Finding Your New Career at the City of Phoenix

Finding your new career begins with three simple steps:

1. Review the current job opportunities frequently. New opportunities post Monday through Friday.
2. Identify the position(s) you are interested in and qualify for and update your cover letter/resume.
3. Complete the online application.

The City of Phoenix receives many highly competitive applicants each month. Depending on the position, the number of applicants on an eligible-for-hire list can vary from 10 to 1500!

Before reviewing resumes, department hiring managers create a list of qualifications to identify top candidates. Although many departments have the same positions, each may use them differently and require different qualifications from the candidates selected for interviews. Ensure your cover letter and resume indicate your related and/or transferable skills and experience applicable to the job announcement.

IMPORTANT: If you move or change your email address or telephone number, you need to update your information online.​​

Interviewing Tips

Interviews with the City of Phoenix can be different than interviews with other employers. Perhaps the biggest difference is the use of panel interviews instead of one-on-one interviews. Interviews may include demonstrations, simulations, and other assessments to measure a candidate’s aptitude to complete the essential functions of a job.

A panel usually includes three to five supervisors, subject matter experts, human resources professionals, and members of the community whose backgrounds qualify them to serve as panelists.

Types of Interviews

• First-round interviews include multiple candidates and may be conducted virtually or in person. Virtual interviews may be conducted via Webex or Microsoft Teams, or via SparkHire, an online video interview platform. All candidates are asked a series of work-related behavioral and situational-based questions. Candidates may ask the panel to repeat the questions as needed.
• When there will be a second-round interview, the panel makes recommendations to the hiring supervisor as to which candidates should advance to the second interview.
• If a second-round interview is required, this would be with the direct hiring supervisor and other members of the team or stakeholder groups. During the second interview, the panel may ask direct follow-up questions about your related experience and how you would apply that to the position if selected.

Invited to Interview

If you are invited to participate in an interview, the hiring department will contact you directly. Some helpful items to take note of when invited to an interview:

• Name of the person who contacted you.
• Title of the position for which you are being considered.
• Time and place to appear for the interview.
• How long the interview is scheduled to last.
• Telephone number to call if you are delayed or need to cancel.
• Anything you have been asked to bring such as:
  • References
  • Recent performance reviews
  • Completed assignment such as written exercise, typing, proofreading, software proficiency, tool/equipment identification, mock presentation, physical strength or ability, timed performance, assembly drill, etc.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for the interview, request it with as much notice as possible to ensure the need can be met.

In the event you cannot attend the interview, contact the hiring department as far in advance of the interview as possible.​

Preparation Tips

The more prepared you are for the interview, the more confident you will be during the interview.

• Review your copies of the submitted application materials, the job announcement, and the job description.
• Research the department to gain a general understanding of its mission, functions, services, etc. Information on most departments is available on the City of Phoenix Departments page.
• Consider questions you may be asked and develop responses with different examples. Research generic, situational, and behavioral-based interview questions from websites, books, and other sources, and develop responses to these.
• Practice your responses and general interviewing skills with family, friends, and/or colleagues.
• Need interviewing resources? Visit the Arizona @ Work website for interview workshops and other options.
  

Day of an Interview

• Dress for success! Wear attire consistent with the work and environment of the position, even if that means you need to change clothes prior to the interview.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the interview. Consider the distance from your starting point to the interview site, potential traffic, parking availability, building access requirements (i.e., security checkpoints), and the time needed to walk from your vehicle to the interview site.
• Arrive at the interview site according to the instructions you may have been given or at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
  • Don’t forget to take whatever may have been requested (e.g., references, performance evaluations, etc.).

Immediately before the interview, re-read any material the hiring department may have provided you or that you prepared for yourself during your research and your application materials (job announcement and job description). Then try to relax.

When you are escorted into the interview room, go in with the knowledge that:

• You belong at the interview and were invited because your education, training, and/or experience appear to match the position well.
• The panel wants everyone to interview well and will make a fair, objective recommendation to the hiring department.

During the Interview

• Be prepared to discuss your education, training, and/or work experience and how they relate to the position you are interviewing for. Don’t forget to mention professional certifications, licenses, organizations, etc., when applicable to the role.
• Listen carefully to the questions and give balanced responses with clear and concise information; remember to use the S.T.A.R. method.
  • If need be, take a moment to think before responding.
  • If a question has multiple parts, be sure to address all parts.
  • Ask to have the question repeated if necessary.
  • For all questions, give concise, well-organized, and mindful responses.
  • When possible, give work-related examples to support your responses.
  • Avoid giving personal or irrelevant information (e.g., age, national origin, marital/parental status, religion, hobbies, etc.).
• Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard. Be sure to address all panel members and make eye contact with each of them.
  • Your body language is a form of communication. Be confident and enthusiastic!
• This is your opportunity to convey to the panel that you are the best-qualified candidate for the position. Be sure to exemplify your skills and experience accordingly.
• Manage your time. Know when your interview starts and ends, the number of questions you’ll be asked, and how much time you can allocate to each question.

At the end of the interview, use any remaining time to ask questions you have about the position. You are also welcome to provide a closing statement if time permits. A closing statement is your opportunity to provide additional information, reiterate why you believe you should be selected, and convey excitement and enthusiasm for the position. Be sure to keep your closing statement brief, think ‘elevator speech’, and express your passion for the position.

Guidelines for Creating a Cover Letter and Resume