Employment Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for employment?

The City of Ontario accepts applications for open positions only. Open positions are posted on the Current Job Opportunities webpage and in the lobby of the City Hall Annex at 415 East "B" Street. An application must be submitted for each available position for which you wish to apply. A resume may not be submitted in lieu of a City application. Please refer to the Online Employment Application Guide for step-by-step application instructions. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date of the recruitment.

The City encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to take a test as part of the selection process must make such a request during the application process. Applicants with disabilities that affect sensory, manual or speaking skills may be provided with a test in a format that does not require the use of the impaired skill. Please contact the Human Resources Department directly to discuss your needs. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such a need.

2. How do I attach a resume, cover letter, or additional information to my application?

You may attach one document to the application. It must be in Word (doc) or Adobe (pdf) format and must be no larger than 1MB. You may also cut and paste, or type text into the 'Resume' field of the application.

3. How much employment history should I include in my application?

List your complete employment history for the past TEN 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.

4.How can I edit or delete information on my on-line job application?

From the Job Opportunities webpage, click on the position you have already applied for if the position is still open. You will be asked to log in, select the position in which you would like to edit, you may then edit any section of the application you like, including your resume.

5. Is there an application deadline?

The closing date for each opportunity is listed in the closing date column on the Current Job Opportunities webpage. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date listed. Once the position closes, it will be removed from the website and applications will not be accepted. All applications regardless of the application method must be received by the filing deadline. No postmarks will be accepted. All applications received by the filing deadline will be screened. Note: Resumes alone will not be accepted in lieu of an official city application.

Some opportunities list "Continuous" under the closing date. These opportunities remain open until the City determines that it has received a sufficient number of applications. Continuous recruitments may close at any time.

6. What is the selection process?

The selection process and timelines may vary by recruitment. Selection processes can include one or more of the following: minimum qualifications screening, qualification screening based on application (training and experience or "T&E"), written examination, oral examination, practical examination or assessment center. Applicants who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Applicants with similar scores from the selection process are listed on the eligibility list in groups referred to as Bands. Bands are placed on the eligibility list in numbered order, with Band 1 being the highest band. The number of bands on an eligibility list varies with the number of applicants that have successfully completed the selection process for the position.

All or part of the eligibility list is forwarded (referred) to the department(s) with current and future vacancies for that position. The applicants in a band are listed in random order and are considered equal for the purposes of selection by a hiring department. After receiving the eligibility list, the department will conduct an interview with all of the applicants in the Band(s) they wish to consider. All candidates participating in the interview process with a department will be notified of the outcome. Eligibility lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished based upon the needs of the City.

If applicable, official college transcripts may be required prior to the offer of employment.

Successful candidates shall be required to complete a verification form designated by Immigration & Naturalization Service that certifies they are eligible for employment in the United States of America. All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath in accordance with California Government Code Section 3100.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a post-offer medical exam (which may include a drug screen) and fingerprint check. Most full time employees are subject to a 6-month probationary period. Sworn employees (Police and Fire), Public Safety Dispatchers and other selected positions will be subject to a 12-month probationary period.

The provisions of any job bulletin or any other information contained on this site does not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any provisions may be modified or revoked without notice.

7. How will I be notified if I am not selected for an interview?

You will receive an e-mail notice or a letter at the end of the process.

8. What do I do if I experience technical difficulties?

Please allow yourself plenty of time to apply online in case of technical difficulties. The City of Ontario is not responsible for technical difficulties un-related to the designed functionality of this website. For this reason we encourage applicants not to wait until the last minute to complete the application. Please refer to the Online Employment Application Guide for step-by-step application instructions.

9. How do I check the status of my application?

Go to http://www.governmentjobs.com and click on the "Career Seekers" tab. Enter your username and password. Click on "Application Status" and you will see the list of positions you have applied for and the status of each application.

10. How do I get to Ontario City Hall?

Click for City Hall map

11. What if I don't have a computer?

Computers are available at the City Hall Annex located at 415 East "B" Street, at the Ontario City Library located at 215 East "C" Street, and the Colony High Branch Library located at 3850 East Riverside Drive.