Q: What is the recommended method of applying?
A: We strongly encourage applicants to apply online via JobQuest or Apply Now. Information from mailed résumés needs to be scanned into the applicant tracking system, and may not scan with 100% accuracy due to print, paper and other factors. Résumés will not be accepted via fax or e-mail.
Q: If I have submitted a résumé online, should I also submit a paper copy of my résumé to the HR Office?
A: No. Applicants need only submit their résumés once.
Q: What is JobQuest?
A: JobQuest is an online system that applicants can use to create accounts, build and store their résumés, apply for open positions, and check the status of their submitted résumés.
Q: What is the Apply Now?
A: Applicants can use the Apply Now feature to cut and paste (or key in) their résumés to apply for a single position. Unlike establishing a JobQuest account, using Apply Now will not save or track the status of résumé.
Q: How frequently are jobs updated and how long are they advertised?
A: Advertised jobs are updated on a daily basis as new job opportunities become available. Most jobs are advertised between seven and 14 days
Q: What time on the closing date must résumés be received?
A: If mailing your résumé, the Human Resources Office must receive your résumé by the close of business, 5 p.m. on the closing date. Online applicants must submit résumés electronically by midnight on the closing date.
Q: What does it mean when a vacancy states “open until filled?”
A: Open until filled means that the vacancy does not have a closing date. Résumés will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.
Q: How will I know if my résumé has been received?
A: If you apply online, you will receive an auto-reply message acknowledging receipt. If you apply via a paper résumé, you will receive a letter by mail generally within a week.
Q: How are résumés evaluated?
A: Résumés are reviewed and candidates selected for interviews based on the documented education, experience and skills on their résumés. It is important to read the job announcement so you can identify the qualifications you need to include on your résumé. Please provide dates of employment, hours worked if volunteer or part time, supervisory experience, degree awarded or number of college credits if no degree awarded, etc. Human Resource analysts will review all résumés. After an evaluation of relevant education and experience, the top ranked résumés will be forwarded to the hiring agency.
Q: What does it mean when and ad requires supervisory experience?
A: Unless the ad states otherwise, supervision generally means day to day control including responsibility to hire, direct work, evaluate performance, discipline and dismiss employees.
Q: What does the requirement for progressively responsible experience mean?
A: Progressively responsible experience is work experience that clearly shows an upward progression in the level of duties and responsibilities from one job to the next.
Q: How long will it take to hear back from the hiring agency once I apply?
A: Depending on the specific recruitment and hiring department, the response time will vary -- typically, within one to three weeks from the advertised closing date.
Q: Will the agency contact me if I am not selected for a position?
A: If you have interviewed for a position, the agency will follow up with you to let you know that you have not been selected for a position.
Q: The job announcement states a typing test is required. How do I coordinate that?
A: Only candidates contacted by the hiring agency for an interview will be scheduled to take the typing test prior to interviewing.
Q: Since I’m not sure what job I am interested in, can I just submit a résumé and have you determine what job(s) I am best qualified for?
A: No. You must submit a separate résumé for each advertised vacancy specifying the advertised position number.
Q: Can you provide an overview of the information contained in the job announcement?
A: Job announcements contain a general definition of work, any special requirements, typical tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities, education and experience requirements. Most advertised positions list a salary range. The minimum salary to mid-range salary as well as the minimum salary to the maximum salary are generally listed for each advertisement. Starting salaries will normally be up to mid range depending upon qualifications, recruitment, and department budget.
Q: Who will see my résumé if I use the JobQuest site or apply online?
A: Your résumé is on a secure Human Resources database and will be available to the Human Resources Department and interviewer(s) for the specific job opening for which you apply. Prince William County government does not share its database with other companies or jurisdictions.
Q: How can I find out the status of my application?
A: Résumé status is available online for JobQuest registered users. To review your résumé status, log onto your account and click “My Application Status.” You will see one of six status notes next to each position for which you applied:
Next: Continue to follow instructions to submit your résumé.
Received: Your résumé has been received.
Under Review: Your résumés has been forwarded to the hiring agency.
Filled: The position has been filled.
Cancelled: The advertisement has been canceled.
Not Submitted: The position is closed, and your résumé was not properly submitted.
Q: How do I delete listings of positions for which I applied in JobQuest?
A: While logged into your JobQuest account, simply push "Delete" located to the right of the listing. This does not withdraw your application. It only removes the listing from your screen.
Q: What if I forgot my JobQuest password?
A: From the JobQuest log in screen, click on the words “I forgot my password.” The system will prompt you for the e-mail address you used to register for JobQuest and will send your password to that e-mail address.
