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DPS-Candidate Self Service - Online Recruitment

Show All Answers

1. I forgot my password. What do I do?

You can use the “forgot password” link on the login screen to have a new password issued to you. You will need to enter your first name, last name, and email address. If all three match your existing profile, an email with your new password will be sent.

2. I tried to create a new profile, but it told me that the profile already exists. What do I do?

A profile with the same first name, last name, and email address is already in use. This could be because you have registered with us before, or are a current employee and are using your work email address. Log in using your existing profile.

If you do not know your candidate code and/or password, use the “forgot password” link. Enter your first name, last name, and email address in the fields on this form, then click on “continue.” A confirmation window containing your candidate code will appear, and your password will be sent via email.

3. I created my profile. Do I still need to apply for a posting?

Yes. Creating a profile does not automatically mean you will be considered for any postings. You must apply for each posting that you wish to be considered for.

4. My information has changed since I created my profile. Can I update it?

Yes, you may update your profile at any time.

5. I put in my name, candidate code, and password, but all I get is a blank screen when I click “Continue”

Make sure your browser is configured to accept cookies from the CSS site.

6. Can I use a Mac or Linux PC to access CSS.

Yes, as long as you are using a recent, standards-compliant browser. (Firefox or Internet Explorer 8+ work best.) Your browser must be configured to allow cookies and pop-ups from the CSS site.

7. I tried to access CSS to apply for a job, but couldn’t access the site. Will the application deadline be accepted, or can I apply late?

No. Application deadlines will not be extended under these circumstances.

8. I don’t have a computer. Can I still apply online?

You can use any publicly-accessible computer, such as those available at the library, to apply online. (Make sure to log out when you are done and take care to safeguard your personal information when using a shared computer.)

9. I am a County employee. Can I log into CSS as an employee?

You can log into CSS using your employee number as your candidate code, but we recommend that you use the employee self service system instead. The CSS password is maintained separately from your employee self service password, so you will need to manage/remember both passwords if you use both systems.

10. If I am an employee, do I have to log into CSS as an employee, or can I log in as a non-employee?

There is nothing preventing you from creating a new profile as a non-employee, but logging in as an employee will let you see postings that are not open to the general public, such as inter-departmental or intra-departmental postings.

11. Who can I contact if I need an accommodation for special assistance in completing my application?

If you are a person with a disability and require assistance with the employment process, please contact the Department of Personnel Services.

12. I clicked on the “back” button in my browser to get back to the previous screen, but it took me out of the CSS site entirely.

Candidate self service is an application that runs within your browser, so your browser’s back, forward, and home buttons will not function to navigate inside CSS. Use the back, forward, and home buttons provided within CSS to navigate between CSS screens.

13. I can’t access the side or bottom of some screens.

Try increasing your screen resolution. CSS is designed to run best at 1024 x 768 or higher resolution.

14. When I click on “Apply for Veteran’s Preference” or “Take Assessment,” nothing happens. Why can’t I access these screens?

You must enable popups from the CSS site.

15. I entered/edited a record. How do I save it?

Click on the “save” icon (looks like a diskette) in the icon bar at the top right.

16. I changed a field on a record, but the save icon is greyed-out, and I can’t save.

Move your cursor off of the field or click in another field to signal you are done editing the field. The save icon should become available.

17. I am trying to enter my work experience details, but I can’t fit the text in that field.

The limit on “details” fields is 4,000 characters. The CSS system will warn you if you attempt to save a record greater than this size. Some older browsers have their own internal limits on how much text can be accommodated, so you may need to upgrade your browser to fully utilize these fields.

18. When I enter a date, why do I get an “unparseable date” error?

The CSS system uses the international date format (dd-Mon-yyyy), so make sure you are entering dates in that format, or picking them from the pop-up calendar. For convenience, you may enter dates as ‘ddmmyy’ and the system will automatically convert them to the proper format. If you enter 170593, for example, the system will automatically format it to ’17-May-1993’.

19. I applied for a posting by mistake. Can I withdraw my application?

You can withdraw your application by clicking on the “Withdraw application” button on the “My Applications” screen, up until the application has entered the screening process. Once the application has entered the screening process, you must contact the Department of Personnel Services to withdraw your application.

20. Why do I have to specify my work preferences? What happens if I don’t?

After you have submitted an application, you must update your application to specify the conditions under which you will accept that job. The County will not consider you for an opening unless the conditions match those you have indicated you will accept. If you forgot to specify these conditions on your application, that application will not be considered for any openings, so make sure to complete this section.

21. I received an email saying I needed to take an “assessment.” What is that, and how do I take it?

An assessment is a tool that the County uses to screen and/or rank your application. Some job postings require that you take an online assessment as part of the application process. You make take these assessments by highlighting them in the “My Assessments” screen and clicking on “Take Assessment.”