How to Apply for Local Government Jobs
STEP 1: Find a Job Vacancy
Applications are only accepted by the City of Knoxville for jobs that are currently vacant. You can see a list of vacancies in the Current City Job Openings section of the website.
If you are interested in a job that is not currently vacant, you cannot apply, but you can ask to be placed on the waiting list for that job, and a postcard will be sent to you when vacancies occur in the specified area. You can have your name placed on the waiting list by calling the Civil Service Department at (865) 215-2106.
STEP 2: Apply for a job
If you see a job vacancy that you are interested in and think you may qualify for that job, you MUST download, complete, and submit an official City of Knoxville application (prints out with job description) by the application deadline specified on the job-posting announcement. Submitted applications must be signed in order to be accepted. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be accepted.
Resumes may be included as a supplement to the application but NOT as a substitute. Some positions require additional forms. These forms will be specified in the job posting announcement. For some jobs, copies of diplomas, transcripts, or certifications may be required.
Applications must be received in the Civil Service office by 4:30 p.m. on the stated deadline or must be postmarked by that date. Applications cannot be faxed.
STEP 3: Take the Test
Many City of Knoxville jobs require a written test. If the job for which you are applying requires a written test, your application may be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. If your application is accepted, you will be scheduled for the written test and will be notified of the date and time of the test. After taking the test, your score will be sent to you by mail.
Other City of Knoxville jobs require that you complete and submit a written test called a Training & Experience Questionnaire with your application. After receiving this form with your application, it will be scored and you will be notified of your results by mail.
STEP 4: After the Test
After your examination is scored, your results are mailed to you. Test scores will not be given out over the phone. If you receive a passing score, your name will be placed on the Eligible Register (a list of all persons eligible for employment) for that job, ranked in order of score with the other applicants. Your rank on the register can change as more applicants are added, hired, or removed.
After the qualified applicants are tested on the knowledge and skills necessary for a job and passing scores are placed on the Eligible Register, the five highest ranked applicants are submitted to the department director for final selection. At this point, the department may call you in for an interview or to gain additional information. After a selection is made, Civil Service processes the successful candidate for employment and the other applicants remain eligible for future vacancies for one year.
