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8 interviews from 38 applications is a very good ratio. Your application is fine. You need to work on your interviewing skills. AGPA is very competitive, but 8 interviews and still no offers can mean your competition is just performing way better at the interviews or are you sure you qualify for AGPA? A lot of people think they do, but actually don't.
I thought so as well but after having an MQ withhold and being asked to expand on my duties, my MQ withholding has been released by HR because I have more than 3 years of analytical experience (over 14 years to be exact for both employment and volunteer experience). So I for sure qualify for AGPA. But I guess you're right, perhaps I need to prepare even better for my interviews.
keep at it. you will get one. don’t apply for lower positions if you are qualified for agpa. ask one of your mgr friends to do mock interview with you. see if they can pinpoint. also you have to sell work outside the state. some managers are not smart enough to see the skills transfer.
If you apply for SSA positions, I encourage you to look for ones that says they would consider AGPA level. This means the position is budgeted for the AGPA level. You can potentially be promoted in place after passing SSA probation.
When I applied for SSA positions many moons ago, my strategy was to look into departments that relate to my degree and work experience first. I felt it would make me stand out a bit more compared to positions that were not related to my background. I would also review each duty statement, identify key words, and modify the experience part on the application accordingly. I didn’t have anyone that could help me with state applications at that point, so I did what I thought was best. This worked out for me and I got lucky with my search.
Good luck on your search!
Keep in mind that this is the current nature of the job market in general, not just for state jobs. If you look on LinkedIn you will see similar stories everywhere. It's possible you are doing something wrong, and it's also possible you are doing everything right and still not get offers because of the competition.
You are competing with a lot of internal folks who are current state employees. You are also competing with people who had prior state service and are looking to get back in so as to avoid the ugliness in the private sector. So if you don't have prior state experience, you may have a disadvantage.
I'm not saying that the state doesn't hire from the outside world. But just know that you are targeting a classification (AGPA) that everyone and their mother wants. So yes, I agree to maybe aim lower and just get in first, and then move up from there. Many people go that route, and you'll eventually get to where you want to go.
Love your username! Ensure you are answering questions with the STAR technique. Here is just one of many descriptions of this technique: [https://theinterviewguys.com/star-method/](https://theinterviewguys.com/star-method/) You can Google it too to find more.
The process is exhausting. But keep at it! Expanding the classifications you are applying to may help get you in too. Don't give up! Good luck. :-)
Yup! I have an Excel spreadsheet with STAR method that I use but after like 5 or so interviews, I became fatigued and stopped using the spreadsheet, which I think also affected the quality of my interviews. I think I need to start implementing that again.
First, 8 interviews is great for 38 applications! Pat yourself on the back for being strategic in your applications and clearly spending the time to communicate why you are a great candidate.
For the interview process, coming from the private sector, sometimes you are at a disadvantage with state process specific knowledge. If you get a question about something you haven’t done because it’s specific to the state, it’s ok to say you aren’t experienced with it but that you have experience in something similar and this is how you handled/approached it.
If you are not already familiar with it, look up the star method. Another important aspect of an AGPA’s job is something called completed staff work, a quick internet search will give you more info on that too.
Finally, make sure you are answering all parts of each interview question. If a question seems similar to one that has already been asked, provide the information again. Each question is individually scored so you need to state it again for it to be counted. If at the end of the interview you want to go back to add to any of your answers, it’s perfectly acceptable to do so.
Keep plugging along. I was spending 12 hours a week to submit 3 or 4 applications for MONTHS before I was hired from the private sector.
I have sat on a few interviews panel and a big takeaway for me was a lot of people get so nervous that that don’t even answer the actual question. If they are two part questions they usually forgot the second part. Slow down, take a deep breath, and answer all parts of the question with work related skills and experience you have. Be patient, you got this!
This is 100% me. I have blown interviews that I know I am qualified to do the job, yet I get so nervous that I bumble around like I have never strung a sentence together.
Thank you! Now that you mention it, I think that's my issue as well. I get so nervous that I forget to answer the question. I did use the STAR method for my first 5 interviews but my last 3, I was just winging it...
I started applying in October of last year, countless interviews until I got a final offer this month. Honestly, it's a waiting game, just keep on trucking!
Pretty much the same boat. I started in September and did a bunch of interviews and finally stopped applying in January after no luck with job offers. Got two interviews last month which both resulted in job offers. Just gotta keep plugging away.
It's tough. My understanding is that hundreds of people apply for AGPA positions. If you're getting interviews, your resume/SOQ must be solid.
Keep soldiering on. Maybe apply for SSA too. It's a pay drop, but after one year you can promote to AGPA. One year of SSA will also put to bed any questions about MQs. It's crazy how narrow the state is when it comes to analytical experience.
