California Job Blog

Working in a hiring department for the State of California, one of the complaints we hear most often is, "Why is the State's hiring process so confusing?" It's a great question. There are thousands of open State jobs, but it can seem time-consuming and complicated to get hired. The part of the hiring process that seems to cause the most confusion and difficulty for jobseekers is often the exam portion. The California Job Blog is here to help with this article.

The State of California Exam Process Exams with the State of California are how people become eligible for classifications. If you’ve never worked for the State before, you need to take an exam. An exam is how you get eligibility. It’s very common for public-service jobs to require an applicant have civil service eligibility. It’s how public sector employers ensure the hiring process is merit-based. It helps ensure that the only consideration in an appointment is who is the most qualified.

Taking an Exa…

The Complete Guide to Getting a State of California Job
This is a guide to help you get a job with the State of California. In order to gain employment with the State, you’re going to need to follow several steps. The State of California's hiring process can be a little confusing, but this guide should help you get started. There are a lot of great resources online (like the California Job Blog). The CalHR and CalCareers websites are full of good information about the requirements for positions and the hiring process.
Examination
Eligibility
Vacancies
Apply
Interview
Clearances
Notes

1. Take the examinationThe first step in starting your career with the State of California is to take an examination. An exam is how you obtain eligibility for a classification. There are a few exceptions (described below) but for most people an exam is where the hiring process begins.  All hiring for California State Jobs is merit-based, and merit is determined through the examination process.

The type of ex…

Learn the 2020 Contribution Limits for Your Retirement AccountsEmployment with the State of California offers many great benefits. Among those benefits is the guaranteed income state employees earn through a CalPERS pension.

But there is another form of retirement planning the State makes available to its employees. Savings Plus is a voluntary voluntary retirement planning program that offers 401(k) and 457(b)retirement accounts. These accounts are funded through automatic payroll deductions, and are a great way to save additional money for retirement.

The California Job Blog has a more in-depth article about Savings Plus, how these account work and the investment options available to State employees.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the contribution limits for the main types of retirement accounts. The tables below show the limits for 401(k), 457(b) and IRA accounts. 401(k) and 457(b) have identical limits.

IRAs (Individual Retirement Arrangements) are accounts available t…

2020 Northern California CalPERS Pay Dates
MonthMailing DateDirect Deposit DateJanuary01/29/202001/31/2020February02/26/202002/28/2020March03/30/202004/01/2020April04/29/202005/01/2020May05/28/202006/01/2020June06/29/202007/01/2020 July07/29/202007/31/2020 August08/28/202009/01/2020 September09/29/202010/01/2020 October10/28/202010/30/2020 November11/25/202012/01/2020 December12/30/202001/04/2021
2020 Southern California
and Out of State
CalPERS Pay Dates
MonthMailing DateDirect Deposit DateJanuary01/28/202001/31/2020February02/25/202002/28/2020March03/27/202004/01/2020April04/28/202005/01/2020May05/28/202006/01/2020June06/26/202007/01/2020July07/28/202007/31/2020 August08/27/202009/01/2020 September09/28/202010/01/2020 October10/28/202010/30/2020 November11/25/202012/01/2020 December12/29/202001/04/2021
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Related Articles:State of California Employee BenefitsState of California Employee Paid Time OffHow to Get a California State Job