Commonly Used Terms

1:

What is a recruitment?

A:

A recruitment is a process for locating applicants for employment.

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2:

What is a Recruitment Number?

A:

A "Recruitment Number" is the number that identifies a recruitment.

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3:

What is a recruitment period?

A:

A recruitment period is a time period indicated on the job announcement during which applications are accepted.

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4:

What does "Continuous Recruitment Until Needs are Met" mean?

A:

The recruitment will be open continuously until there’s no longer a need for eligibles. A Continuous Recruitment may close at any time; the notice of the last day to file applications will be posted in our office, and on Job Opportunities Listing page our website.

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5:

What is a County of Kauai Job Announcement?

A:

A County of Kauai Job Announcement describes a job that the Department of Personnel Services is currently recruiting for. It is the best source of information about a job as it tells you the time period for which applications will be accepted, the title of the job, recruitment number, pay, job duties, and minimum qualification requirements.

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6:

What is an Open-Competitive recruitment?

A:

An open-competitive recruitment is a recruiting notice that announces the receipt of applications open to the general public.

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7:

Who is considered a member of the County civil service?

A:

An employee who successfully completes an initial probation period and demonstrates continued fitness and ability by meeting all performance requirements of the employee’s position.

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 Applying for a Job

8:

How are vacancies filled?

A:

Jobs can be filled either from an internal department announced recruitment for which only members of the civil service in the respective department (s) can apply, or from an "eligible list" established for a recruitment that the Department of Personnel Services has announced. The Department of Personnel Services publishes Job Announcements for jobs open to the public. These announcements contain important information about the duties and responsibilities of the job, minimum qualifications required, and the examination process for placement on the eligible lists. You should review the Job Announcement of the job(s) for which you are interested prior to completing the application form. CLICK HERE for our Job Opportunities Listing.

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9:

What kind of jobs does the Department of Personnel Services Office recruit for?

A:

The Department of Personnel Services administers the civil service system for the County of Kauai government and recruits for a variety of job classifications. The civil service employment system is based upon hiring, retaining and promoting employees based on their qualifications and ability to do the work. There are over 500 different job titles. They may be found at the Classification and Pay section on the main page.

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10:

Where can I find out about County jobs that are currently being recruited for?

A:

Information about jobs are available on the internet, at the County Department of Personnel Office and other designated distribution centers, and in the newspaper. In some instances, the department that has the vacancy may be delegated to conduct their own recruitment. If this occurs, the department will be responsible for advertising the vacancy.

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11:

How do I apply for a County job?

A:

There are two ways – online or paper application form. To apply online, go to the Job Opportunities Listing page of our website to view current job openings. From your job search results, click on the job title to view the Job Opportunities Announcement. You will find step-by-step instructions in the "How to Apply" section and a link to create an online application for the specific job. If you prefer to write out and submit your application on paper forms, our job applications are available for pick-up in person or by mail. Applications will be available for only current job openings.

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12:

Where can I obtain a job application?

A:

There are two ways. 1) The online application can be accessed through the Job Opportunities Listing page by clicking on the job you’re interested in, then clicking the "apply" link. 2) Applications in paper form and can be picked up in person at the Department of Personnel Services, Moikeha Building, 4444 Rice Street, Suite 140, Lihue.

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13:

When can I apply for a County job?

A:

Applications are accepted only when a recruitment has been announced and only during the recruitment period specified on the job announcement. If the recruitment has a deadline to apply, you must submit your online or paper application and any other additional materials required in the job announcement by the last day to file applications.

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14:

How do I know what jobs I qualify for?

A:

You must first meet the minimum qualification requirements of the job. These requirements can be found on each Job Opportunity Announcement. You should review each announcement carefully, noting the location of the job opening, minimum qualification requirements, description of job duties, and any other special requirements. Taking the time to thoroughly review each announcement will help you avoid applying for jobs that may not interest you, or for which you may not qualify.

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15:

Can I submit a resume instead of the online or paper application?

A:

No. A resume in itself will not be processed. It must be accompanied by either an online or paper application, along with other required supporting documents asked for in the Job Opportunity Announcement.

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16:

Can I use the same application to apply for several different jobs?

