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1. How can I find out about current Lake Forest job openings and how do I obtain an employment application?

Current job openings are posted on the City's website. Applications for all jobs must be submitted online. For more information, please visit our Employment Opportunities page.

2. Where can I find position descriptions, benefits information, and salary ranges?

All job-related information can be found on the City's website on our Job Descriptions page.

3. What if I do not have access to a computer with internet service?

The City offers complimentary computer access available for public use at the following location:

100 Civic Center, Lake Forest 92630

Orange County Public Libraries may also provide computer access free of charge.

4. Must I set-up a "user account" to apply on-line?

Yes. When you click on the “Apply” link on the job that you are interested in you will be prompted to login or create a new user account. Remember to keep a record of your user name and password for future reference. You will use this information to check on your application status and to apply for other positions.

5. How do I apply for a position?

After selecting the position that you are interested in, click on the "Apply" link and provide the requested information. The online application form will require you to provide your personal profile information including name and contact information; educational information; work experience; certificates and/or licenses; skills; additional information; and your resume (optional). In the work experience section of the application form, please give complete information for all jobs held during the past 10 years, including verifiable volunteer experience. List your most current job first. Resumes may be attached in the resume section as noted; however, resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Online applications without a completed work employment section will be deemed incomplete and will not be processed.

6. How do I know if my application was received by the City of Lake Forest?

You will receive an email confirmation shortly after submission of your application notifying you that your application was successful. If you do not receive a confirmation email, go back into the application and re-submit your application.

7. What is a final filing date?

A final filing date is the last date the City will accept applications for a recruitment. The system will not accept applications submitted after the final filing date.

8. What is a continuous recruitment?

For some recruitments, applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of applications have been received. For such recruitments, prompt application is encouraged because the recruitment may close at any time without prior notice. The system will not accept applications submitted after the recruitment has been closed.

9. Can I submit a resume?

You may attach your resume at the end of the application process. However, resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Applications which do not include all of the requested information will be deemed incomplete and will not be processed.

10. What do I include on my application?

In completing the employment application, be as thorough as possible when indicating the education, training and/or experience needed to qualify for the position. Exact dates of employment are critical to determine qualifying experience. Please be sure to provide average number of hours you work(ed) if your experience is(was) part-time. Try to focus the information you are providing on the employment application to education and experience that is specifically applicable to the job for which you are applying. Other information may be provided, but full consideration will be based only on those skills that specifically qualify you for the position being recruited.

A resume may be required for some positions, but a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for a completed City employment application. It is important that you do not indicate "see attached resume" in lieu of fully providing the information requested on the employment application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

11. What is the selection process?

After the application deadline, Human Resources will review the applications submitted by all applicants. Based on the information provided, candidates with the most directly related experience will be invited to continue on in the selection process. Our selection process consists of one or more of the following:

WRITTEN EXAM/ONLINE EXAM: Written and online exams are designed to assess general aptitude or specific knowledge of the technical aspects of the job for which you are applying. You may wish to thoroughly review the job flyer to familiarize yourself with the areas which may be assessed.

PERFORMANCE/PRACTICAL EXAM: Practical examinations are typically given for positions which require a specialized skill or ability, such as typing proficiency or the operation of special equipment. You may or may not be given prior information regarding the content of the exam, depending on the nature of the job for which you are applying.

ORAL INTERVIEWS: Those applicants who are successful in passing the initial assessment and/or screening process(es) will be invited to an oral interview. Oral interviews are conducted by a panel of qualified subject matter experts.

FOLLOWING THE SELECTION PROCESS: Human Resources will notify you, by email, of the results of the recruitment. If you are successful in passing the selection process, your name may be placed on an employment list for the current position opening as well as any future positions which may become available for up to 12 months after the employment list was established. The City Department which is attempting to fill the vacant position may elect to second interview some or all of the candidates who are on the employment list prior to making a final decision to hire.

REFERENCE CHECKS: Reference Checks will be conducted by the City to verify education and employment related information for all potential employees prior to extending a job offer. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for and may include:

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers.
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.

Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying.

Human Resources will also schedule a Fingerprint and Department of Justice criminal background check (a conviction for a crime is not an automatic bar to employment) and post-offer physical examination, which may include a drug screen, once a job offer has been made.

12. Can I review the status of my application?

Yes. To review your application status, log onto your www.governmentjobs.com account using your user name and password.

13. If I apply for more than one position, do I need to submit a separate application?

Yes. A completed City application and supplemental questionnaire is required for each position a candidate is applying for. However, once you have established your user account, you may click on the "Populate" button to automatically populate the new application with the information from your previous application. Make sure to review your application and update any relevant fields with the appropriate information as necessary.

14. How will I be notified regarding the status of the position for which I applied?

Email notices will be sent to candidates at each step of the recruitment process.

15. What if I have additional questions?

If you have additional questions, contact the City's Human Resources Department at (949) 461-3566