Frequently Asked Questions

State Applications

Question
How do I get a job if I previously worked for the State of California?

Answer
An employee with probationary or permanent status who resigned from State civil service without fault may be reinstated regardless of how long ago he/she was employed, provided an appropriate position is vacant and the Department desires to make the appointment.

For more information on how to reinstate you may access the State Personnel Board website at:http://www.jobs.ca.gov/OEC/jobs/faq/how_to_reinstate.aspx


 

Question
Why should I work for the State?

Answer

For detailed information on benefits and programs available to state employees, please see the Department of Personnel Administration website at: http://www.dpa.ca.gov/benefits/index.htm

For retirement information, please see the CALPERS website at:http://www.calpers.ca.gov/

For information on living and working in California, please see the California Homepage at: http://my.ca.gov/state/portal/myca_homepage.jsp


 

Question
I work for another state agency, but would like to work at your agency, what should I do?

Answer
You may be eligible to transfer to us based upon the salary you earned from your last or highest list appointment. In some cases, you may have to meet the minimum qualifications for the class you wish to transfer to or you may be eligible for transfer through the exam process. More information on how to transfer is available on the State Personnel Board’s website at:http://www.jobs.ca.gov/OEC/jobs/faq/how_to_transfer.aspx


 

Question
What if I work for the federal government, a city or county and want to work for the State?

Answer
First you must take and successfully pass a State of California civil service examination before you may be eligible for a permanent appointment with us or any other state agency. For information on upcoming exams, call Human Resources at (916) 845-8321.

For general information on how to get a state job, you may check our website or access the State Personnel Board website at:http://jobs.ca.gov/OEC/apply/index.aspx


 

Question
I never worked for the state, can I apply for a vacant position?

Answer
First you must take and successfully pass an examination before you may be eligible for a permanent appointment with us or any other state agency. For information on upcoming exams, call Human Resources at (916) 845-8321.

For general information on how to get a state job, you may access the State Personnel Board website at: http://jobs.ca.gov/OEC/apply/index.aspx


 

Question
What education and/or experience do I need for a job at your department?

Answer
Education and/or experience requirements for all civil service classifications (positions) are contained in the minimum qualifications section of the "classification specifications” and in the “requirements for admittance to the examination” section of the examination bulletin.

You may access job specifications on the State Personnel Board Website at: http://www.spb.ca.gov/jobs/resources/jobspecs.htm


 

Question
How can I get a state application?

Answer
You may subscribe to State Personnel Board's On-line state application process at: http://www.jobs.ca.gov/OEC/jobs/stateapp.aspx
Please note that when using SPB's On-line state application process, the system does not forward electronic copy of the application to us. Please print and mail your application to the address listed on the examination bulletin.

Or use State Personnel Board's Standard State Application Form 678 Adobe Acrobat Version at:
http://www.jobs.ca.gov/OEC/jobs/stateapp_adobe.aspx

In addition, hard copies of State applications can be obtained at any State Employment Development office, the State Personnel Board or our Human Resources office.

You may also send a self-addressed stamped envelope requesting a application to:
State Personnel Board
Service Center
PO Box 94420
Sacramento, CA 94244-2010

Category: State Civil Service Application (STD678)


 
 

Question
I don't see an advertisement for the job I'm interested in.  Can I send my application in anyway?  Where do I send it?

Answer
No, if you cannot find anything about the exam in which you are interested, it means applications are not being accepted at this time. Applications for an examination are accepted only during a specific filing publicity period. For open exams, this is usually limited to about four weeks. Each department publishes a bulletin for each examination that specifies the dates it will accept applications. The bulletins are available in a number of places including the department giving the exam, local Employment Development Department offices, and the State Personnel Board's web site. The address for bulletins on SPB's web site, which includes information for all State agencies, ishttp://jobs.ca.gov/CASPB/sup/images/default.asp .


 

Question
I have completed the electronic application form. However, the bulletin does not provide an e-mail address where the application may be sent. How do I submit my application electronically?

Answer
At this time, applications are not accepted electronically. We require an original signature, as well as critical "Yes" and "No" alternatives regarding accommodation, religious beliefs, etc., that are not currently available on the electronic application. Each exam bulletin includes specific filing instructions. Please follow those instructions for submitting the hard copy of your application.


 

Question
I am unable to download the electronic application form on  my computer.  Where can I get a hard copy of the application form?

Answer
We usually do not send out applications on request unless there is an extraordinary reason, such as a homebound person without a computer.  However, you can pick up hard copies of the application at the State Personnel Board, or Employment Development Department office throughout the State.  See your local telephone directory for the office nearest to you.  If you believe your situation is extraordinary, you may call the Examination Section at (916) 845-8329 and you will be directed to an Examination Analyst.


 

Question
I have completed the application number STD.678. However, I don't know where to send it.

Answer
The State application form is used for both examinations and for expressing interest in specific positions once you have taken and passed the appropriate civil service exam.
<!--[if !vml]-->icon-arrow.gif (62 bytes)<!--[endif]-->  If you are applying for an examination, the instructions for filing the application will be included on the bulletin. 
<!--[if !vml]-->icon-arrow.gif (62 bytes)<!--[endif]-->  If you are applying for a vacant position, the advertisement you saw should have included either the mailing address or a phone number where you can obtain the filing instructions.


 

Category: Employment for Non-Citizens 

Question

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be hired by the States?

Answer
All new hires are required to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility form. Under Federal regulations documented on this form, all State employees must be either 1) a US citizen 2) a lawful Permanent Resident or 3) an alien authorized to work in the United States. We also accept Canadian and Mexican citizens under the NAFTA Agreement. As part of the I-9 process, prior to being hired by any state agency, prospective employees need to either show proof of citizenship or provide certification from the Federal government confirming that you are authorized to work in the United States.