Applying for a Job

Where do I find out about current job openings?
The Classified HR area has a link for Job Opportunities that will take you directly to the EdJoin application website. If you prefer you may go directly to www.edjoin.org, click on Job Search, then Region Search, then California, then Orange County, and/or Huntington Beach Union High SD.
How does the personnel commission office determine if I qualify for this job?
The Personnel Commission office reviews the application materials submitted and evaluates your qualifications on the information submitted on the application. Sometimes a supplemental application is used to help determine your qualifications.

It is important that you fill out the application materials completely and attach any required documentation, i.e., letter of recommendation, etc., as indicated on the posting notice. You may also include a resume; however, the resume will be used for clarification purposes only. Do not state "see resume" when asked to describe your experience and responsibilities. Failure to include all information requested could result in the rejection of your application.
Do all applicants take an exam?
Applicants who are deemed to meet the minimum qualifications for a job will be notified of a scheduled date, time and location for the exam. For some positions, the supplemental application is the actual test or portion of the test.
What kind of exam will I have to take?
The exam will be structured based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job duties. It may consist of any one or more of the following:
- Evaluation – of your training and experience on the application/supplemental.
- Written Exam – Paper and pencil text, primarily multiple-choice questions related directly to the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the job duties.
- Technical Exam – Answer questions or perform duties related to the position for which you have applied, i.e., Accountant exam may require advanced problem solving methods and calculations.
- Performance Exam – Test involving performance of duties required on the job, i.e., keyboarding/computer test for clerical positions or repairing a sprinkler for ground maintenance positions.
- Structured Interview – Interview by a group of panelists asking the same job-related questions to all candidates and rating them based on the depth of the answers.
How do I prepare for the test? What do I study?
A thorough review of the job description and announcement will help you to understand what knowledge, skills, and abilities are required for the position. For example, an accounting job may require mathematical calculations and understanding/interpreting regulations, so a review or study of math and reading comprehension may be helpful in preparing you for the test. For tips on test-taking, click here.
What happens if I can’t attend the exam on the scheduled date/time?
Candidates are required to attend the examination on the prescribed date/time. Those who are unable to meet this requirement must wait until the position is posted at a future date, reapply, and participate in the examination process at that time.
How will I know if I pass the exam(s)?
You will be notified via electronic communication if you were successful or unsuccessful with each component of the exam. Pass/fail determination will be based on the distribution of scores resulting from the evaluation/examination. Other factors influencing the pass point may include the number and qualifications of applicants, the amount of turnover in the position, the number of vacancies expected and the number of positions authorized.
What happens after I take the examination?
If you pass all components of the exam you will be ranked on the eligibility list in order of your final score. You will be notified via electronic communication of your ranking on the list. Vacant positions are filled by the hiring agent after a selection interview of the top three ranks as certified by the Personnel Commission.
What if I want to apply for more than one position – do I need to submit an application for each?
Yes, a separate application is required for each position. Please remember your basic application information is stored in your EdJoin profile and can easily be adapted appropriately for each position for which you apply. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to update your profile if you move, change your email address or any other pertinent information.
Do I get bonus points if I am a veteran and/or disabled?
You may qualify for an additional five points (ten points if disabled as the result of military service) if you rendered service in the military during time of war or national emergency. Qualified veterans must submit a copy of the DD214 with the submission of the application in order to receive the additional points. The points will be added to the passing score for qualified candidates in an open examination only – not applicable to promotional and/or management candidates or for dual eligibility list exams.
Do I get bonus points for being an employee of HBUHSD?
For current permanent classified employees longevity service points will be added, as appropriate, to passing scores in the amount of one-fourth (1/4) point for each completed year of service up to a maximum of five (5) points.
For how long is the eligibility list good?
Generally an eligibility list is good for one (1) year or until fewer than three ranks remain on the list.
Can more than one person have the same rank on the eligibility list?
Yes. If applicants complete the examination process with the same score, they will be considered as having the same rank on the eligibility list.
How do I get selected for an actual position?
As vacancies arise the Personnel Commission will schedule selection interviews from the top three willing and available ranks, plus any employee transfer and/or reinstatement requests. The hiring department may select any one of the certified candidates.
What if I am not in the top three ranks?
If your score is insufficient for the top three ranks you will remain on the eligibility list in the appropriate ranking order. Rank numbers can change when applicants ahead of you are interviewed, selected and/or declined opportunities, thus resulting in removal of their names from the eligibility list.
What should I do if I am called for a selection interview?
Make sure you know the date, time and location for your interview. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the interview, request it at least 24 hours prior to the interview.

It may be important for you to jot down the name of the person who contacted you to schedule the interview and a phone number in case an emergency occurs and you are unable to attend the interview.

For more interview tips click here.
If I am unable to attend an interview does it make me ineligible for future positions in that classification?
Not necessarily. A certified eligible candidate may decline an interview opportunity up to three times. However, at the time of the third declination the candidate’s name will be removed from the eligibility list.
What if I am selected for a position?
If selected for a position you will be contacted by the Human Resources department for an offer of employment. You may either accept or decline the offer. If you accept the job you will be given information regarding pre-employment processing, salary, when and where to report and other relevant and necessary information.

Once you are selected for a position your name is removed from the eligibility list for that job; however, your name will remain on any other eligibility lists for the specified duration of the eligibility period.
What if I am not selected for a position?
Your name will remain on the eligibility list for consideration when future vacancies occur until the list expires. If you are not hired during that time you will need to wait for another recruitment and reapply for the position.

Do not be discouraged if you do not get a job the first time you apply. HBUHSD is a great organization and was awarded as one of Orange County’s Top Workplaces, so competition is high.

Try again!