State Job Application Process Guide

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The exam process How to search for positions within the State s VPOS system (where vacancies are posted) How to successfully apply How to become a Student Assistant 3

To apply for any position, you must: Meet the position s minimum qualifications Take the corresponding exam for the position. Don t panic IT position exams are experiential, completed online, and provide instant results Pass the exam and be what the State refers to as reachable on the exam list 4

Every classification has minimum qualifications (MQs) you must meet these first If you do not meet the MQs, you will not be allowed to take the exam You can view the MQs for a position when you sign up for the corresponding exam (to be demonstrated shortly) 5

To be reachable on a list, you must have scored within the exam s top three ranks Some exams have only three ranks, and some have more than three Even if you have passed the exam, it does not necessarily mean you are in a reachable rank since ranks fluctuate all the time 6

Typically a score of 95% or more is reachable, but this is not always the case If you are veteran, you will automatically receive Veteran s Points to be added to your score 7

For a complete listing of position/recruitment-related terminology, use the following link: https://jobs.ca.gov/GeneralInfo/Glossary#class-E 8

California Department of Technology (2) Department of Water Resources Franchise Tax Board Department of Justice Department of Motor Vehicles Employment Development Department Department of Corrections and Rehab California Department of Transportation 9

Assistant Information Systems Analyst (ISA) A commonly used entry level IT class Has a long promotional path, (several levels to which you can promote) Pay range is $3247 - $5280 per month ($38k-$63k per year) 10

Staff are commonly used to provide: Desktop support, such the installation of hardware/software, PC assembly, and desk side support Desk support for internal and external customers, dispatch, escalations, ticket resolution, and follow up 11

IT project management or security Development of IT standards, procedures, and processes that will improve State government 12

Minimum Qualifications for entry to the Assistant ISA Exam: One year of progressively responsible analytical experience in performing a variety of information technology systems analysis, design, development, installation, implementation, procurement, or technical support duties in connection with all IT systems, multifunction automation systems, microcomputer systems, or teleprocessing networks, including independent analysis in one or more of these areas OR .. 13

Completion of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units at a recognized college or university, of which 12 semester or 18 quarter units are comprised of IT-related coursework. (Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the exam, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) 14

Associate Information Systems Analyst (Specialist) This is the second level in the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) series Staff are typically used to perform more complex IT-related tasks and with less oversight This exam is more applicable to candidates with more IT background, education, and experience Pay ranges from $4829 - $6350 ($57K-76K per year) 15

Minimum Qualifications for entry to the Associate ISA exam: Eighteen months of progressively responsible analytical experience in performing a variety of information technology systems analysis, design, development, installation implementation, procurement, or technical support duties in connection with IT systems, multifunction automation systems, microcomputer systems, or teleprocessing networks. At least one year of this experience must include completion of analytical studies for the support, development, installation, implementation, or procurement of IT systems. OR . 16

Equivalent to graduation from a recognized college or university with a minimum of 24 semester or 36 quarter units in IT-related coursework. 17

Associate Systems Software Specialist This is the first level in the Systems Software Specialist (SSS) classification series Like the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) series, there are several levels to which one can promote Pay range is $4829 - $6350 ($57-$76K per year) 18

Staff are commonly used to perform functions related to Website development, implementation, and maintenance Supporting enterprise system platforms Designing data recovery architecture 19

Leading or collaborating on software project teams Supporting legacy mainframe systems Developing systems integration solutions 20

Minimum qualifications for entry to the Associate SSS exam: Eighteen months of progressively responsible experience in IT systems study, design, and/or programming, which shall have included responsibilities such as coding, designing, modifying, installing, evaluating, and maintaining computer software. One year of experience in this pattern must include independent planning and software development, systems analysis, or systems programming (software) work. OR 21

Equivalent to graduation from a recognized college or university with a minimum of 24 semester or 36 quarter units in IT-related coursework. (Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the exam, but they must produce evidence of graduation of its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.) 22

The exams for the Assistant and Associate ISA and SSS are online You will rate your level of experience in a variety of areas When taking the exam, be honest in your self-assessment don t over sell or under sell yourself 23

You can view the exam before officially completing it (highly recommended) To access the State s exam system, go to http://www.jobs.ca.gov 24

The Assistant/Associate ISA, and Associate SSS exams can all be taken again in 6 months Don t be discouraged continue to apply for positions; ranks can clear on a list as people are hired You can check your current rank by going to: https://exams.spb.ca.gov/exams/exam_start _submit.cfm?action=getresults 25

To access positions in State service, go to http://www.jobs.ca.gov 26

You must submit a separate state application for each position The state application can be located at https://jobs.ca.gov/Profile/StateApplic ation 27

Review the JOB carefully; highlight specific verbiage Tailor your application and resume to the position, and neverwrite see resume on your application Thoroughly document your previous work experience so your eligibility is not questioned 28

Submit your documents via regular mail Submit a brief, but thoughtful cover letter If your application is postmarked by the final filing date, it will be accepted Check VPOS listings daily positions are added weekly and sometimes final filing dates are extended 29

Many state agencies use student assistants It is an excellent way to gain valuable experience Positions are paid (generally between $9-$15 per hour, depending on the work) Hours are flexible usually around 20 hours per week Application process is completely online 30

Though skillset requirements vary, for all positions, students must: Be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university Must currently be enrolled in 9 quarter or 6 semester units Must maintain a 2.0 GPA 31

The process is simple. Typically, there are two ways departments recruit: Option 1: Department will advertise its vacancies via our VPOS system. For a complete listing, see https://jobs.ca.gov/Job/StudentEmploy ment 32

Option 2: Department hires student assistants through a partnership program with a local college(s): Most departments advertise through University Enterprises Inc. (UEI) Though UEI operates via California State University, Sacramento, applicants are not required to be a CSUS student 33

For position listings, see the UEI website: http://www.ueijobs.com Student assistant jobs are also posted on the California Community College Foundation (CFF) website at http://www.theinternsource.org 34

While there are some steps involved, joining state service is worth the effort and a great career choice Be diligent it will likely take you several tries before your application gets a bite from a hiring manager this is typical 35

Presenter Contact Information 36

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