by position. Only applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the hiring department for evaluation. Other areas of screening may include: preferred qualifications and examinations. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview. All candidates participating in the interview process will be notified via email of the outcome. All offers of employment are conditional upon an applicant’s successful completion of pre-employment screening.

Q: How can I add additional employment or education entries?

A:

Click on Add Education or Add Work Experience after each entry to add additional education/work experience. You must list education/work experience in chronological order, starting with most recent. After each entry, click Save and View Application.

Q: How do I change my address, phone number, or email information?

A:

If the position is currently open, login to http://www.governmentjobs.com and find your application to edit or find the job you are interested in on www.surpriseaz.gov/careers and click Apply and then log-in and find your application. Proceed to Edit your personal profile and then Resubmit your application. If the position has closed, for personal information data changes only, contact HR at 623.222.3500.

Q: How can I edit or delete the information on my ‘already submitted’ online job application?

A:

Once an application is submitted, it cannot be edited or deleted. If information needs to be changed or added, you will need to resubmit a new application for the position. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered and any prior application submitted will be inactivated for that recruitment.

Q: Do I have to submit a separate application for each open job?

A:

Yes. However, once you create an account, you may build an application and submit that application for multiple jobs by clicking on the Populate button to automatically populate the new application with information from your previously created application. Review and update your application as necessary. Once your account is created, applying for open job openings is quick and easy. However, we recommend you tailor your application and/or resume with relevant experience to the position you are applying for.

Q: How long does it take to complete an online application?

A:

It will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete all sections of the application.

Q: Will I be logged out automatically?

A:

Yes. You will be logged out automatically after 60 minutes of inactivity. Any unsaved information will be lost. Be sure to click the Save Work in Progress button frequently while working on your application and before you leave the computer for an extended period of time.

Q: Is this a secure site?

A:

Yes. All information is stored on a secure server. Only authorized employees in the Human Resources Department and other City department users designated to review applications for specific job openings will have access. The City of Surprise does not share its database with other companies or entities.

Q: I’m not receiving job email alerts. What should I do?

A:

If you have spam filters either on your personal computer or with your Internet service provider, be sure they allow email from info@governmentjobs.com. Otherwise, you will not receive email regarding your application status or job alert notifications.

Q: How do I request an accommodation?

A:

Complete the Applicant Accommodation Form and submit to Human Resources by fax, 623.222.3501.