1. Departments work with employees and notify them of their eligibility to participate in the Priority Placement Program.
2. Priority Placement participants are encouraged to seek open positions currently posted on the King County Careers site. Prior and active applications should be updated to reflect Priority Placement status.
3. Participants will be provided with special access to job postings in the Priority Placement Careers site. The job announcements located there have been posted previously and are closed to new applications but may not yet be filled. If an eligible Priority Placement participant is qualified and has all required skills, abilities and experience, they can choose to apply and will be considered. Applications to closed positions displayed on this site will be accepted for 30 days following the first application made on this site.
4. Applications submitted through the Priority Placement Careers site will result in an application being submitted to the department if they meet the qualifications.
5. The departments will evaluate the Priority Placement participant and make a placement determination.
6. If the Priority Placement participant appeals the process outcome, DHR will complete a detailed assessment of the participant’s qualifications for the role and a final determination will be made.

• Application tips
• Career Service Workforce Management Manual (PDF)
• Employee Checklist (PDF)
• Employee Layoff Resources  (PDF)
• Financial and Mental Health Resources for Employees Facing Lay-Off
• Job search and career planning resources
• Participate in a Group Coaching Experience
• Priority Placement Overview flyer
• Reduction in Force Election Form

How do I create an online job application?

Government Jobs has an online help page to guide people through the application at www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide.

I can’t access the email I used when I originally created my online profile and application, so I can’t access my account. What should I do?

You will need a valid email address to use the system. If you choose to create a new applicant profile, you can have your profiles merged in the future. If you want to use your old profile that is connected to an old email address that you no longer have access to, you can try calling Government Jobs customer service at 855-524-5627 to speak with someone, or dial 2 and request a call back. Applicant customer service is available Monday-Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time. You can also email support@governmentjobs.com and visit the Government Jobs FAQ page.

I am unclear as to how to answer a question on the application, how do I get help?

There should be a name and email listed on the job posting. That is usually the recruiter, who will be the best person to answer questions about the content on the job posting.

How often are jobs posted?

Jobs may be posted every day. Check the King County Careers site daily for new postings. You can also sign up for job alert notifications.

How do I know the County has successfully received my online application?

Government Jobs sends a notification email that your application has been successfully received.

What if the job I want isn’t currently open?

As a Priority Placement participant, you will have special access for 30 days to a site that includes closed postings. You can apply for positions that were posted previously and are closed to new applications but may not yet be filled.

When I apply for a county job, can I just submit a resume instead of a job application?

Most job postings require that you submit a completed application. Do not state "see resume" in any section of your application. Be sure to review the job announcement for required documentation. Depending on the position, a resume and/or cover letter may be necessary. If your application packet does not include all requested materials, it will be incomplete and will not be considered for the position.

Do I need to submit a separate application for each position I am interested in?

Yes, you will need to submit a separate application for each position that interests you. Your registration with GovernmentJobs.com makes it easy to update and customize your application for each position.

What materials do I need to submit to apply for a current job opening?

In addition to the application, you may be asked to submit a resume, cover letter, answers to supplemental questions, or other materials. Review the job announcement carefully for instructions. For applications submitted online, please note the system will close the posting at the date and time listed on the announcement.

What happens after I submit my application?

Applicants may be required to participate in additional selection activities such as tests or interviews. If you receive notification for a test or interview confirm your attendance, if requested. Notification is sent to applicants per their indicated preference (email, phone or postal mail).

How can I check my application status?

If you applied online, you can check the status of your application by logging into the Government Jobs online application system and clicking "Application Status." Because we receive hundreds of applications, we ask that you allow at least two weeks after the closing date to review your status. If you don’t hear back within a few weeks, contact the recruiter listed on the job announcement. If you selected your notification preference as email, check your spam folder. Sometimes our emails find their way there instead of the inbox.

What if I can't apply online?

If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper King County application form and answers to any required supplemental questions (you may also submit a resume and cover letter in addition to the paper application form). Please call the recruiter listed for instructions and delivery options.

What happens if I want to check or change part of my application after it is submitted?

You can access your Government Jobs account to view your application and associated attachments. Once you have submitted an application, you cannot edit it. In most cases, you can submit another application, which will replace the former submittal and become the valid application.