FAQs and Helpful Hints

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Employment Application Process

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Submitting an Application

What do I need to do to be considered for employment?
Please follow the application steps:
  • Step 1 - Complete the specific application relative to the job category (e.g., Administrative/Management, Certified, Classified/Support, Substitute/Temporary) in which you are interested.
    Job categories are listed in the first column on the Job Postings website.
    Applications are valid for six months.
  • Step 2 - Always remember to click Submit when completing or updating an application.
  • Step 3 - You can also apply to specific job postings when completing or updating your application.
  • Step 4 - Upload licensure and other supporting documents (if applicable) in the Manage Documents section of your WorkSpace.

References

How will I know if my supervisor completed a reference form?
References are considered confidential. We are unable to indicate if we have received completed references.
Who should I list as my reference(s)?
We are looking for your most recent or current supervisor(s). There must be a correlation between the name(s) of the supervisor(s) listed in the reference section of the application, and the name(s) of the supervisor(s) listed in the Work Experience section of the application.
Should my reference(s) email/fax you a reference letter?
Applicants are encouraged to enter a valid email for their supervisor/reference in their application. If a valid email is provided, the supervisor/reference listed in the application will receive a PWCS confidential reference form by email to complete and submit electronically.

Candidates may also provide PWCS Reference Form (PDF) to their supervisors to be completed and forwarded to PWCS.

Candidates can upload a reference letter in the "Manage Documents" section of the application; however, references must be submitted on the approved PWCS reference form (either electronically or sent to PWCS via email, mail, or fax).

My reference(s) did not receive the email from PWCS. What should I do?
If you need to send out the email link again, you will need to log back in to your application workspace, and under References, verify the email was entered correctly. If it was not, add the person with the correct email. Once you hit "submit" an email will be sent only to the newly added reference(s). Otherwise, please contact Human Resources at 703-791-8050 or [email protected].
Can I delete my references?
Applicants are unable to delete or modify existing information in the reference section.
How long are my references valid?
References are valid for one year.

Please note that information in the reference section of your application will remain with your application for the life of the application. If you would like us to contact someone previously listed, you will need to add them again as a new reference. It is normal to have multiple individuals listed in the reference section of your application.
Why can't I see the references that I uploaded?
Once you upload the document and submit your application, the file is no longer visible to you. That does not mean it did not upload. You can always log back in to your application to upload additional documents or information.

Additional Application Questions

What are the different types of applications?
Please visit the link below for an overview description of each application: PWCS Application Descriptions
How can I log back in to my application?

You will need to start an application by clicking "new user," if you have not created an application with PWCS in the past.

How can I reset my password or unlock my account?
If you have completed a prior application with PWCS, please do not create an additional account. If you are unable to access your WinOcular WorkSpace, our staff can assist you at 703-791-8050, [email protected], or via Live Chat during the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
I haven't worked (e.g., retired, stay-at-home parent) for many years, what should I list under Work Experience, and who should I list for the reference forms?
If you haven't worked recently, you can include any volunteer experience under your Work Experience section, and then list your supervisor(s) at the volunteer job as your most recent/current reference in the reference section.
Do I need to take a typing test?
All administrative assistant and library media assistant positions require a typing test.
Will I have to take the typing test before the closing date?
The typing test does not need to be completed at the time you apply; however, it must be received before an offer of employment. You are encouraged to forward these documents as soon as possible since they may be utilized when determining the most qualified candidates for a position.
Where can I take a typing test?
You can take a typing test free of charge through the Virginia Career Works office located at 13370 Minnieville Rd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. The phone number for the Virginia Career Works office is 703-586-6800. Their hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Are there requirements for the typing test?
Prince William County Public Schools requires a minimum of 45 words per minute with a maximum of 5 errors.
How can I upload documents onto my application?
What if I have a diploma or transcripts from outside of the United States?

If you earned a diploma or transcripts from outside of the United States, we will need to confirm that it is equivalent to a U.S. diploma or degree. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) accepts transcripts and degree evaluations through agencies approved by the Virginia Department of Education. Please visit the link below to contact those agencies.

Note: We ask that applicants do not have transcripts or transcript evaluations sent directly to us. You will want to have the evaluation sent to you and you can submit a copy of it to your application for us to review.

After Application Submission

I submitted my application but have not heard anything back. What does that mean?
Hiring managers make the decisions on the candidates they interview and recommend for a position. There is no specific time frame we can give you as schools and departments move at different paces.
I received an "Application Submittal" reminder email. What does this mean?
You have received a "never resubmitted" email because you have viewed your application without resubmitting it which alerts the system. In the event you are making changes, please resubmit your application otherwise those changes will be deleted on such date indicated. If you are not making any changes, please disregard the email.

Helpful Hints for the Employment Application Process

  • Ensure that your contact information is accurate. After your application is reviewed by our staff, you will receive an email from us. Please regularly check your spam folder.
  • Be sure to hit "Submit Application" on the last page of the application or your application will not be received.
  • Once you upload a document and submit your application, the file is no longer visible to you. That does not mean it did not upload. You can always log back in to upload additional or updated documents or information.
  • If you have completed a prior application with PWCS, please do not set up an additional account. If you are unable to access your WinOcular WorkSpace, our staff can assist you at 703-791-8050 or you can email us at [email protected].
  • You will not be able to edit or delete old reference information from the reference section; however, you can always add references as a new entry.
  • When uploading documents, the allowed file types/extensions you can upload include:
    • Preferred formats:
      • Microsoft Word (.docx)
      • PDF (.pdf)
    • Other accepted formats:
      • HTML (.htm or .html)
      • Rich Text (.rtf)
      • Text (.txt)
    • All other file types will be rejected. In addition, files larger than 6MB will be rejected.
  • To apply to a specific Job Posting(s), select the job title, then click "Apply" in the top right corner of the job posting.
  • Applications become inactive after six months if not updated.
  • Continue to apply to vacancies for which you wish to be considered. An increase in posted vacancies will typically occur in the spring and summer months.

Forms

Visit the Employment Opportunities website for more information.