A:

No. If you are using a paper application and applying for jobs listed on different Job Opportunity Announcements, you must submit a "complete application" for each announcement. If you submit a paper application, you must make copies of your additional materials and submit a separate copy for each job. Please make sure that the correct job title is listed on your application(s), and that each application accurately describes your education/experience in relation to the specific minimum qualifications required. It is recommended that you also keep a copy for your records.

If you are applying online, once you have set up your user account, you will be able to use your saved applications from previous jobs to which you have applied, for any other positions you apply to. You still must submit separate copies of your additional materials for each job.

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17:

What is considered a "complete application"?

A:

A "complete application" consists of the online or paper application and "other" materials asked for in the job announcement. Examples of "other" materials, if required or applicable, include the Applicant Data Survey, your college transcripts, documentation of veteran status, a copy of your valid driver’s license or professional licensure. Your application is considered incomplete until all of your information is received so please read the Required Forms and Documentation section of the Job Opportunity Announcement carefully.

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18:

What happens if I submit an online or paper application for a recruitment that has already closed?

A:

If the recruitment has closed, you cannot apply online. Your paper application will be considered a "late application" and will be rejected. To be considered timely, all applications and supplemental materials must be received by the last day to file applications. Hand-delivered applications must be received by 4:30 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time. Mailed applications must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. the "last day to file." Applications and documents submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

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19:

How do I notify you of a change to my name, address, phone number or availability for employment?

A:

Please send written notification or you may submit a Change of Information Form of any changes to your mailing address, telephone number, and/or work availability to the Department of Personnel Services. Be sure to include your full name, and the job you applied for. Your changes will replace the previous information on record.

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Examination

20:

What is an "unassembled” examination?

A:

An examination in which applicants are not required to take a written examination at a designated date, time, and place. Your rating (score) is based on education and experience provided to us on your application form.

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21:

Can I apply for a job requiring a college degree, if I have not yet graduated?

A:

Unless otherwise indicated on the Job Opportunity Announcement, you must meet the education requirement at the time your application is filed.

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22:

Do you have study guides to help me prepare for a written exam?

A:

No. We design written tests to reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to be brought to the job.

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23:

What kind of test will I have to take?

A:

The type of test you take will depend on the type of examination being administered for a particular job.

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24:

How often is the written exam given?

A:

If you apply for a recruitment open on a continuous basis, the exam will be administered several times a year. This can vary depending on the number of applicants, the type of exam, and the needs of the hiring agency. If the recruitment has a closing date, it will only be administered once after the closing date.

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25:

I have a disability. How do I request special accommodations to take a County exam?

A:

Please call the Department of Personnel Services at (808) 241-6595 as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide medical proof of your need for accommodation by a professional who is qualified to make a diagnosis.

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26:

How are scores calculated?

A:

The way scores are calculated depends on the type of examination procedure administered.

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27:

I already took a written exam and was placed on the eligible list. Can I take the exam again to improve my score?

A:

If the recruitment is still open, you may re-apply and take the written exam again as long as 30-days have lapsed between the written tests. If you do not pass the exam the second time, you will keep your original score.

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28:

If I take the test again before my eligibility expires, and score lower, can I still keep my original score?

A:

No. If you pass the written exam and receive a lower score, the lower score will replace the original score.

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29:

Are original transcripts required or can I just submit a copy?

A:

If you are using education to qualify, or if there are mandatory course requirements for the job, you may submit a legible copy of your official college transcripts. Transcripts obtained through the internet are not accepted. Please note that education obtained outside of the United States must be comparable to a degree earned at an accredited school in the United States. The Department of Personnel Services reserves the right to request evidence of comparability and/or an official copy of your transcript.

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30:

Can my college send my transcripts directly to your office?

A:

Yes, if your name and recruitment number are clearly identified on the transcript. However, if you plan to apply for multiple recruitments, you may want to request the university send the original copy of your transcript to you so that you can make copies. While we accept copies of transcripts, we reserve the right to request an original transcript.

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31:

I was placed on an eligible list 3 months ago, and have since obtained an advanced degree that could improve my score. Can I ask to amend my score?

