Hiring Process

If you see a position that’s a perfect fit for you, we encourage you to apply! Our jobs are either posted with a specific deadline for applications or as “open until filled.”

We are looking for candidates that can work well with our high performing team. Even if you do not have certain skills, experience, or education; we encourage you to apply. Tell us why you are a good fit for the position and what you can bring to our team.

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The best of the qualified group of applicants are reviewed by our hiring team and sent to Human Resources for scheduling. Applicants are reviewed at any time after applying, even if a position is posted with an application deadline. We like to interview early and often, so stay close to your phone!

Depending on the position or departmental preference, we may conduct an initial interview through a virtual meeting. Human Resources will inform you of the format of the interview along with a confirmation email that includes the date, time, link to the secure virtual meeting and the names of the interview panel.

At least one interview will be conducted in person, whether that is your initial interview or your secondary interview. In-person interviews are conducted in a panel format with interview questions consisting of a combination of technical and behavioral questions. Once a date and time has been set with Human Resources, you will receive a confirmation email listing confirming the date, time, location and the make-up of the interview panel. Special consideration will be made for applicants living out-of-state and a virtual interview may be acceptable as the primary interview.

Most secondary interviews are conducted if the hiring team would like the applicant to meet additional members of the team or are interested in learning more about the applicant. Our main goal is to find the ideal fit for the position and the department!

Once the hiring team selects their ideal candidate, a member of Human Resources will contact the candidate and present a Conditional Offer Letter. The offer is subject to completion of pre-employment screenings. The offer letter will outline the terms of employment.

Depending on the position, Human Resources will work with you to complete your background check, schedule your fingerprinting with the Des Plaines Police Department and schedule your physical and/or drug screening with our occupational health provider, Northwest Community Hospital (NCH). Human Resources is here to assist you every step of the way!

Once all pre-employment screenings have been completed, our Human Resources and hiring teams will discuss a start date that works best for you and us.

Once a start date has been finalized, our Benefits Manager will reach out to you and discuss what needs to be done before your first day. Depending on the position, this may include selecting benefits, filling out tax forms, providing I-9 information and other required items. Interested in learning more about our fantastic health benefits? See the City of Des Plaines Benefits Summary(PDF, 569KB).

Every department’s orientation might be different. However, every new hire will participate in a New Hire Benefit Orientation. This orientation is a customized, one-on-one meeting with a member of Human Resources during your first week. This meeting will provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions and for Human Resources to finalize any missing items needed for onboarding.

Welcome to the team!