HOW TO APPLY FOR A GOVERNMENT JOB PA CareerLink® Lackawanna County

These slides have not been assembled by the State Civil Service Commission, but much of the information has been taken from materials obtained from the Commission. The information that follows is for general information only and does not constitute the “official” policy of the State Civil Service Commission.

Types of civil service? Federal U.S. Postal Service Non-Civil State

Federal Civil Service Online at By Phone at Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

U.S. Postal Service Contact your local post office This is not considered civil service

Non-Civil Service Visit: State Police –

Pennsylvania State Civil Service Scheduling and Questions call

Other websites First Gov or is for information use only on all US Government employment in Federal, State, Local, Public Agencies and Military Sectorswww.firstgov.gov

Where are civil service jobs located? A majority of state jobs in the merit system are located in: –Harrisburg –Philadelphia –Pittsburgh Remainder are spread throughout the state Local government jobs are found in all counties except Philadelphia

What job should I apply to? Am I qualified? What are the requirements? Review the “Summary of Civil Service Examination.” –This Summary is available online under the “Job Opportunities” section of the Civil Service webpage, –Updated daily and lists test announcements of jobs that are open for application and deadlines for submitting an application. Read test announcements for the jobs in which you are interested.

Components of an announcement Nature of Work –Describes the position and duties involved Job Requirements –Specifies the requirements needed for position including Work experience & education Job Opportunities –Current and anticipated openings Testing –Explains Subject matter Number of questions And length of the test

IMPORTANT Be sure that you meet the minimum requirements for each job. If you are not sure you qualify, contact on the Commission Offices. If you do NOT meet all the minimum requirements, Your test results will not be counted.

Applying for a job In most cases you can complete a paper application or apply online. 1.Complete a Civil Service application for employment for each test announcement that you have selected. 2.The announcement may specify what other documents to submit with the application (e.g. veteran’s credentials, application supplements, etc.) 3.Choose a test site 4.Applying online: Automatically directs you to select a time and date for the test 5.Can also report as a “walk-in” A seat for testing is not guaranteed with this option. Check availability for this first! 6.If you choose to submit a paper application you will receive your test day & time in the mail.

Where can I go? 8 locations throughout Pennsylvania: –Harrisburg –Philadelphia –Pittsburgh –Erie –Scranton –Johnstown –Lock Haven Ten days per month are scheduled, including evening and Saturday hours.

Where can I go? Written and Performance testing –Monday through Friday at Daily Test Centers in: Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. –To apply to take one of these tests, send your completed application to the desired test center. Computer Testing –On selected weekdays and Saturdays at the following locations: Allentown, Johnstown, Scranton, Lock Haven, and Erie.

Requirements and other info Applying for a job requiring a written, oral or performance exam: –Select a testing site and a date and time for the test to be administered for the announcement you are applying Print out a copy or write down the confirmation number given to you upon scheduling and completion Applying for a job that requires an oral or work- simulation test: –Receive a written or notification as to when you can log onto the website and schedule your test.

Results Mail Log on to the website and view your score and county rating, usually within 1 week of taking the test –Your county rank/rating can change on a daily basis depending upon other applicants testing scores and county preferences

Preparing for a written test Review books and periodicals on the subjects listed in the test announcement. Review the nature of the work and the requirements listed in the test announcement.

Preparing for a Performance test Review the test announcement to determine the performance standards that must be met. Practice the skill to improve your chances of getting a good score.

Preparing for an oral examination You may wish to review the factors that candidates will Be rated on. These are found in the test announcement. An oral examination is NOT a job interview.

Can I take a re-test? Specific information about retests is contained in each test announcement under the “Testing” section. A new application is required for a retest. If you retake a civil service test, your standing on an eligible list will be determined by the score you received on your most recent test.

Improving chances of employment Periodically review the Summary of Civil Service examinations to obtain information about newly issued testing announcements. Be flexible and persistent. Consider as many kinds of employment options as possible including career, temporary, part-time, seasonal and limited term. Apply for local government positions as well as state government positions.

After testing… You will receive a “Notice of Examination Results” which will provide the following: –Your test results for each job title –How long your name will remain on list –The number of applicants scoring higher, lower, or the same as you by county.

Receiving test results Written test at a daily or Saturday test site: –2 to 4 weeks Rating of training and experience exam or an oral examination: –4 to 6 weeks.

I’m hired…What now? Your education and experience is verified. A criminal records check is completed. Serve probationary period.

Veterans’ Preference in State Civil Service Employment What is Veterans’ Preference? Who is eligible? What type of discharge is acceptable? Who is not eligible? How may applicants apply for Veterans’ preference? How is Veterans’ Preference applied to Veterans who take Civil Service test?

What is Veterans’ Preference?

Is there one generic exam that covers all job titles? NO, each job announcement has its own examination to test individual skills and abilities specific to that job title.