Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply for a Job

The Application Process

What type of computer setup is needed to apply electronically?

The system requires Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher to apply online.
For job-related questions, contact Stearns County Human Resources at 320-656-3606 during business hours of 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You may also e-mail us at: HR@co.stearns.mn.us .  This e-mail is answered during business hours and we attempt to respond within 48 hours.

I found a job! How do I apply for it?

Stearns County uses an online application process for all applications. On your first visit you will need to establish an account, create a User ID and password, along with a reminder question to help you if you forget your password.
We encourage you to complete each part of the application in detail. You can add additional work history and education as needed. Please start with your most recent education/work experience when prioritizing your information. Do not mark “See Resume” on your application materials or your application will not be considered. Each time you input information, you will need to click on the Save & View Application button. If the system is inactive over 60 minutes, it will automatically log you off.

How long will it take to apply for a job?

On average, allow approximately 30-45 minutes to complete your application. After you complete the Agency Wide Questions, you can either Save and Proceed to move to the next step of the application process or Save Work in Progress and complete at a later time.
The online application system will not accept applications submitted after 4:30pm on the closing date of each posting.

How can I verify that my application has been received?

If you submitted electronically, you will receive an e-mail confirmation upon submission.  You may also call Human Resources at 320-656-3606 during the business hours of 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
To verify the positions you’ve submitted applications for, login to www.governmentjobs.com/ using your user ID and password. Then click on Application Status to view the status of submitted applications.

What if I don't have an e-mail account?

If you do not have an e-mail account, you can sign up for a free e-mail account at Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or Gmail.

How can I add additional employment or education entries?

Click on Add Education or Add Work Experience after each series of input to add additional education/work experience. List education/work experience in chronological order, starting with most recent. After each entry, click Save and View Application.

How do I change my name, address, phone, e-mail or notification preference?

You may login to www.governmentjobs.com/ at any time and make changes to these fields. You may also contact Human Resources at 320.656.3606 during regular business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

How can I edit or delete the information on my online job application?

If the position is currently open, you may login to www.governmentjobs.com/ , click ‘Edit’ under the ‘Modify’ header located across from the application you would like to change or you may create a new application. Once all your changes have been made re-submit your application.  You must wait 24 hours before re-submitting an application for the same recruitment. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered, and any submitted prior will be inactivated for that recruitment. If the position has been closed, please contact Human Resources at 320.656.3606 during regular business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday for guidance on updating your contact information.

How can I review the status of recruitment, my account or application?

You may check our Recruitment Process page to check the status of a recent recruitment.
You may also login to www.governmentjobs.com/ . From this site, you can build new applications and see the status of your submitted applications.

How will I know when Stearns County is hiring for a specific job?

You may complete a job interest card for notification of specific jobs or job categories. When a position with that title is posted, you will receive a notification at the e-mail address you provide within your application account.

What benefits does Stearns County offer?

Stearns County benefits are listed on our Employee Benefits page.

What kinds of wages does Stearns County offer?

Stearns County has a competitive compensation and benefit plan. Each job flyer contains the salary information for that specific job classification. Salary information is usually listed toward the bottom of the job flyer.

How do I know if I am qualified for this job?

The minimum qualifications and supplemental questions are listed on the job flyer. Your application will be carefully reviewed, along with any other materials required on the job flyer, to determine whether you meet these qualifications. Therefore, it is very important that everything about your qualifications, your education and experience, licenses, certificates and special skills be included on your application. If all the information is not provided, you may be considered unqualified, or less qualified than other applicants.

Do I have to submit a separate application for each posting?

Yes. However, once you create an account, you may build an application and submit that application for multiple jobs. Review and update your application as necessary. Once your account is created, applying for postings is quick and easy.

What if I am not chosen?

Stearns County's objective is to hire the best person for the job; therefore, vacancies are competitive. In some cases, numerous qualified people have applied for the same position. If you are not successful in getting a job right away, try not to feel discouraged. Continue to check our job openings for other jobs that interest you, and apply if you feel you are qualified.

Do I need to live in Stearns County?

You do not need to be a resident of Stearns County to apply or be hired for a current opening. Some positions do have a response time requirement (patrol officer, highway maintenance worker).

What type of tests are given?

Testing and assessment varies for each position. Some positions require a written examination, an oral examination or an auditory skills examination, while others may require testing of computer skills. Testing is scheduled during normal business hours.

What if I need special testing accommodations?

Should you have a disability that would prevent you from testing for a position under standard conditions, please notify the Human Resources Department at 320.656.3606 so that every reasonable accommodation can be made.

Will a physical examination or drug testing be required?

Many positions require candidates to take a medical examination. These positions include public works, law enforcement, building facilities and others requiring physical effort. Some positions require a drug test. All non-clerical positions in the Sheriff's Office also require a psychological examination.

How will I know when interviews and testing will be held?

Interviews and testing dates are posted on the job flyer. In some instances dates may be listed as To Be Determined (TBD).