Job Application Tips and Questions

These tips are designed to help you navigate the application process for positions with the City of Bellingham. Follow these guidelines to give yourself the best chance at success.

Application process

What happens: Submit your application through GovernmentJobs.com.

What happens: Once the application period closes, our team conducts an initial screening.

What we look for: We review the submitted material to assess the basic qualificaitons and experience for the role. The candidates who have the most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications typically proceed to the interview stage.

What happens: You will receive an email invitation to schedule an interview. We will share the details on what to expect during the interview. Some interview processes include more than one round of interviews.

What we look for: We assess your experience, skills, and qualifications as they pertain to the positions you are applying for, and how you will contribute to the City’s values. Employees who have the drive to serve our community from their individual and team contributions are a great match for the City.

What happens: As a finalist, we will check your professional references.

What we look for: We verify the information provided in your application. References also provide insight into the candidate’s work ethic, character, and previous job performance.

What happens: Based on interviews, assessments, and reference checks, we make a final hiring decision. The hiring manager will reach out you directly with a verbal job offer. This is a great opportunity to ask additional quesitons before accepting the offer. You will then receive a written job offer. After you sign and accept the written offer, we will begin pre-employment screening.

Job application tips

Understand the job posting: Carefully read the entire job posting so you fully understand the position and its requirements. This will help you tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role.

Complete details in the application: Make sure your application thoroughly documents your professional experience and skills, especially those related to the job’s key responsibilities. Include:

Personal Information: Ensure your contact details are up-to-date.
Work History: Include your relevant work experience, highlighting your duties and accomplishments (list your job duties instead of paragraphs for easier reading).
Education & Training: Mention all relevant education or certifications.
References: Include professional references who can speak to your qualifications.
Supplemental Questions: Take time to thoughtfully answer any supplemental questions, as they help us determine which applicants will move forward.

Include only required documents: Only submit the documents requested in the job posting. Documents that are not required will not be reviewed.

Read the “Selection Process” section: This section includes details about how your application will be reviewed, the interview process, and any additional assessments. Please review it carefully for important next steps.

Reasonable accommodation and/or assistance will be gladly provided for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities, upon request. The Human Resource Department can be reached at 360-778-8228 or hr@cob.org.

Job portal tips

Applications are submitted through GovernmentJobs.com, powered by NEOGOV. These tips can make submitting your applications smoother.

File attachments: Close your file before attaching it to your application. NEOGOV cannot attach open files.
Save frequently: The system may time out if inactive for too long. Save your progress often.
Deadline: Make sure to submit your application before the closing date and time. After the deadline, you will be locked out of the system, and late applications will not be accepted.
Technical issues: If you experience problems with the application system, contact NEOGOV Customer Support at 1-855-524-5627. Our HR team is here to assist with questions about the hiring process, but we’re unable to troubleshoot technical problems.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a computer to complete an online application. Here are some suggestions:

Use a public computer at a Bellingham Public Library location or your local library.
Contact your local WorkSource location for service options and availability, such as computer stations.
Ask a family member or friend who has internet access if you can use their computer.

Yes, you will need an email address in order to create an account in our job application portal, GovernmentJobs.com, powered by NEOGOV. If you don’t have one, you can create a free email address through several email services.

Once you’ve signed up for an account through GovernmentJobs.com, powered by NEOGOV, you can use that account to apply for any other positions at the City of Bellingham, as well as with other agencies that use GovernmentJobs.com.

No, we will not accept a resume instead of an online application or as a substitute for completing any part of a job application.

We update the Job Opportunities list with new jobs on an ongoing basis. If you do not see the opportunity you are looking for, you can sign up for the job interest alerts.

There are two general types of “continuous” postings:

We have some positions that are recruited for year-round because there is always a need for more qualified applicants.
There are also jobs that may require a longer posting period, but we evaluate applications as they are submitted, interview applicants, and make hiring decisions until the position is filled.