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Welcome to the California Job Blog!

Welcome! We can assume that you've landed here because you're interested in working for the State of California. If that's the case, then you're in the right place.

The California Job Blog was started in early 2018 by Jay Davis. Jay has been working for the State of California for 6 years, 5 of which have been spent in human resources as a specialist in hiring and recruiting.

Among Jay's specialties is helping people navigate the State's hiring process. After years of working to hire people for State jobs, two things became very clear. One, the State's hiring process can be very confusing and two, the resources people need to make it less confusing are very hard to find.

He started this blog to help fix those problems. Here you'll find the information and resources needed to be competitive and successful as you search for employment with the State. We hope to provide answers to the most common questions asked by job-seekers, as well as insight into how…
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Recent posts

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Things are strange for State of California employees right now. Many of us are working from and almost all of us are facing a pay decrease that might last for two years. Here you'll find some information on what is going on and how if affects us as state employees. Stay strong and safe!

Resources, updates and information for State of California Employees Employee Assistance Program The first thing we want make sure all state employees are aware of is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Hopefully all of your departments are giving you plenty of info on this valuable benefit, but if not, here is a quick summary.

All State employees and their eligible dependents have access to EAP. Whether you're feeling anxious about the pandemic or you're facing a financial difficulty, EAP can connect you with the counselors or resources to help you better manage. Their website has a lot of great video and articles, too. You can find more information at: www.eap.calhr.ca.gov.

Telewor…
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State of California Hiring Questions and Answers

Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions we get in State of California hiring units. There isn't a theme here, just a random collection of the frequent questions we receive.

1) Do I have to take an exam to get a State of California Job? In almost all cases, you'll need to take an exam to get a government job in California. An exam is generally considered to be the first step in the hiring process. By passing an exam, a candidate becomes eligible for that classification. They are then able to apply for vacant positions.

There are, however, a few exceptions. The State has a number of non-testing classifications. One of the most common among these is Student Assistant. Student Assistant positions do not require candidates to have eligibility which means they don't have to take an exam. There are still minimum qualifications for the classification, however.

Other non-testing classifications in the State of California include: Graduate Student Assistan…
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Overview of The State of California Exam Process

The State of California, like other government jobs, uses a merit-based system for hiring. This means that applicants must begin the process of getting a job by proving they are among the most qualified candidates. Every applicant for a specific State of California classification takes the exact same exam. They answer the same questions, in the same format in the same setting. This ensures that the people who are the most qualified are the ones most likely to get the job.

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…
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The Complete Guide to Getting a Job With the State of California

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…
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IRA and 401(k) Contribution Limits

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the filing deadline for 2019 tax returns has been extended until July 15 of 2020. This means that July 15 is now the date in which filers can make 2019 contributions to Traditional and Roth IRAs.

Normally, tax-payers have up until the tax-filing deadline to make prior year contributions to Roth and Traditional IRAs. But with the tax filing extension, the window to capitalize on the tax advantages of contributing to these retirement accounts is even wider.

For the 2019, taxpayers under 50 can contribute up to a $6,000 to their IRAs - Traditional and Roth Combined. For those over 50, the maximum is increased to $7,000.

2020 Contribution Limits for 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 ret…
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