Many Evans School students are interested in working for the City of Seattle, and it is one of the largest employers of Evans School alumni. But do you know what you need to do to land a job with the City?
Thankfully, we can find out, directly from the City's HR staff. We are grateful to have two HR professionals from the City of Seattle, Andrea Lowe and Kate Moore, contribute the following as a guest post to the Evans School's Career Services blog.
1. I know local governments and related agencies have been hit hard by the recession. Has hiring been reduced? Have there been layoffs or furloughs? If so, what departments have been hit hardest and why?
Yes, hiring has been reduced and we have had both layoffs and furloughs. The Department of Planning & Development has been hit the hardest due to their funding source (revenue based on permitting), but all of our departments have been impacted.
2. What positions do you hire for the most, in general? What positions do you hire for that might fit for students pursuing a Master of Public Administration?
In the past we would hire for any positions from administrative support to executive level. With the current budget shortfall we are only hiring for specific skill areas and critical to fill jobs where we can’t fill internally or from those who have been laid off. Currently enrolled students are eligible for our work study positions and internships. The UW is pretty good at working with graduate students who have financial aid (and WA state residency) attaining work study funding. Several of our work study positions are a good match for graduate level students. Every once in a while we will have unpaid internships available as well.
Positions in the past that are a good fit for MPA students would include: Strategic Advisors, Planning & Development Specialists, Financial/Budget Analysts, and positions in the Mayor’s Office and working for City Council. FYI – Mayor’s Office and City Council positions tend to not be listed on our on-line system as they are found through their own networks.
3. When candidates apply for jobs, can they submit a regular resume and cover letter, or do they need to write application essays or fill out questionnaires? Do they need to fill out any special application forms?
Applicants need to fill out our on-line application and upload requested documents which typically include a cover letter and resume. Some of our student positions will require a transcript and/or writing sample. Additionally, some of our positions may also ask the applicant to answer a short list of supplemental questions (typically yes/no questions or questions asking for level of expertise).
4. Does your organization use a civil service hiring process? If so, are there examinations? What kind of exams (written, in-basket exercises, physical exams)? Are there any tips for candidates to prepare for the tests?
Only our uniformed positions (Fire & Police) have a civil service hiring process with an examination component. Some positions may have a “test” as part of their interview process (i.e. a potential budget analyst may need to demonstrate that they can use Excel and pivot tables to show their level of expertise).
5. Are most staff unionized? How does this impact hiring, promotions, salaries, and retention?
Yes, close to 75% of our staff is unionized. Yes, it impacts how and when job are posted, promotions (this applies to the skilled trades), salaries (affected by union contracts), and order of layoff.
6. Are there any hiring preferences, i.e. for veterans?
Veteran preference does come into play for Fire and Police positions but not others. We do give hiring preference to employees who have been laid off for up to 2 years after their layoff date.
6. What makes an applicant stand out positively?
Applicants who complete the application thoroughly, respond in a timely fashion, has done their homework about the job, department, division and the City of Seattle in general, and tailors their resume to the specific position and why they want to work for the City of Seattle.
7. Any tips for the interview process? Do you use one-on-one or group or panel interviews?
Research, research, research and practice, practice, practice. Our interviews are not easy and typically you can’t “wing” them. Not only are we looking for how you answer the questions, but we are looking at how you interact with the panel, your professional demeanor, and how you would fit within the work team, division, department, and the City in general. We do both one-on-one and panel interviews.
8. Any other tips for candidates looking for jobs in local government in general?
Follow the money. Pay attention to what is going on in city government as far as the organization is concerned. Is there a new special focus, projects, or initiatives getting press? Has a new levy been passed? Additionally, pay attention to the funding sources in this economy (federal or state dollars). Get to know the Evans School alumni that work at the City (there are at least 100 floating around). Do informational interviews with them, find professionals that could benefit from your research and degree projects.
For more about City of Seattle hiring, visit their website.
Published on November 8, 2010
