(1) Interview preference to a competitive classified position for which he or she meets the minimum qualifications established for the job classification shall apply to:
(a) Any person who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserves, or National Guard who was discharged or released therefrom with an honorable discharge, discharge under honorable conditions, or a general discharge, or his or her spouse or unmarried widow or widower;
(b) The unmarried widow or widower of any military personnel who died while in the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserves, or National Guard, unless circumstances surrounding the death was cause for other than honorable or general discharge separation; and (c) Any current member of the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserves, or National Guard or his or her spouse.
(2) A parent totally or partially dependent on a person who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States, Reserves, or National Guard and lost his or her life under honorable conditions while on active duty or active duty for training purposes or became permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability shall have interview preference to a competitive classified position for which he or she meets the minimum qualifications established for the job classification.
(3) (a) Applicants entitled to interview preference as set forth in this section shall be clearly identified.
(b) 1. If the number of individuals identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection is less than five (5), the employing agency shall offer an interview to all individuals identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection.
2. If the number of individuals identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection equals or exceeds five (5), the employing agency shall offer an interview to no fewer than five (5).
(4) Interview preference shall only apply to candidates seeking initial appointment to the classified service.