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Whether it is for the better or worse, the application process for (OR) State employment is pretty cut and dried.
It's first a matter of "points"
First, as a former State employee, you may get a few brownie points
if the position you're applying for is similar to your previous job(s),
or you are a Vet or....
Next, the Position Announcement will almost always show the Closing Date or Date Available.
So there's no point in applying if you are not "qualified" by that date.
Of course, go for it if the position is "Open until Filled", or such.
Your application will be screened by a Dept of Employment employee
who is only interested in completing a check list, matching or scoring
your Application against each item in the Position Announcement
... cut-and-dried, little or no sympathy or expectations about your future.
The Department manager who has authority to hire will receive a
list of only the top 3 applicants, and must choose from that list
...unless the Manager can prove to Dept of Employment
that one or more are not qualified for some reason or other.
So if your application scores #5 or lower, it's unlikely you will even be interviewed.
Of course, if you have an connection somehow with the hiring Manager,
it may be a motivation to reach further down the list.
But even then, it's an extra effort (bureaucratic CYA) for the Manger.
Most Managers do not want to get that involved, mainly because the State and Feds
have so many "fair employment" laws they must follow.
It's a stilted procedure to work with, but it is ultimately fair to everyone.
My main advice is to prepare your Application precisely and exactly as is stated in the Position Announcement.
Try to use the same words as in the PA in describing your qualifications and experience,
and pay close attention to anything that even sounds like it's "required" or "preferred"
What is it they say in athletics ?... "Become the Ball"
so "Become the Screener"
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