A:

No. Your newly acquired education or work experience cannot be considered after your name has been placed on an eligible list. However, if the recruitment is still open, you may re-apply and submit any additional education and experience on your new application.

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32:

Why was my application rejected?

A:

An application can be rejected for several reasons such as: 1) missing forms or other supplemental information; 2) insufficient detail in your description of job duties and responsibilities; 3) performing work in more than one specialty area and not providing the average hours per week spent in each task; 4) unable to verify your education (diploma, coursework), education, licensure, etc. needed for a particular job. Your notice of results letter may request additional information, or will have sections highlighted to indicate which areas need completing.

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33:

Why was my application not processed?

A:

An application cannot be processed for several reasons. One reason is that important information is missing from the application, such as Social Security number, address, etc. Another reason is that a person did not indicate what recruitment they were applying for, or they tried to apply for more than one job on the same application.

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Eligibility/Referral

34:

What is an eligible list?

A:

A list of names of persons who have successfully competed by examination.

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35:

How long will it take until I am placed on an eligible list?

A:

We try to place qualified applicants on the eligible list as timely as possible. The actual time frame depends on a variety of factors, including the number of persons applying for a job, the type of exam used for the job, and the needs of the hiring agency that will be using the eligible list.

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36:

How long will I remain on the eligible list?

A:

You will have eligibility for a period of six (6) months, unless extended.

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37:

If I accept a temporary position, will my name be removed from the eligible list?

A:

It depends. 1) If you are appointed to a temporary position from an eligible list that was established to fill both permanent and temporary vacancies, it will depend on the duration of the temporary appointment. If the duration of the appointment allows you to serve an initial probationary appointment which could lead to civil service membership, your name will be removed from the eligible list and you will no longer be referred to other vacancies. However, if the duration of the temporary appointment does not allow you to serve an initial probationary appointment, your availability for temporary positions will be removed and you will not be referred to future temporary vacancies. But, if you indicated interest in permanent positions on your application, your name will continue to be referred to permanent vacancies. 2) If you are appointed to a temporary position from an eligible list that was established to fill temporary positions only, you will be removed from the eligible list and you will no longer be referred to other vacancies.

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38:

How long does it take to be referred for a job interview?

A:

It depends on several factors. After you are placed on the eligible list, you will be referred to vacancies based on your examination score and the employment conditions/geographic locations you specified on your application form. Factors that increase your chances of being referred include how high your score is, your availability, and the number of vacancies.

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39:

After I am placed on the eligible list, what happens if I decline or fail to respond to an employment inquiry?

A:

Your eligibility will be suspended when you decline a job offer; do not report for an employment interview or respond to an employment inquiry; indicate a lack of interest in any other way for a position; or you are contacted and not available to attend an interview.

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40:

If my eligibility is suspended, can my name be put back on the eligible list for future referrals?

A:

Yes. If the list is still active and your eligibility has not expired, you may reinstate your eligibility under the following conditions: 1) you are now available for employment; 2) you now meet the physical standards of the job; or 3) you terminated without delinquency or misconduct during your probationary period after being appointed to a permanent position from the eligible list. Your request must be in writing and include your name, job title, and recruitment number.

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41:

Can I find out my ranking on the eligible list?

A:

No. Your ranking may change from day to day for several reasons. Factors such as names being added and removed, availability changes, and hiring can affect your ranking.

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Miscellaneous

42:

Where is your office located?

A:

Our office is located in the Moikeha Building, Suite 140, 4444 Rice Street, Lihue, Kauai

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43:

What type of benefits does the County government offer?

A:

The County of Kauai offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. These benefits are subject to change whenever applicable collective bargaining agreements, laws, rules, policies or plan documents are changed.

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44:

A:

How do I contact the County Department of Personnel Services during normal business hours?

Please call (808) 241-6595.

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45:

A:

What should I do if I am experiencing technical difficulties submitting my application online after normal business hours?

Currently you will need to contact the Department of Personnel Services during normal business hours. The Department of Personnel Services is open Monday thru Friday (except holidays), 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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46:

A:

Does the County of Kauai accept applications from out-of-state applicants who are not residents of Hawaii?


Yes. Visit our County of Kauai Job Opportunities link for our current job opportunities listing.

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