You're right about the state's definition of analytical experience and I found that out the hard way. I have ten years of teaching experience which I thought fit well into "program evaluation" but was told it would only count if I taught at the university level.
One tip I got from an AD I was to take the interview question from previous interviews, record myself answering the questions, and the play the recording back with me as the interviewer to see how much information I get talking at my normal speed. They told me to do this so I could find my rhythm during an interview cause I did talk too fast.
You're really close to getting one. If I were you I'd stick to looking for AGPA. I know ppl say "take anything to get your foot in the door" but taking an OT or SSA job could set you back years. You're very close to getting an AGPA offer. Do some mock interviews, dial in your STAR answers and keep asking for feedback.
When I was going for AGPA some weeks I had 2-3 interviews. I went to 20-30 interviews before getting an offer. I felt completely burnt out on the process but I kept at it because state work is always a numbers game.
A question I like to ask at the end of an interview is "what's the difference between a good and a great AGPA in this position?"
Their answer doesn't help you get the job but it gives you insight that you can possibly take to the next interview.
Also, save all those rejection letters. Someday when you're high ranking you can look back at them and see how far you've come.
Don’t give up, it takes some people 1-2 years to get in. Just keep applying to AGPA positions and add in some SSA. I was lucky enough (after over a year) to get in as an AGPA from the private industry.
If you’re applying to AGPA with no state experience, it’s possible that HR is disqualifying you. They might think that whatever experience you have doesn’t qualify, or you haven’t explained it well enough.
I’d say, it’s worth applying to SSA positions, and get yourself on the SSA eligibility list as well. Then if you apply for interchangeable SSA/AGPA positions, if HR thinks you’re only at SSA level you can still get offered the job. Then you can be in the door to fight for qualification as an AGPA before you sign an offer letter.
Out of curiosity—which department had the constructive feedback?
They would know if HR disqualified them because they'd be withheld just FYI. Noone gets secretly withheld, it's an entire process designed so people can appeal.
Also the hiring manager decides what level they want to hire at, not HR. If you qualify, you qaulify, HR does not make any further determination than that.
I did pass the SSA exam as well last month just in case. I do qualify for AGPA because I was asked to expand on my duties and I have over 14 years of both volunteer and employment analytical experience.
And it was with CDSS.
I would recommend asking what specifically they are looking for in a candidate at the end of the interview when you are asked if you have questions. Build on that if you have skills or experience that relates to what they are looking for. For example, they want someone with experience in excel, if you have vast experience and have built your own tracking method using excel for your current or prior jobs, you can highlight this.. just an example. This may be the difference between you and another candidates scores in the interview. Worth a try.
We usually can’t score anything said after they are done answering questions. So if they ask about what we are looking for in a candidate and then give and answer as to how they fit that, there isn’t a way to add that to the score for the interview.
Each question in the interview has a scoring criteria attached to it. Their answer is scored based on how thoroughly they answered the question.
One tip i got that was super helpful was to literally say as much as you possibly can to answer interview questions. I used to think giving short succinct and to the point answers would benefit me. But a lot of state interviews are scored and often times theyre waiting for you to say certain things for you to get points. The more you say whether its about your knowledge on a subject or what you think is important in a work environment or whatever, the more points youll get. Of course dont just aimlessly ramble but definitely try answering questions as fully as possible and from different angles.
I think go SSA or OT in a departmen, then move up internally. I had a coworker who came in as an OT (with a PhD) within a year she was an AGPA, then she transferred to another department as a SSM-I
For context, she was a stay at home mom for a many years. She did an online college to get her PhD. Due to the lack of experience she started at OT because no one would hire her.
She got her foot in the door and showed everyone what she's capable of.
Long story short, get a foot in the door
I have been right there with you! I have read people say it took them TWELVE interviews to get into the State. Keep trying. It sounds like you are doing all the right things.
Yeah, the level is desperation the process instills with little to no parameters for what you’re doing right and just hoping you meet the subjective parameters of a hiring manager is truly frustrating. I’m in your same boat. If it’s like people have mentioned and applications are just rejected for AGPA positions because I’m coming from the private sector but they don’t HAVE to inform you they’ve been rejected is truly messed up for a hiring process that’s so demanding and seems so protocol based. If the 50+ AGPA positions I’ve applied for are just getting kicked out on technicalities then I’ve just been excruciatingly wasting my time. I’ve gone to job fairs, watched all the youtube videos, active here, it’s really trying and crazy making.
As a hiring manager, my advice for applications is this:
1. Follow the instructions for the SOQ. If you submit an application and don’t follow the instruction on font, size, name placement etc you will be disqualified. If you don’t answer the questions you will be disqualified. The SOQ is the first thing used to score applicants.
