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Hiring Freeze FAQ

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The County of San Mateo is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse and dynamic workforce.  To address our current structural budget deficit we are implementing some preventative strategies, which include assessing the urgency of filling certain positions.   Vacancies do exist and will be evaluated and filled on a case-by-case basis.    We thank you for your interest in employment with San Mateo County and will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available.    What follows are some frequently asked questions concerning our current hiring situation.   Should I still appear for my interview appointment with the County? Yes!  All on-going recruitments will proceed as scheduled.  The employment eligible list created as a result of these recruitments will be used to fill vacancies that have been requested and received by the Human Resources Department prior to the effective date of the hiring freeze.    Why the need for a hiring freeze? At the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 4, 2007, consensus was reached on controlling costs through the use of a hiring freeze. Effective December 11, 2007 an immediate hiring freeze was implemented following direction by the Board to eliminate the County’s structural budget deficit.   It is important that the County plan now for the tight budgets ahead in order to avoid the type of crisis-driven decision-making seen in other jurisdictions. By taking the necessary steps now and phasing-in additional strategies over time, the County can avoid the sudden disruption of services and hurried displacement of people from programs or the workforce.   Which departments are exempt from the hiring freeze? The hiring freeze does not apply to First 5, SamCERA, Housing Authority and the Superior Court.  Certain positions, such as those providing public safety and emergency medical services, will also be exempt, but will be reviewed along with other vacant positions when departments submit their vacancy plans on December 21, 2007.   Are all on-going recruitments exempt from the hiring freeze? At this time, all on-going recruitments will proceed as scheduled.  The employment eligible list created as a result of these recruitments will be used to fill vacancies that have been requested and received by the Human Resources Department prior to the effective date of the hiring freeze.  Hiring managers, however, will need to discuss with their respective department contacts the status of these vacant positions in relation to the department’s vacancy plan due for submission to the County Manager and Human Resources by December 21, 2007.   Who should I contact if I have questions about the hiring freeze? Applicants/Candidates should contact the Human Resources Department at 363-4343.   County employees should contact their respective managers for questions regarding the hiring freeze or call the Human Resources Department at 363-4343.    Hiring Managers should be consulting with their Department Head and formulating a comprehensive departmental vacancy plan.  Once plans are submitted to the CMO and Human Resources, hiring managers may contact their respective Human Resources Analyst for hiring freeze questions pertaining to future recruitments.