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De-mystifying State ServiceHow to Successfully Find and Apply for Positions

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Session Outcomes

• Learn some common vocabulary associated with State service

• Learn which state departments have large IT shops (and therefore increase your chances of being hired)

• Learn positions for which you could apply for with an IT background and/or education

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Session Outcomes

• Learn how to maneuver the State’s exam process to become eligible for positions• Learn how to search for positions

within the State’s VPOS system (where vacancies are posted)• Learn how to apply for positions• Final tips going forward

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Getting Started

• In order to apply for any positions within the State, you need to do the following:–Meet the “minimum qualifications” for the

position–Take the corresponding “exam” for the

position–Pass the exam and be what the State refers

to as “reachable” on the exam list

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“Minimum Qualifications” Defined

• Every classification in State service has minimum qualifications (MQs) for entry– you must meet these prior to taking any state examination

• If you do not meet the MQs, you will not be allowed entry to the exam

• You can view the MQs for a particular position when you attempt to sign up for the corresponding exam (to be demonstrated shortly)

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“Reachable” Defined

• To be “reachable” on a list and apply for a position, 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

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“Reachable” Defined

• 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

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Glossary of Common Terms

• For a complete listing of position/recruitment-related terminology, use the following link:

https://jobs.ca.gov/GeneralInfo/Glossary#class-E

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Which State Departments Have Tier 3 Datacenters or Large IT Shops? • 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

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Common IT Classifications

• Assistant Information Systems Analyst (ISA)–This is a commonly used entry level IT

classification in many state departments– It is a good classification to break into because

it has a long promotional path, meaning there are several levels to which you can promote–Pay range is $3106-$4903 per month ($37k-

$59k per year)

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Common IT Classifications

• Staff are commonly used to perform functions related to – 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

– IT project management or security– Development of IT standards, procedures, and

processes that will improve State government

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Common IT Classifications

• 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…..

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Common IT Classifications

– “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.)”

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Common IT Classifications• Associate Information Systems Analyst

(Specialist)– This is the second level in the Information Systems

Analyst (ISA) series– Staff in this classification are often used to perform

more complex analytical IT-related tasks than the Assistant ISA and with less oversight

– This exam is more applicable to candidates with more extensive IT background, education, and experience

– Pay ranges from $4619-$5897 ($55K-70K per year)

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Common IT Classifications

• 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….

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Common IT Classifications

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

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Common IT Classifications

• 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 $4611-$5882 ($55-$70K per

year)

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Common IT Classifications

• Staff are commonly used to perform functions related to –Website development, implementation, and

maintenance– Supporting enterprise system platforms– Designing data recovery architecture– Leading or collaborating on software project teams– Supporting legacy mainframe systems– Developing systems integration solutions

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Common IT Classifications

• 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…

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Common IT Classifications

– “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.)”

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How Do I Take an Exam?

• Many exams for positions can be taken online, including the Assistant and Associate ISA and SSS

• These are not “exams” in the traditional sense—they are experiential surveys

• You will be asked to 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

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How Do I Take the Exam?

• 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

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What If I Do Not Score Within the First Three Ranks?

• The Assistant ISA, Associate ISA, and Associate SSS exams can all be taken again in 6 months

• Don’t let this discourage you—continue to apply for positions since 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

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Where Can I Find Job Listings?

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

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How Do I Complete an Application?

• You must submit a separate state application for each position• The state application can be located at

https://jobs.ca.gov/Profile/StateApplication

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Applying for Positions: Advice

• Review the JOB carefully and highlight specific verbiage throughout

• Tailor your application and resume to the position for which you are applying, and never write “see resume” on your application

• Be sure to indicate you will accept limited term positions

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Applying for Positions: Advice

• Make sure your application has thoroughly documented your previous work experience so an exams analyst does not question your eligibility • Submit your documents via regular mail• Submit a cover letter—many applicants

don’t, and this may help you stand out

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Applying for Positions: Advice

• As long as your application is postmarked by the final filing date, it will be accepted• Check VPOS listings daily—new positions

will be added and sometimes final filing dates are extended if the candidate pool is weak

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And Finally….

• Be diligent in your efforts—it will likely take you several tries before your application gets “a bite” from a hiring manager

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Thank you!Presenter NamePresenter Contact Information

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Questions?