Everything starts at our website. 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.
What do I need to apply for a job with the City of Houston?
First you will need to create an account and a profile using our online applications system. The following information will be needed:
- A valid email address
- Personal information
- Name
- Address
- Contact telephone number
- For more information on creating an account, visit the “creating an account and account information” section below.
How do I find out what jobs are available?
Job listings with the City of Houston open virtually every day. Visit current city jobs to see what jobs are currently open. If a job in which you are interested is not currently open for recruitment, you may choose to be notified via email when the job(s) becomes available for application by visiting the city’s job interest cards page.
Select from the list of job categories you are interested in, then click the subscribe button. Complete the required information and click submit.
How do I know if I am qualified for a job?
The minimum requirements (or minimum qualifications) are listed in every job posting. Applications are carefully reviewed to determine whether requirements are met. If an applicant does not meet the requirements of the position, their application will no longer be considered.
Therefore, you should not apply if you do not meet all the specified requirements. Additionally, some job postings may list job specific Preferences. Most times candidates with specific job-related knowledge/experience and/or skill sets may be given first preference. For more information on Job Requirements, visit the Job Requirement Information section below.
How do I apply for a job with the City of Houston if I do not have a computer or web access?
Public computer access is available at all Houston Public Libraries. For library locations and hours, please visit https://houstonlibrary.org/. Another alternative is borrowing the computer access from your family or friends.
Creating an Account and Profile Information
How do I create an Account?
To create a new account, visit our Job Opportunities page and click the Sign In button. From the dropdown “Sign In” box, click the “Create One” Don't have an account? Create one button. The box will then update, prompting you to enter an Email, Username, and Password.
Once the required fields are entered, click the green “Create” button.
Am I able to log in using a Social Media platform?
Yes, you can log in using your Facebook account as seen in the picture above. However you will be asked to enter your Facebook Username and Password.
How do I update my Profile?
Once you’ve created an account you will need to enter your Profile information. Click on your name on the top right hand corner of the screen and locate the “Profile” button as seen below in image A.
From there your General Information will appear first and a Progress Bar to the left (Image B).
| Image A: | Image B: |
|---|---|
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You will then need to complete the following stages as showing in Image B. It is important for this information to be accurate, as most of this information will transfer to all of your application when applying any position. You must click the “Save” button at the bottom of each section for your information to update.
Note: The information in your profile can be updated an any time by clicking on the “Edit” button.
How do I get an email address?
There are several free email services available to the general public. For example (external links): www.gmail.com or www.yahoo.com. City of Houston does not endorse any particular provider. When you create your account, please document your email address and password as you will need this information to access your account in the future.
Can I use the same email address as another applicant?
You can only create ONE user account per email address. Sharing your account or email address with another person will jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any jobs for which you apply, which may result in missed employment opportunities.
How do I access my online account once it has been established?
Go to the Applicant Login/Registration and click sign in at the top right corner of the webpage and enter your username and password to gain access. Please document your email address and password to avoid difficulties logging in to your account.
How do I change my online application account password, address, telephone or email information?
You can change your personal information by accessing your online application account through the Applicant Login/Registration link and selecting “Account” as seen below:
I forgot my online application account password. Who do I contact for help?
If you are having issues with your login or have forgotten your password, use the “Forgot My Password” link that is directly below the username/password login box. Be sure to check your spam/junk email folders and add info@governmentjobs.com and info@neogov.com to your safe sender list. If you still do not receive the email notice, contact NEOGOV Customer Support toll-free at (855) 524-5627 and follow the prompts for applicant assistance.
Job Requirement Information
What does Minimum Educational or Minimum Experience mean?
Minimum educational and experience means - the least allowable education requirement and the least allowable experience requirement for that particular position. You will have to meet the minimum requirements in all areas to continue in the hiring process for the position you are applying for.
What if I lost my educational documents?
You may contact the educational institution to obtain a copy of your transcript.
Do you accept educational documents from a school outside of the United States?
You may be required to certify that your educational document degree is equivalent to a degree obtained in the United States. The following are a few recognized credential evaluation agencies: www.spantran-edu.com, www.gcevaluators.com, www.ierf.org, www.wes.org The City of Houston Human Resources Department does not recommend or endorse any particular evaluation service.
