State exams

[LAC_LE]

In April I'm scheduled to take an exam for a job with the state (it's for an investigative position, but not as a LEO), and I'm wondering if anyone can provide any intel on the following:

1) On exam day, what is the proper attire? Business attire? Or business casual (slacks, pressed shirt)?

2) Aside from the results of the exam itself, to what degree are we analyzed while we're there?

3) Is the state in hiring mode? (due to the economy, budget, etc.)

[weezy34]

I currently work for the state (non-LEO) and I have taken exams for both sworn and non-sworn positions (DMV, ABC, DOJ, DOE). I have noticed that it really does not matter what you wear. Most of the workers there are there just to proctor the exam. There may be a representative from the department there, but the bottom line is your score on the exam. To get hired, you have to place in the top 3 ranks just to be considered for the job. They have to clear everyone in the top three ranks to go to ranks 4, 5, etc. Your score is what is going to make or break you.

That being said, it doesn't hurt to at least wear a polo, khaki's etc.

As for hiring, it really depends on the department itself. Some are hiring because they generate revenue, and some are not. However, we just heard that the state budget issue has not been solved. They may need to make more cut backs in the near future so its hard to say. Also, with all state jobs, they may only have openings in certain areas of the state.

[LAC_LE]

Many thanks, Weezy, that's great intel. Exactly what I was looking to find out.

[sgttom]

what weezy said is accurate...

dress comfortable for the test, bring your ID and letter of the test..
khaki and polo is more than enough.

get up on the ranking..

2 interview process..


good luck

[LAC_LE]

Great, thank you for the intel, Sgttom.

As I'm (obviously) new to the state's hiring procedures, if you score within the top three steps on your written, do you then get invited to come back for orals (twice?) with the state personnel board? And if you do well enough on all of the above, are you then invited to interview with the specific agency you've applied to?

[weezy34]

LAC LE....what exam is this for, and what department?? Most exams are given by the department. For instance, there are investigator positions for many departments (DMV, DCA, ABC, etc.) but they each give the exam. You cannot take the exam for ABC, then apply for DMV. There are some positions where SPB gives the exam, and you can apply for any department that is hiring for that position.

Basically, you apply for the exam (Looks like you already did that) and you take the exam. After you get your score, you look on SPB (VPOS) and see if there are any openings. They update this daily so keep checking. If you score high enough, some departments may even send you a contact letter for an interview.

Hey, is your exam written or oral? Most exams are written, but if it is oral then treat it like an interview. You want to wear a suit and tie. Instead of asking you interview questions, I think they stick to job related questions to see how much you know. You should know the subject matter because they usually only accept people that have met the education and/or work experience criteria. They don't accept just anyone.......If you score high enough on this, then you apply and get interviewed. Sorry for the long post. I hope this all made sense

[LAC_LE]

Yes, makes perfect sense. Sorry, for some reason I was under the mistaken impression that the personnel board acted as a clearinghouse during the early stages of the hiring process by coordinating the written tests and initial interviews, and then sending the most-qualified applicants to the actual depts. Thanks for clarifying.

The test is written, so I guess it's polo and khakis for me on the test day. Regarding qualifications, yeah, I definitely wouldn't apply for a position that I'm not qualified for. The last thing I want to do on a Saturday is to spend it downtown interviewing for a job that couldn't be offered to me. :)

Thanks for expanded post. I think I'm good for now. Hopefully the test will go well and I'll score in the top three steps.

[sgttom]

weird process...

on your application, you indicated where you'd like to work and take the exam at. the job announcement may be location specific OR statewide recruitments.

your app is reviewed and you meet the minimum standards for the position, you are invited in for the oral board. the first panel consists of managers from statewide offices of the agency you've applied to...

you pass this and you make the list, ranked 1, 2, 3, etc.

when there are openings in the specific or regional offices you would work for (as indicated on your app), you will be invited in for the 2nd interview with the regional heads... submitting a 2nd application (KEEP A COPY OF YOUR ORIGINAL APP). Pass this and you go into backgrounds..


i.e. ABC Investigator test (State wide). you apply and take the written. you pass. you're invited to the 1st oral. you are then placed onto the "big" list of statewide applicants who completed this process - rank 1, 2, 3 etc..

so, you live in No Cal. when a position(s) open up in the No Cal region, you are notified to send another application to the No Cal division offices and come in for another oral for the No Cal regional managers / supervisors.

it's sort of involved but the notifications you get will explain better on their process..


good luck. (hopefully, i've explained this good enuf to make sense).


Great, thank you for the intel, Sgttom.

As I'm (obviously) new to the state's hiring procedures, if you score within the top three steps on your written, do you then get invited to come back for orals (twice?) with the state personnel board? And if you do well enough on all of the above, are you then invited to interview with the specific agency you've applied to?

[LAC_LE]

Great, thanks for the expanded info, Sgttom. After reading through your post, I think you've saved me at least half a dozen additional queries on this process (if I make it further through the hiring process).

Sorry for asking what I'm sure are obvious questions to many on this forum, but this is uncharted terrain for me. My work has always been in the private industry, where the typical hiring process consists of submitting a résumé, coming in for 1-3 interviews, then getting or not getting a job offer. In fact, I believe one of my first queries on O.com (which was immediately answered, natch) was something to the effect of "Just what does 'list eligible' mean?" :)

BTW, I might consider listing where I'm applying at, but I fear reprisals from Coppr'Penny.... ;)