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| In order to enter State service or advance your career in
State service, you'll need to take a civil service examination. To begin,
you need to check what examinations are in progress that you might qualify
to take. To find out what examinations are in progress, check the
State Personnel Board, Capitol Weekly,
or individual State agency web sites. |
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The Examination Bulletin |
| The examination bulletin provides all of the information about
the examination process. It tells you how, when, and where to apply;
who can apply; examination information; salary; minimum requirements; knowledges
and abilities required; position information; and list information. |
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The Application Form |
| For most examinations, the standard State
application form must be completed and submitted as indicated on the examination
bulletin. When noted, a special supplemental application form may be
used. |
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The Examination Process |
| The actual examination may include a written and personal
interview, personal interview only, a supplemental application screening,
or an education and experience review. |
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The written test, if used, will consist of job-related written
questions usually lasting two hours. |
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The personal interview is usually 30 minutes and consists
of an interview panel who will evaluate your responses to job-related questions;
your education and experience; your ability to communicate; and other job
related factors. This provides you the opportunity to discuss your qualifications
in person with staff who are knowledgeable with this classification. |
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The supplemental application is a listing of job-related factors,
education, and experience that evaluates your competitive standing against
other applicants by detailed questionnaire. These factors are tabulated
based upon weighted scoring methods not involving a personal interview. |
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The Education and Experience review is also a weighted review
of education and experience factors not involving a personal interview. |
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The Eligible List |
| Successful applicants will be placed on the hiring lists according
to score, rank, and testing date. Those in the first three ranks are
"reachable" for further interviews and hiring for specific openings
or promotions. There could be dozens of candidates in each rank. The examination bulletin will indicate how long eligibility lasts, how often
you can retest, and the dates of future testing periods. |
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The Contact Letter |
| Contact letters may be sent to candidates regarding a specific
vacant position. You must respond within the time stated or you may
not be considered for the position. Once the letters are received and
tabulated, you may be called for a job interview. |
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The Job Interview |
| Hiring supervisors will review the applications/resumes of
candidates who have responded to the contact letters to determine whom to
interview for specific jobs. These personal interviews will focus on
the specific requirements of each vacant position and the best job/person
match. |
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The Probationary Period
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Once hired, all new employees will serve a probationary period of either
6 or 12 months. Existing State employees transferring to other agencies
are usually placed on a new probationary period.
Now that you know the process, it's up to you! It is suggested that
you prepare yourself on how to take examinations. Books and training
courses are available. It is helpful to gather information about
the State of California and the specific State agencies for which you
are testing. State agency internet sites and individual agency Public
Information Offices are very helpful. Be persistent and patient. |
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| Good luck!! |
