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iRecruitment Frequently Asked Questions
Employment Opportunities Apply Online Online Applicant Instructions Employee Pamphlet FAQs: ( Employment / iRecruitment )
How do I complete an online application?
Online applications follow one of three paths:
  • New applicants who have never accessed the online system and need to create an account
  • Returning applicants who need to make changes and apply for positions
  • Returning applicants who do not need to make changes and apply for positions
What are the benefits to applying online?
By applying online, you are immediately entered into the City of Oakland’s tracking system. You are able to apply for multiple jobs with one application, and have the ability to update your profile and resume at any time.
How can I apply if I don't have regular access to a computer?
There is a Kiosk set up in the Office of Personnel where you can gain access to a computer.
Am I able to just submit my resume?
In order to apply for any City of Oakland job you must submit an office City of Oakland Application. Follow the instructions under “How to Apply” for the position you are interested in to identify the required documentation to apply.
Do I always have to register to complete the online application?
No, you only need to register once. You do need to log into the system each time you want to apply for a job, make updates to information or profile.
Why when I enter my employment history it does not appear in chronological order?
Employment history stores in the order it was entered. However, when Human Resources reviews applications they are automatically sorted into chronological order.
Can I delete old jobs from my "jobs applied for" page?
No, the jobs you have applied for are part of your HR record.
What do I put in for the end date of my current job?
If you don't have a future end date for your current job simply leave the field blank.
Can I change my login ID?
Yes. You will need to know your old login ID (email account) to login and make updates.
When I log into my account and click the job # there is no Apply button?
Most likely you have already applied for the job. Click the Home page and review the jobs you've applied for. If you've applied for more jobs than are showing on the Home Page click the Full List button. The Full List button allows you to sort by your application status as well as see a larger section of jobs applied for.
What if I am having problems with the online application process?
If you are experiencing problems while applying online, please contact our Office at (510)238-3112.
I forgot my password, what do I do?
Click the link on iRecruitment home page “Did you forget your password?”.
My password didn't work when it was reset, what should I do?
Contact our Office at (510)238-3112.
I'm getting an error message, "Your account has not been set up properly"
Users trying to access their accounts using non-supported web browsers may receive the following error message: "Your account has not been set up properly. Please contact the site administrator informing them that your login is not associated with a person". In order to apply online you will need to use one of the supported web browsers list below:

Windows Users
  • Internet Explorer
  • Mozilla
  • Netscape
  • Firefox
MAC Users
  • Safara
  • Firefox
Why do I get an error message when I click the web browser back button?
iRecruitment is designed to navigate by using the forward and back buttons within the application. Using your web browser buttons to navigate will generate an error requiring you to log out of the application.
What does the error "the HR object is invalid..." mean"?
This error usually means you filled out the application in the review form. There is a warning at the top of the page stating that if you attempt to complete your application in this area the changes will not be saved. You can identify the review form by the lack of “Save” buttons at the top and bottom of the page. To get to the correct area of the application click the Home tab, then click the My Application link.
Can I share an email that is already registered in iRecruitment?
No, each email account must be unique to the person. If you need to set up an email account try these sites: Gmail, Hotmail, MSN. The City of Oakland does not endorse any specific email service. The sites listed are merely representative of free email available to applicants.
What happens after I submit my application online?
An email confirming the acceptance of your application will be sent to the email account under your profile.
I'm getting an error message when I try to upload a document.
If you are receiving the following error: Value application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document exceeds the maximum allowed value (VARCHAR (30, -127)). It is because iRecruitment does not recognize MS Office 2007 Word documents. The document extension has a .docx vs. MS Office Word 2003 .doc extension. To remedy this problem, save your document in the older Word version.
Why when I click the preview button for my documents do they lose their formatting?
The preview button does not preserve formatting, it is only meant as a viewer. However, formatting has been preserved on uploaded documents. By clicking the hyperlink associated with an uploaded document the associated program will open showing the document as it was uploaded.
Who can I speak with to check on the status of my application?
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to verify the status of individual applications. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks after the closing date to receive information about your status from our office.