Our Hiring Process
- Stage 1
Stage 1 – Application
We value your time and have designed a streamlined hiring process to ensure:
- A clear understanding of the position and its requirements.
- Effective communication with our hiring team.
- A comprehensive assessment of each candidate, considering your unique experiences, background, and interests.
- Timely updates on your application status.
Application Period
Our application period typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks, though this may vary based on factors such as the time of year, the initial response to the job posting, and the capacity of our small but dedicated team.
Screening & Interviewing
The active hiring process, which includes screening, interviews, and reference checks, generally takes an additional 4 to 6 weeks. This means the entire process, from the job announcement to extending an offer, usually spans 10 to 12 weeks. We will keep you informed of any changes to this timeline.
Applications are submitted through our applicant tracking system, Pinpoint, and anonymized to reduce bias in the selection process. This approach helps us implement a fair and consistent review process.
- Stage 2
Stage 2 – Review
We review applications on a rolling basis using a detailed rubric that evaluates your experience, professional skills, and interests against the job description's qualifications.
At this stage, applications remain anonymized, and our focus is entirely on your answers to the application questions and the relevance of your experience. Candidates who meet the qualifications and score the highest will be invited to a phone interview with the hiring manager. You’ll receive an email (from the same address as your application confirmation) with a link to self-schedule your interview.
If your application does not meet the basic requirements or rank high enough, we will notify you that your application will not move forward.
- Stage 3
Stage 3 – Initial Interview (Phone)
This stage involves a 30 to 45-minute phone interview with the hiring manager. After scheduling, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a calendar invite and basic interview instructions. A reminder email sent the day before you interview will confirm the number of questions and provide details about general question topics to help you prepare.
The interview is structured around the hiring manager asking approximately 6 to 8 questions to learn more about your relevant experience and your interest in CNPS (California Native Plant Society) and the position itself.
During the interview, consistent metrics will be used to evaluate your responses. Candidates with the highest scores will be invited to the next stage to participate in a panel interview. We will notify all candidates with scores that do not rank highly enough to continue with a status update.
- Stage 4
Stage 4 – Panel Interview (In Person)
The panel interview is a 60 to 90-minute session with the entire hiring panel for the position. In person interviews are conducted at the CNPS office in Midtown, Sacramento (CA). You’ll receive an email invitation to self-schedule your interview. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a calendar invitation and further details.
Before your interview, we’ll email the number of questions or scenarios you can expect as well as a general summary topics and themes the panel will be evaluating. The hiring panel will score your responses using a rubric, with certain questions weighted based on their importance.
At the end of the interview, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions. We encourage you to come prepared to make the most of this time with the hiring panel.
- Stage 5
Stage 5 – Reference Checks
We conduct reference checks for the top-ranked candidates before making any job offers to ensure informed hiring decisions.
Please provide at least three professional references who can share direct observations and experiences working with you. Ideally, references should include previous supervisors or managers. If you have limited work experience, references from educational or volunteer settings are acceptable.
We’ll notify you before we begin contacting any references. If you’re not selected to receive a job offer after reference checks, we will inform you that your candidacy has concluded and provide any additional information that we can.
- Stage 6
Stage 6 – Job Offer
If you are the top candidate, the hiring manager will call to extend a verbal offer, including details about compensation, benefits, and a proposed start date.
Once you verbally accept, you’ll receive a written offer, job description, and the CNPS Employee Handbook via email. The offer will include an expiration date, typically 48 hours, for you to accept or decline electronically.
- Stage 7
Stage 7 – Hired
Congratulations! After you accept the employment agreement, we’ll begin the onboarding process to welcome you to CNPS.