The Inside Scoop: Navigating a Virtual Hiring Process
If you haven’t heard, we’ve gone (mostly) virtual! The COVID-19 pandemic challenged us with finding new ways to carry out testing that would keep both our staff and our applicants as safe as possible throughout our hiring process. We knew the best way to do that would be to limit in-person testing, and we’re happy to say that the majority of our testing elements are now virtual!
What does this mean for our applicants? For many of you, it means less travel! Now that we’ve gone virtual, both Field and Communications applicants will only have to travel to Austin, TX, for Final Phase testing rather than having to travel here twice throughout a hiring process. Good deal, right?
Which hiring process elements are virtual?
Application submission and document upload
Structured Oral Interview (SOI)
Typing Test and CritiCall Testing (for Communications applicants only)
Employment Verification and Professional Reference Checks
Written Psychological Assessment
Psychological Interview
Which hiring process elements are not virtual?
FBI Criminal Background Investigation (requires fingerprinting appointment)
Medical Evaluation and Pre-employment Drug Screening
Now for the tips! We want to make sure that, if you decide to apply with us, you have a great chance at completing each step of our hiring process successfully. Here are some things to consider when completing virtual testing:
· Strong wifi connection — To improve your bandwidth, turn off or disconnect other devices that may be using your wifi. Sit in the same room as your router if possible.
· Limit distractions! — Turn off notifications and alarms/reminders. Find a quiet space away from roommates, children, pets, etc. where you can focus without distractions for the duration of your interview/testing.
· Dress for success and be on time! — This is a professional hiring process despite it being conducted in a virtual environment.
· Lighting — Do not sit with your back to a window, or with a lamp behind you. Try to have a light source in front of you so that we can see you clearly.
· Keep your device charged (or even better, plugged in) to prevent your battery from dying in the middle of your interview.
· Sound — if you opt to use a Bluetooth device for audio, make sure it has already been paired with the device you’re using for the interview.
· We highly recommend using a laptop for our interviews. Some applicants have used cell phones and tablets but the likelihood of there being issues with video or audio is very high. A laptop or desktop computer will definitely be necessary for CritiCall testing.
· Have some scratch paper and a pen or pencil nearby in case you’d like to gather your thoughts on paper before answering an interview question.
· Test your system beforehand. When we schedule you for CritiCall testing or for an interview, we’ll send instructions with information about the software we’re using. Be sure to read these instructions and test things out with a friend or family member ahead of time. This will hopefully eliminate any connection issues for your future appointments.
· Practice, practice, practice! Review our Structured Oral Interview (SOI) Prep Guide to better understand the format of the interview. Think about relevant examples from your own work/life experience that can be used for each of the 8 dimensions. Communications applicants should also highly consider attending the optional CritiCall practice session (offered to applicants who are being registered for CritiCall testing during a hiring process). Read our other blog entry for more insight into CritiCall.
The Recruiting team now hosts virtual information sessions! Sign up for alerts by creating a Connect profile or monitor our Events page for upcoming session dates and topics. These live events are a great way to connect with our team and get your questions answered in real time, from the comfort of your own home.
Questions? Contact our Recruiting team at EMSRecruiting@austintexas.gov or give us a call at 512–974–1098. You can find dates for the hiring process elements here.
This publication features ATCEMS work culture and the lives of our medics. *Readings from other publications posted to Medium do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Austin-Travis County EMS, the City of Austin, or Travis County*
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974–3210 or TTY (512) 974–2445.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. ADA Office: (512) 974–3256 TDD (512) 974–3303.
