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Hiring Process

General Hiring Process:

  • Applications are received, including any necessary documents

  • Applications are screened by the hiring manager

  • Selected candidates are invited for an oral interview

  • Successful candidates are processed through a background investigation, drug screen and physical if required by position

  • Final offer of employment is made and start date is established

Public Safety Hiring Process:

  • Applications are received; which may include supplemental application, copies of required certifications and/or any other relevant documents

  • Applications are preliminarily screened to determine who will be invited to take assessments based on pre-set criteria

  • Physical ability assessment and written examination is administered

  • Successful candidates are invited for an oral interview

  • Successful candidates are processed through a comprehensive background investigation, which may include a polygraph and psychological examination, as well as a physical examination and drug screen

  • Final offer of employment is made and start date is established

Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for a Job with the City

Where are job vacancies advertised?

How frequently are jobs updated, and how long are they advertised?

We update the advertised jobs daily as new job opportunities become available. We advertise most jobs as open until filled without a specific closing date.

I’m not sure what job I am interested in. Can I submit an application and have you determine what jobs I am best qualified for?

No. You must apply for each position in which you are interested.

What if there is no vacancy for the job I want?

You can request to receive e-mail notifications for jobs in your field of interest by clicking on the Job Interest Card link.

  1. Check the box next to each job category you would like to receive e-mail notifications for.
  2. Fill out the required information in the 'Job Interest Card' section.

You can also complete and store an application in NEOGOV so it will be ready for you to submit when ready.

Will I automatically be considered for other positions if I previously submitted an application? 

No. You must apply for each position in which you are interested. Each time you apply, we use it only for the particular job opening for which it is submitted. 

How do I apply?

In our online jobs portal (NEOGOV), click on the job title you are interested in and click on the "Apply" button. If this is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can build an application by clicking the Build Job Application link. This application can be saved and used for more than one job opening.

What if I do not have a computer or access to the web?   

The Virginia Employment Commission has computers available for job seekers that you can use, as do the Handley Regional Library branches. Be prepared to sign up to use a computer, and there may be a time limit.

Where do I get help with the online application?

If you need assistance completing your online application, call NEOGOV Customer Care at 877-204-4442.

What do I do if I’ve forgotten my Username and/or Password?

If you have forgotten your Username and/or Password, contact NEOGOV Customer Care at 877-204-4442. The Winchester City government does not retain password information.

How do I save my application?

You must click SAVE to retain the information you have entered. If you close your browser before clicking SAVE, you will lose any information you entered from the last time you clicked SAVE. If at any time you need to exit the application form, 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.

Who sees my online application information?

Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted. All online applications are stored securely. 

What if I want to submit a resume?

At the end of your application, you can attach additional files to your application, such as a resume, cover letter, reference list, or copies of your licenses, certifications, or portfolio. The job posting will explain what needs to be attached.

What happens once I submit my application?

If your online application has been successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation message immediately on your computer screen. Applications are forwarded to the hiring department when the posting closes. Applications received after the closing date or incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the hiring department. Applications are reviewed by the hiring department, and the best-qualified applicants are selected for interviews.

How can I find out the status of my application?

To review your application status, log onto your account and click Application Status. You will be able to see the status for all of the positions for which you have applied, as well as the applications, the dates you applied, and the names of the organizations to which you have applied. 

How will I know if I am selected for an interview?

If you are selected for an interview, Human Resources will call you, and the online status of your application will say: "selected for interview." 

Those not selected for an interview will not be contacted, and the online status of your application will say: "no longer under consideration."

What happens after the interview?

Once a finalist is selected, the candidate must submit to a background investigation, drug test, and pre-employment physical (background investigation authorization form will be completed at the interview) before the hiring process can be completed.