APPLICATION PROCESS
The Human Resources Department accepts applications only for positions currently open for recruitment. Please review information on this site, including Frequently Asked Questions, to help guide the application process.
A formal City of Madison Employment Application form is required. The completed application becomes the basis of the process and, for selected applicants, for City employment.
Applications must be received in the City of Madison Human Resources Department office before the deadline. Applications may be:
- hand delivered
- mailed to arrive before the deadline, or
- faxed before the deadline, with original mailed or delivered to Human Resources to arrive within three working days after the fax was sent.
Exceptions are not granted. Call 608-266-4615 between 8:00 and 4:30 with questions or if there are problems with faxing. No electronically transmitted application will be accepted. Applications sent as email attachments will not be accepted. A resume or other document received without a formal application will not be accepted.
THE PROCESS:
- JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: The announcement lists essential job duties and minimum qualifications required. It shows the application closing date and identifies any supplemental material, Supplemental Questionnaire or additional forms required for applying for the position.
- APPLICATION FORM: Each application for a City position requires a formal application form. The job announcement tells which form is required. The completed form is the official basis for the application process and, for selected applicants, for City employment.
- SIGN AND DATE the application form and have your signing witnessed. The witness must also sign and date the form. Signatures do not need to be notarized. Signatures cannot be made electronically by computer.
- VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS: An eligible veteran must submit a copy of the DD214 form with each job application. Veterans Disability Points: An eligible veteran must submit a copy of the disability award showing percent of disability. Forms must be submitted with each application for points to be applied.
- SUPPLEMENTAL DRIVING APPLICATION INFORMATION: The job announcement for the position will indicate if the position requires a valid driver's license or a CDL (Commercial Driver's License). If this is a requirement the supplemental application information in the application form must be completed.
- SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS: If supplemental questions are provided for a position application they must be prepared and submitted with the application form by the application deadline.
A complete application—Application Form, Supplemental Application, Supplemental Questions and required attachments—must be received in the Human Resources Department office before 4:30 p.m. (central time) on the official closing date for the position.
The City of Madison is not responsible for mail or fax delivery of materials. Applicants are responsible for assuring timely submittals.
City Human Resources Department, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 501, Madison WI 53703.
DOWNLOADING THE APPLICATION FROM THE WEB (PDF)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- For certain positions, an employment offer is made to a job applicant contingent upon the applicant passing a pre-employment physical, urinalysis drug test and breath alcohol test.
- In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, appropriate identification documents verifying eligibility for employment will be required from applicants who are hired.
- The Human Resources Department routinely verifies conviction, driving and other information provided in the application form. In accordance with federal, state and local law, pending criminal charges or any convictions will not be used or considered unless they are substantially related to circumstances of the particular job. Conviction or pending charge not reported will be cause for disqualification of an application, and an applicant so disqualified will not be eligible to apply for City employment for a period of one year.
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Reasonable accommodation shall be made during the employment process for qualified applicants with disabilities, when the City is made aware of the need for such accommodation. Please indicate your need for an accommodation on the last page of the application form. You will be required to provide the Human Resources Department with written verification from a doctor, rehabilitation counselor or other authorized person confirming your disability and indicating a reasonable accommodation. All information will remain confidential.
If you have any questions about the position you are applying for, or about the application or selection process for that position, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (608) 266-4615.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. After I file an application, how long will it be before I hear anything?
A. You should receive written notice of the status of your application within two weeks of the job closing date.
Q. Can I take a civil service test for the City?
A. The City doesn't have a standard civil service exam. Many of our positions require testing, but tests are job-specific and scheduled after a person files an application for an announced opening.
Q. I want to apply for all the positions I'm eligible for. Will the City accept one application form to be submitted for two or more position vacancies?
A. No, the City does not allow one application form to be used for more than one application process. Each position vacancy requires a completed application form, signed, dated and witnessed as an original application.
Q. I have a disability and need an accommodation for a test. What should I do?
A. The need for an accommodation should be indicated on the last page of the application. The City's Occupational Accommodations Specialist can assist with the test accommodations process. You may also call 608-267-1156 for more information.
Q. I'm working on the application and have questions. What should I do?
A. Phone Human Resources at 608-266-4615; Fax 608-267-1115; TTY/Textnet 866-704-2340.
Q. Will I be notified even if I'm not going to be considered for the position?
A. All applicants are notified by mail of their status in the selection process.
Q. I can't make it to my scheduled test. May I have an alternate date/time?
A. Only in the case of a documented emergency will a request to reschedule a written test be considered. A conflict of work hours does not qualify as an emergency. No alternate schedule arrangements will be made for an oral board interview or performance exam.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Some City positions require that employees be residents of the City of Madison. Some City positions require that employees reside in Dane County. Many City positions have no residency requirement.
Each job announcement states whether there is a residency requirement for the position.
There is a section for signature on the application form that must be completed by applicants for positions requiring City of Madison residency or Dane County residency. Applicants sign this agreement:
"I understand as required by City Ordinance, that as one of the conditions of my employment with the City of Madison, I shall maintain my legal residency during my employment with the City. Furthermore, I understand that I am to keep my supervisor informed, and advise the Human Resources Department and the Comptroller's Office in writing of all changes of residence. I further understand that if I do not comply with these requirements, my position will be vacated and that my name will no longer be entitled to be on the City payroll."
