How do I find jobs on the MSS Website?
From the home page, click on the “CAREER OPPORTUNITIES” link which is located on the left of the screen.
Once you have been redirected to the next Merit System Services Online Employment System, at the top, click on “Current Job Openings.”
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How do I register to apply online?
You can view the positions that are currently open, as well as the job descriptions. Jobs without a date in the Application Deadline
column will remain open until a qualified candidate is found or are continuously open with periodic reviews of applications. It is
recommended that you apply online. You will require a computer and e-mail address to complete the online application. See below on
how to submit paper applications.
Notifications: Merit System Services offers you the option to receive notifications via email and/or via U.S. Mail.
We highly encourage you to receive notifications via email so that you may receive them in a more timely manner.
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What if the position I am interested in is not listed in the current job openings?
Merit System Services only accepts applications for positions that are shown as current openings on the “Online Employment System” web page.
In addition, applications will be disqualified if they are received after the position’s stated application deadline. Applicants are encouraged
to check the “Online Employment System” web page frequently for new postings. Job openings are posted for a minimum of five days.
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What if I don’t have a computer and/or an e-mail address?
If you do not have access to a computer, you may visit a local library to use a public computer or you may obtain a paper application as indicated below.
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Do I have to log in to view job openings?
No. You can view all job openings and the job description without registering or logging in. Simply select the “Current Job Openings” button at the top of
the “Online Employment System” web page.
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Can I change my profile after initially creating it?
Yes. You can change your profile, training and experience, and resume at any time. It’s a good idea to keep these updated so that the most current information
is available. Simply select the “My Employment Profile” button at the top of the “Online Employment System” webpage.
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How do I update my resume?
Click on the “My Employment Profile” button at the top of the “Online Employment System” web page, and then select the “My Profile Information” button.
You can update a generic resume or make changes to the resume currently on file in the system so that it is specific to the most recent job that you are
applying for. Keep in mind that if you have applied for several jobs, only the most recent resume will be visible with all of your applications. Resumes
are not acceptable substitutes for any part of the application form; incomplete applications will be disqualified.
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Can I start my application and finish it at a later time?
Yes. Click on the “Save and Exit” button to save your application information so that you can come back at a later time and finish it. Remember though, you must
click the “Submit Application” button to actually apply for the job. Check your application carefully before clicking on the “Submit Application” button to apply
for the job, especially if you are working on your online application form over several internet sessions. A fully completed online application form and any
supplemental questions must be submitted by the stated deadline. If an online application form or supplemental questions are incomplete by the position closing
date, the application will be disqualified.
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What happens if my Internet connection shuts down while I am doing my application?
Most dial-up Internet connections time out after 30 minutes or less. This means that your Internet connection may be lost while you are completing the application.
If you lose your Internet connection for any reason while you are applying for a job, you will lose any unsaved information. It’s a good practice to save your
information every few minutes. If you do lose your internet connection, you can get back into any application information you have saved by re-entering the Merit
System Services “Online Employment System” web site and clicking on the “Login” button, then entering your e-mail address and password.
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Do I need to redo my profile information each time that I apply?
No. It is important though to keep your profile information updated. You can update your profile information anytime, even if the job opening you applied for has
already closed.
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How can I check on the status of my application?
You can check on the status of your application any time before the “Application Deadline” and up to one year after the “Application Deadline.” However, you will
not be able to change any of your application information after the “Application Deadline” date (the date the position closes).
To view the status of your application, go to the Merit System Services home page at www.mss.ca.gov, click on the “Career Opportunities”
button located on the left side of the home page. This will take you to the “Online Employment System.” Click on the “Login” button and enter your login information.
Once you login, you will be taken to your Employment Profile. From this page, you will be able to view the status of your application(s).
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How do I send additional information such as certifications?
Some positions require additional information that cannot be sent as part of the online application process. This includes certificates that show the level of proficiency
on certain computer software, typing, and office skills. It also includes information like copies of professional certifications, diplomas, and so on. Follow the instructions
listed in the job details to submit this material. Failure to submit this material by the “Application Deadline” may result in disqualification of your application. You may
also call Merit System Services at 916-263-3614 to obtain a fax number so that you may fax your certification.
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What happens to my application after I have submitted it?
Typically, this process begins with an initial review of your application. During this initial review, it is determined if an application has met the minimum qualifications
for the position which are listed on the job bulletin.
Following the initial review, those applicants deemed to have the most competitive application materials will be subject
to further evaluation consisting of one or more of the following items: a written exam, an oral exam, performance exam; and/or a rating of education, training and experience.
The type of exams are usually listed on the job bulletin with tentative examination dates.
Following completion of the evaluation process(es), an “Eligible List” is developed by Merit System Services. Applicants are notified of their status and the “Eligible List”
is referred to the county department for which you applied who may then conduct HIRING interviews.
While Local Agency Personnel Standards require the county department to hire within the top five ranks, it is not necessary for the county department to contact and interview
everyone in the top five ranks.
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How can I obtain a paper application?
Paper applications are available by calling Merit System Services or by picking one up at the Department of Social Services or Department of Child Support Services in a Merit
System Services county. You may include a resume with your application, however, resumes are not acceptable substitutes for any part of the application form; incomplete
applications will be disqualified.
Please note: All application material become the property of Merit System Services. You may want to make a copy for your personal records.
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