Candidate Rating Process
Once an online application is received via MCG’s GovernmentJobs career site, resumes are reviewed to determine if applicants meet the advertised minimum qualifications for the position.
Minimum Qualifications Process
Resumes of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job advertisement will be advanced to the competitive rating process. Resumes that do not meet the minimum qualifications will be rated Not Qualified, and the applicants will not be advanced to the competitive rating process.
Competitive Rating Process
This process establishes an eligible list of candidates for employment or promotion. For all job openings, in the Education and Relevant Experience section, you must provide your education, work experience, license, and/or certification (if applicable) related to the job you are applying for. In addition:
- If the job posting includes preferred criteria, you will be asked questions to assess your experience related to the specific competencies, skills and/or preferred criteria indicated in the job announcement. Those who score highest in the competency areas will be placed on an eligible list and referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
- If the job does not include preferred criteria and you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed on an eligible list and referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
The competitive rating process results from an analysis of the job that documents the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform essential functions of the job; assesses the candidate's ability to perform important aspects of the job; and is properly and accurately administered in good faith and without discrimination. The process may include:
- a written or oral examination;
- a demonstration of a job-related physical ability or skill;
- an evaluation of an applicant's training, experience, and education; or
- another professionally acceptable assessment technique that fairly evaluates an applicant's qualifications, fitness, and ability.
The hiring department may fill current and future vacancies in the job class from an established eligible list until the list expires or the department decides to close the job posting and open a new one in the future. Candidates are not notified by mail of their individual ratings; however, they may receive email notifications of a status change at various stages in the process in the recruitment system. Candidates with specific questions may contact OHR (Montgomery County Government: Contact Us).
Priority Consideration
Some candidates may receive priority consideration above other candidates for the following reasons (in order of priority):
- an employee unable to perform the employee's job because of a disability or injury under the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- employees subject to reduction-in-force; or
- a candidate with hiring preference (Montgomery County Government: Hiring Preferences)
Additionally, as required by collective bargaining agreements, candidate selection for some job classes is based on MCG years of service (seniority).
Rating Process FAQs
Q. What is the length of time from the closing date to interviewing and selecting for the position?
A. It varies depending on a number of factors, such as the number of applicants for the position, the complexity of the rating process, and the urgency to fill the vacancy. Some recruitments move more quickly, interviewing and selecting candidates within 30 days of the advertisement closing. Some recruitments naturally move more slowly, interviewing and selecting candidates a few months after the advertisement has closed.
Q. Can the hiring manager interview anyone for the position?
A. The hiring manager can only interview candidates on the eligible list sent by OHR. The hiring department is not required to interview all candidates in the highest rating category.
Q. Is there anything I should do as a candidate if I haven’t heard any update on my application?
A. You do not need to contact OHR for a status update. The department will only reach out to candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment and interview process. As a candidate, you should regularly check the email address listed on your application. After the department selects a final candidate to offer the position to, and the candidate accepts, all applicants will be notified that the position has been filled.