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

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Today, you will learn:

• Some common vocabulary associated with State service• Which state departments have

large IT shops • Positions for which you could

apply with an IT background and/or education

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You Will Learn…

• 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

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Getting Started

• 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

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“Minimum Qualifications” Defined

• 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)

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“Reachable” Defined

• 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

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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)–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)

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Common IT Classifications

• 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

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Common IT Classifications

–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 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)

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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 $4829 - $6350 ($57-$76K 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

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Common IT Classifications

–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?

• 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

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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/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

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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; highlight specific verbiage

• Tailor your application and resume to the position, and never write “see resume” on your application

• Thoroughly document your previous work experience so your eligibility is not questioned

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Applying for Positions: Advice

• 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

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Another Angle: Become a Student Assistant

• 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

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What Are the Requirements?

• 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

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How Do I Find Positions & Apply?

• 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

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How Do I Find Positions & Apply?

–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

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How Do I Find Positions & Apply?

•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

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Final Advice….

• 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

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Thank you!Presenter NamePresenter Contact Information

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Questions?