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During the last four years I’ve taught myself how to apply for state jobs here in CA. There’s little straightforward guidance on how this system works available online. Some positions are more streamlined than others. The basic pattern is the same, though:
1) pick a job classification
2) apply to take the exam for that classification
3) get approved to take the exam
4) take the exam
5) if you pass, you get put on a hiring list
6) the list is ranked by tiers and usually you have to be in the top 3 tiers to be eligible to apply
2) apply to take the exam for that classification
3) get approved to take the exam
4) take the exam
5) if you pass, you get put on a hiring list
6) the list is ranked by tiers and usually you have to be in the top 3 tiers to be eligible to apply
7) begin looking for job openings in your classification
8) apply for an open position
9) if you’re deemed eligible, get invited to interview
10) the interview consists of a panel delivering pre-approved questions; you get the questions typed out for you; they ask those questions
8) apply for an open position
9) if you’re deemed eligible, get invited to interview
10) the interview consists of a panel delivering pre-approved questions; you get the questions typed out for you; they ask those questions
11) Get picked
12) Get hired
...
Bear in mind that it can take anywhere from 2 minutes to 2 months between each and every one of these steps. All of them.
12) Get hired
...
Bear in mind that it can take anywhere from 2 minutes to 2 months between each and every one of these steps. All of them.
And now to get real specific: Some classifications allow you to apply for the exam, take the exam, get on a hiring list, and start applying for jobs all online in as little as 30 minutes. Others require most of that process to take place via USPS with weeks and weeks of waiting.
And there’s no applying to jobs, whatsoever, if you’re not on the hiring list. See a job you’re interested in? Can’t apply if you’re not on the list.
Oh, and applying to take that exam? Some exam application periods open and close in a matter of days—maybe just two weeks. And what if you miss that window? Well, some exams are only offered once a year. Missed that window? Wait ‘till next time!
And finally, according to the email I just got, some exams are offered even less frequently than that:
I learned this all the hard way 4 years ago. Since then, I’ve learned the system and gotten a state job.
Don’t get me wrong, civil service processes are CRITICAL for eliminating nepotism, AND YET why should we be surprised that our state employee workforce doesn’t better represent the state’s demographics? https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article26685340.html
I’m sure I have some details wrong here, but any errors don’t come from willful misrepresentation. Corrections welcomed. Also, I’m happy to talk with anyone about what I’ve learned, but I’m CERTAINLY no expert.
I just wanted to share this experience, esp. after getting that email.
You know what, here it is again, because... wow. For real.
You know what, here it is again, because... wow. For real.