Note: Processing times and costs will vary so individuals may want to check several services to determine which one best meets their needs. The City of Houston is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining an educational equivalence document.
Can I substitute experience for education?
For some job openings, relevant experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis. Always refer to the Minimum Requirements of the job posting for specific substitutions (if any).
Can I substitute education for experience?
For some job openings, relevant education may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis. Always refer to the Minimum Requirements on the job posting for specific substitutions (if any).
Do I need a TEXAS driver’s license or state issued I.D.?
Some job openings will require you to drive city issued vehicles. Depending on the types of vehicles you may drive will determine the License Class. Example, Class A or B is required to drive Commercial Vehicle. Always refer to the minimum license requirements on the job posting for specific information.
How to Apply
You’ve created an Account, reviewed the list of open positions that best fit your knowledge/skill set, confirmed that you meet the minimum requirements for a position, and you’re ready to apply!
Before applying, here’s what you’ll need in hand to expedite the completion of the application process:
Work History
(e.g., company/agency name, address, start and end date [month/year], position title, hours worked per week, supervisor's name and title).Education Information
(e.g., name of school, city and state, start and end date [month/year], college major, units completed [semester/quarter units], degree received).Certifications/Licenses
(e.g., type, month/year issued, expiration month/year, certificate/license numbers [if applicable], issuing agency).How do I apply online for a specific job with the City of Houston?
Please visit the City of Houston’s Application Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to Create an Account and then apply for a job. The steps are as follows:
- On the job posting, click on the “Apply” button located on the top right-hand corner.
- You can accelerate completing basic profile information by importing a résumé.
- Next you will complete a series of steps (entries or screens).
- For each step, the "Cancel" and "Save" buttons on the bottom allow you to save or discard your work on this entry.
Although your typing is periodically automatically saved, it is good practice to click on the Save button.
The Cancel button discards any changes you have made since the last save.
For some entries, the Remove link is present. It deletes the current entry (such as a previous job), after a confirmation. Once deleted, the data cannot be recovered.
The last time that the entry was saved is also displayed at the top "Saved a moment ago". - Provide general contact information.
- If required, provide previous work experience information.
- If required, provide educational information.
- If required, provide additional information, including certificates and licenses, skills, and languages.
- If required, provide references.
- If required, answer any additional supplemental questions. These are general and agency supplemental questions. Depending on the hiring agency, this section may be blank.
- Upload any attachments, such as a résumé, driver’s license, or certificates. The supported file formats are determined by the employer.
- If a particular attachment type is required by the employer, there is an area provided so that you can upload that attachment. For example:
- If there are no required attachments, then you can use Add supplemental attachment to add additional files. First, use Choose attachment type to select the type, and then use the Upload button. In the next example the License type attachment is selected to upload a file:
- If you have previously uploaded attachments, you can use the Recent Uploads button to access these files.
- Review each section. If there is an error, it is shown in the progress bar and also in the section.
Use edit to open this item and correct any errors.
Once your application is complete, click on Proceed to Certify and Submit. - On the Certify & Submit page, click the “Accept and Submit” button.
A progress bar and current step will be displayed on the left of your screen, as illustrated in “Image A” below.
As you work on your application, refer to the progress bar to see the number of items for each entry, and errors. As an example in “Image B”, the work entry contains eight items, and the questions entry contains errors:
| Image A | Image B |
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An Application Submitted message confirms that you have applied for the job.
Can I print a copy of my application?
After completing the application process, you can print a copy of your application by clicking on the “View” application link located at the top of the page. You can also view and print your application at any time by accessing your account.
How long do I have to complete the application?
The length of time it takes to apply will depend on how much information you wish to include in your application. To expedite this process, it is recommended that you have supporting information readily available at the time you apply, such as detailed Work History information, Education information, and Certification/Licenses. The average time to complete the online application process is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
There is a ONE-HOUR window period. You MUST SAVE your online application at least once every hour, even if you are actively entering information. If you fail to save your application, you will be timed out, and you will lose information not previously saved. Your application must be submitted by the Closing Time and Date listed on the job posting you are applying for.
What documents will I need to submit with my application?
Please refer to the Required Documents section of the job posting for documents you are required to submit with your application, if any. Supplemental information or other materials may be required as part of the application, as they are necessary to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying.
