Human Resources Department
City of Houston Career FAQ's
Where do I begin?
Everything starts at our website, www.houstontx.gov/jobs. There you will find links to Job Opportunities, an Online Employment Application Guide, and Online Help for Getting Started. Remember to keep a record of your username and password once you have set up an account. You will need it to apply for other positions or to check the status of your application because when you re-enter the system, you will need to input this information exactly as it was originally entered.
How do I find out what jobs are available?
A list of available positions can be viewed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any computer with Internet access. Visit the City of Houston’s web site at www.houstontx.gov/jobs and click on either the link for I want to apply and click on Careers, or if you are currently a City of Houston employee, click on Promotional Jobs.
What if I do not have a computer or access to the web?
There are a number of ways to access www.houstontx.gov/jobs:
- You may also use the public computers located at all Houston Public Libraries. Evening and weekend hours are available.
- Borrow the computer access from your family or friends.
What information will I be asked to provide?
You will be asked to provide personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address, etc… and information pertaining to your education, employment history and experiences, and references. To quickly complete your online application, it is recommended that you gather this information before beginning the online process. t is important to include your complete work history on your application.
Since an email address is required, how do I obtain one?
If you do not already have an email address, free email is available through a number of providers. Though we do not endorse any particular vendor, here are some for you to explore: MSN Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL, AIM Mail.
What if I am interested in a position that is not currently on the City job list?
If you wish to receive notification regarding certain position that might be an interest to you when it becomes available, then go to www.houstontx.gov, the Job Opportunities section, click on “Request job notifications by (choose class title or category)" and follow the online directions to set up the notification.
How do I check the status of my application?
Check your email for status notices. If you are no longer being considered for a position, a notice will be sent to the email address you used on your application. If you are selected for an interview or an offer of employment, you will be contacted, in most cases, by phone. After you have successfully submitted your online application, you may use the online “Application Status” feature, available after you log in to your account, to check the status of any and all applications submitted. Once you log in, you will see any of the following status updates:
| Status Update | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Application Received | You have successfully submitted your online application. |
| Position Cancelled | Hiring Department has decided to cancel filling the position at this time. |
| Position Filled | Selection has been made and position is no longer available. |
| Minimum Qualifications Review | The application is in the system and is being screened to determine if the applicant has met the initial minimum qualifications. NEOGOV Supplemental questions are evaluated electronically using a “Pass or Fail” rating system. Pass – Move forward to the next step in the recruitment and selection process. Fail – No longer being considered for this applied position based on this evaluation. |
| Application Being Considered | Application deem to be qualified for potential candidacy to move forward in the Recruitment and Selection Process. |
| Eligible List | All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are placed on the Eligible List. These applications have been vetted by the Human Resources Department. The top percentages of eligible candidates are referred to the hiring manager for consideration first. The remaining applications are held until the hiring manager needs additional referrals. |
| Referred List | The application has been referred to the hiring manager for interview and selection consideration. |
How do I save my application?
You must click "SAVE" to retain the information you have entered. If you close your browser prior to clicking "SAVE", you will lose all information you have entered after the last time you clicked "SAVE." If at any time you need to exit the application process, click the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the form. You can return to your application later by logging into your account with your Username and Password.
What if I want to submit a resume?
You may either attach or cut and paste a resume into your application (copy and paste method is preferred). Please note that submitting a resume does not substitute for completing the application form. Please note that submitting a resume does not substitute for completing the application form.
Who will see my application if I use the online hiring process?
All information is on a secure web server. Only the Human Resources Department and the City Hiring department (of the position you’re applying for) are authorized to review your application. The City of Houston does not share its database with any other companies or localities.
Can I apply for multiple positions at a time?
Yes, once you have completed your online application, you can apply for multiple positions that are currently open.
How often is the job website updated?
Our job website is updated daily with new job opportunities.
I applied for a position 2 months ago, but still see it posted, should/can I apply again?
You are only allowed to apply once every 90 days for each job posting.
I need to make some changes after submitting my application, what do I do? Or how and when can I update my application?
Once your application has been submitted, changes may not be made to that application; however, you may edit, update and/or make changes to your application before submitting it for any future positions.
I see two or more job postings with the same job title, do I need to apply for each or will one application be enough to be considered?
All job postings have different PN’s (posting numbers), and a separate application must be submitted for each position, even if the job title is the same, because multiple City of Houston’s departments might have a need to hire the same type of positions.
How do I print my application?
After you have submitted your application, you will see a link to "Click here for a printable version of the application you just submitted."
I missed the deadline - can I still apply?
As with any position, once a closing date has passed, no application will be accepted or considered. Please continue to visit the website and apply for new jobs as they become available. You may also want to complete a Job Interest Notification Request to automatically be notified when a position you are interested becomes available. To do so, see the FAQ, "What if I am interested in a position that is not currently on the City of Houston Job Opportunities list?"
Do I have to fill out an application?
Everyone who applies for a position is required to create an application, which includes certain personal information. Required information is denoted with an asterisk (*). The more information you provide, the easier it will be to effectively evaluate your skills, abilities and qualifications. Incomplete applications may be rejected so please be thorough. Please note that submitting a resume does not substitute for completing the application form.
Can I apply by sending my resume via fax, e-mail or postal service?
NO, paper applications and resumes will not be accepted by fax, e-mail or postal service. Please apply online using the website, www.houstontx.gov/jobs.
Will I automatically be considered for other positions if I previously submitted an application?
NO, you must submit a separate application for each posting individually that you are interested in.
What if I am not ready to fill out or can not complete the application at this time?
No application is submitted until you click the "Accept" button, which is "Step 4: Confirm and Submit" (see the progress guide at the top of the screen). If at any time you do not want to or can not complete your application, save your work, then logout. You always can log back in the system at a later time by using your Username and Password to complete your application.
Careers Links
Contact Careers
| Careers@houstontx.gov |
