De-mystifying State Service How to Successfully Find and Apply for Positions 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

“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) 5

“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 6

“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 7

Glossary of Common Terms For a complete listing of position/recruitment-related terminology, use the following link: 8

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 9

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 $ $5280 per month ($38k-$63k per year) 10

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 11

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

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….. 13

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.)” 14

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 $ $6350 ($57K-76K per year) 15

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…. 16

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.” 17

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 $ $6350 ($57-$76K per year) 18

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 19

Common IT Classifications – Leading or collaborating on software project teams – Supporting legacy mainframe systems – Developing systems integration solutions 20

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… 21

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.)” 22

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 23

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 24

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: _submit.cfm?action=getresults 25

Where Can I Find Job Listings? To access positions in State service, go to 26

How Do I Complete an Application? You must submit a separate state application for each position The state application can be located at ation ation 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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 ment ment 32

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 33

How Do I Find Positions & Apply? For position listings, see the UEI website: Student assistant jobs are also posted on the California Community College Foundation (CFF) website at

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 35

Thank you! Presenter Name Presenter Contact Information 36

Questions? 37