To be considered, you must submit all required documents (if any) at the same time you submit your application. This may be done at the time of the online submission. Follow “Step 11” in the “How to Apply” section, on how to attach documents to your online application prior to submittal.
Can I apply with a resume and cover letter?
No. You must apply online to be considered for employment, https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston. Please do not submit a resume to the Human Resources Department. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of an online employment application. You can attach your resume to your application when applying for a position.
Online applications should be filled out completely and should clearly show that the minimum qualifications are met. Do not leave any items blank. Applications that are completed to their entirety are more likely to be considered than those that are not. All statements made on the application are subject to verification.
Will submitting multiple applications to the same posting increase my chances of getting an interview?
No. Only one application will be accepted for each candidate per posting.
Can I still submit an online application if I miss the deadline?
No. The date and time listed on the job posting is the deadline to apply and is the recruitment closing date. If you are in the process of applying but have not submitted your application prior to the closing time, you will not be allowed to submit your application for that position. You must click “submit” prior to the deadline for your application to be received.
Can I add information or documents to my application after it has been submitted?
You will not be allowed to modify your application once it has been submitted. Required documents should be attached electronically to your application at the time of applying.
Do I have to submit a separate application for each posting?
Yes. Each application is evaluated separately based on the job for which you are applying.
If I qualify for a position for one department, am I automatically qualified for a similar position in another department?
No. Each posting is unique for that position, and Departments may have special requirements for their specific position (e.g., language skills, special software, etc.).
Who may I contact regarding my application?
Contact information is listed at the bottom of each job posting.
Can I apply to positions listed under “Promotional Jobs?”
Promotional Jobs are only available to current City of Houston Employees. Any candidates who apply and are not current City of Houston Employees, will not be considered for that position.
Application Status
How can I check the status of my online application?
You can review the status of your application at any time by logging in to Applicant Login/Registration using the username and password you created when you established your account, and then clicking on “Application Status”. You will see a list of your online applications and the current status of each.
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. |
| 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, who also possess the hiring departments preferred knowledge and skill set, are referred to the hiring manager for consideration first. The remaining applications are held until (or if) the hiring manager needs additional referrals. |
| Referred List | The application has been referred to the hiring manager for interview and selection consideration. |
| Position Filled | Selection has been made and position is no longer available. |
| Position Cancelled | Hiring Department has decided to cancel filling the position at this time. |
Application Screening and Interview Process
What does the application screening process consist of?
Once you’ve applied, 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, who also possess the hiring departments preferred knowledge and skill set, are referred to the hiring manager for consideration first. The remaining applications are held until (or if) the hiring manager needs additional referrals.
How will I be notified/contacted for an interview?
If the Hiring Manager would like to consider you further, you may be contacted for an interview by phone or email. After you have applied, be sure to monitor your inbox and junk/spam box for the email provided on your application. You should also review your status of your application to see if there are any changes to your status.
What documents will be required of me for the interview?
Departments may request that you provide various documents during, prior or following your interview. You may also be required to complete an assessment. You are welcome to provide copies of any supporting information you would like to share with the interview panel, that you feel may be of value towards your role in the position (i.e. Resumes, Certifications, Licenses, Transcripts, etc).
What types of tests are given?
The evaluation process for a job posting may include, but is not limited to, any one or a combination of the following: evaluation of the information contained in your employment application and supplemental forms; written multiple choice test; written exercise; oral interview; performance test; physical ability test; simulation and/or assessment test. Each job posting will specify the type of screening process utilized.
Hiring and Verification Process
Will a pre-employment verification process be required?
Employment offers are conditional pending the results of all pre-employment verification processes that apply to the job. These may include but are not limited to the following: confirmation of citizenship/legal right to work in the United States; completion of a pre-employment medical review/exam (which may include drug/alcohol testing); employment and education verification; and a fingerprint check.
The fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a conviction record report. Certain positions may require additional screening processes that may include a polygraph examination and/or background investigation. All processes must be successfully completed before employment begins. A positive test for alcohol, illegal drugs, including marijuana, or inadequately explained prescription drugs, misrepresentation, falsification or omission of pertinent facts in any step of the screening/selection process may be cause for disqualification and/or termination of employment. Nothing in this job posting constitutes an expressed or implied contract for employment with the City of Houston.
