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1. What is an eligibility list?

An eligibility list is a list of candidates who meet a position’s minimum requirements and have successfully completed a civil service examination (70% or higher).

Successful candidates are ranked on the eligibility list in order of their final score in the examination.

For all positions, 5 extra credit points will be given to those people who meet veteran status requirements and provide proof thereof; typically by means of a DD-214 form.

Police officer and firefighter candidates also receive 1 extra credit point for each 30 college credit hours in excess of the minimum requirement of 60 credit hours.

Police Officer candidates receive 5 extra points if they are either enrolled in, or have completed the police academy.

2. I have successfully completed the civil service examination, when will I get a job?

To fill a vacant position, the Human Resources department will request a certification of the eligibility list. A certified list is an eligibility list that is signed by the Civil Service Board (Fire Civil Service Commission for firefighters) and contains those candidates who are eligible for employment. Candidates will be notified of their ranking on the newly approved certified eligibility list and candidate names are referred to the department with a vacancy.

3. How long will my name stay on the eligibility list?

Eligibility lists are generally active from 6 months to one year from the date of certification, and may be extended at the request of the Human Resources Director, and approval of the Civil Service Board.

Promotional eligibility lists are valid for 1 or 2 years, depending on the bargaining unit agreement covering the position.

4. When will the eligibility list I am on expire?

For this information, you may contact the Human Resources Department at: 248-246-3070.

5. Once I have taken a civil service exam, does this mean I will not have to/be able to take another civil service exam while the list is active?

No- civil service exams are specific to the job classification. E.g. if you take a civil service exam for Municipal Clerk I, then you would only be placed on the list for that particular classification. If another position opens like Municipal Clerk III, Cashier or Police Service Aide, you will have to apply for that job and take a civil service examination to be placed on that eligibility list as well.

6. Can anybody on a certified eligibility list be hired?

In accordance with the Civil Service Personnel Rules, a department can select any person in the ten highest scores on the certified eligibility list. The department is entitled to consider 1 additional candidate for each additional vacancy with the same classification and department. For example, if there is one vacancy, the department may consider at least 10 candidates; if there are 2 vacancies, the department may consider at least 11 candidates, and so on. Because others get hired, or drop from the list for other reasons while the list is active, you could be one of the interviewees, even if you initially fall outside the top 10.

7. How does the department determine whom to hire?

After candidates on a certification list advise the department that they are available to be considered for the job, the top 10 ranked candidates will participate in the department's internal selection process. In many cases a department's internal selection process is an interview sometimes supplemented with a practical test, at which time candidates can discuss their qualifications as they relate to the specific position being filled.

8. I took a test several months ago and got my score. Where am I on the eligibility list now?

Please contact Human Resources at 248-246-3070 if you have any questions about the current status of the eligibility list(s) you appear on.

9. What does it mean when a position is filled through open competition?

If you have applied for a position that is not covered by civil service rules, you are openly competing against both internal and external candidates based on recruitment standards set by the department with the vacancy, and the Human Resources department.

Suitability for the position may be determined using a multitude of ways, including additional application requirements such as a cover a letter or questionnaire, as well as practical and personality testing and one or more rounds of oral interviews.

10. I applied several months ago or had an interview, but have not heard anything since, how do I find out about my status?

Please contact Human Resources at 248-246-3070 if you have any questions about the current status of your application.