APPLICATIONS
You can improve your chances of employment by submitting a well-prepared application.  

• Print neatly in black or blue ink or type your application.
• Be sure to complete all items on the application form.
• Complete Supplemental Questionnaire, if required (see job announcement).
• Provide all information requested about your work history, references, education and training in the spaces provided.
• Do not substitute a resume in lieu of completing the application.  You may submit a resume in addition to your application, but it is not required.
• Include all volunteer jobs or internships that relate to the job you are seeking.
• Avoid errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Make a copy of your application to keep for your future reference.
• REMEMBER: each recruitment requires an original application.
  

ORAL EXAMINATION
The purpose of the oral exam is to evaluate your training, experience and personal qualifications as they relate to the duties of the position for which you are being tested.  The oral board will usually consist of three or more raters who are familiar with the requirements of the position.  The Chairperson will introduce you to the raters and give you a chance to get settled.  The raters will not review or have access to your application materials.  Your score for the oral examination will be determined by your answers to the questions asked during the exam. 

Hints for the Oral Examination:

• Prior to the exam, review the recruitment announcement to obtain a clear picture of the duties and responsibilities of the position.  Job descriptions are available here.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience and education as they relate to the position.
• During the exam, give direct and complete answers.  Make sure to answer the questions fully, but avoid lengthy explanations unless time permits.
• Be yourself.  People make their most favorable impression when they act naturally.  Some nervousness is expected and taken into consideration by the panelists.

It is your responsibility to present your qualifications to the panel.  You can do this by answering the questions as specifically as you can.  At the end of the oral examination, you will be given an opportunity to add any information you believe might further assist the exam raters in evaluating your qualifications.


WRITTEN EXAM
A written examination is designed to test your knowledge of job-related subjects.  Some recruitments require a written examination only, others may require a combination of a written and oral, or other method of testing.

Hints for the Written Examination:

• Be prompt.  Allow plenty of time to park and locate the testing room; exams begin on time.  Those arriving late will not be accommodated.
• Listen carefully to instructions.
• Read instructions in the test booklet.
• Work quickly but carefully; if one question takes too much time, skip it and go back to it after the others have been answered.
• Mendocino County does not offer a study guide for test taking.  The following agencies offer study guides for testing that may be helpful: 
  

— Free software is required to read PDFs.