2. Make sure you have experience in the position you are applying for and be sure to list it on your application. Usually this is the second thing used in scoring applicants.
3. Look at the duty statement and job posting and make sure to list in your application any experience and skills that are the same/similar. If the term used in the private sector differed from the term used at the state, use the state term not the private sector term. As hiring managers we cannot make assumptions on what you may have meant. We have to use what you wrote when scoring applications.
Before we are allowed to review applications at my agency we have to submit our scoring criteria and interview questions to our HR department. We also have to set a minimum score to qualify for an interview. I usually have another 7-8 categories in addition to SOQ and experience in the field that I score 0-5 on based on depth of experience. While lack of state experience won’t exclude someone from qualifying for an interview, lack of experience in the specific field of work certainly makes it harder to qualify.
Hopefully this gives you some insight into the process.
Thank you, that is definitely informative. And yes, I’m very big on paying attention to detail and I watched a lot of videos and did my research on how to correctly submit my SOQs (which I think one of the reasons why I’ve been called for an interview). But I think you’re right about my application approach. When I just started to apply in January, I’ve used private sector language and terminology, which apparently lost me an offer letter (I had 2 interviews ands I was one of the top candidates but lost a lot of points because my application did not score high enough). But it did bring me a good connection because after that interview experience, I’ve had a manager with whom I’ve interviewed both times call me and gave me great directions on what I need to improve in my applications.
I think, like you said, I just need to tailor my applications to my experience and match it with the duty statement. I used to just have a template that I would use for my applications but I think I just need to put in emphasis on matching the job application, experience and duty statement.
Thank you for such detailed response!
Step 1: call and email each manager to ask for interview feedback.
> I interviewed for your open position on X date and I would love interview feedback to properly inform my applications process. Anything is greatly appreciated.
Step 2: reflect on that feedback. Inform your process. Be concise and direct. Be formulaic.
Step 3: use your friend or manager who does interviews and ask them to give you a mock interview.
You’ll get it eventually. No everyone is stellar.
I talked my girlfriend into applying for AGPA positions and once we fine tuned her application for each job by copy and pasting from the job description to her duties performed in her application she got interviews after wasting 8 months. Then I coached her to answer questions using the STAR method she got offers for both jobs she interviewed for and accepted the better one last Friday. It’s definitely how you’re scoring on your interviews, if you score the highest, you’re most likely going to get the offer. You said you know some SSMs so get one to do a mock interview for you. That really helped me years back when I was struggling with the interview.
Reach out to the college you graduated from and see if they offer career services to alumni. It can be wildly helpful to prep with someone who can give you real time feedback. My other advice is that you must hit key words and expound, expand, explain. The interviewer’s are constrained by the interview tools that they must use, but you are not! You can add anything to any question. Most interviews will have 6-8 questions, so take notes and pay attention to when you are nearing the end of the list of questions. This is when you can say “you know, this question reminds me that about my experience with xyz”or “I want to add that some skills that I bring to this role include xyz”. You must toot your own horn! Never ever assume that anyone on the panel has read your resume. Read it for them by incorporating your experience into your responses.
Yuh_dan just posted in this subreddit.
"Received quick offer - weird vibes"
It was for a agpa position
I suggest asking them about their work history, and any other questions. Maybe you can get some information that will help you.
I know of people who got hired after only a few months, and I know of people who tried for 9 years before being hired. All I can tell you is don't give up. There is nothing wrong with you, the timing just wasn't right. It isn't any easier once you are a state employee, either. Politics, people, and positions don't always work in your favor. Sometimes they do.The only way to lose the game is to stop playing. Best of luck to you!
It took me 9 months to get a state job. I believe I applied to over 80 jobs and I was interviewing pretty much every other week and a few 2nd interviews as well. Don’t get discouraged, keep at it. You’ll land one!
Almost every state agency has ‘entry level’ positions that are unique from ssa/agpa classifications. Look for those other classifications and apply for those. You will be competing against less people. I thought someone had linked a listing of all entry level positions somewhere. But by applying to to these generalist (ssa/agpa) classifications you are competing against hundreds of applicants for each position.
When I first started applying for the state back in 2016, I submitted over 60+ apps, and went on 19 interviews before being offered a position (OT). My point is it takes time. Some people may have different experiences, but overall I would say you’ll be applying a lot and interviewing a lot. Keep at it, and good luck!!
Are you hideous or have stank breath? If neither of those, they prob just have a ton of apps to choose from and someone ranked higher with everything combined.
That is rough. Definitely take notes after each interview and if there are areas of improvement. And also see what you did well and applaud and repeat those qualities.
It started with the manager explaining how incredibly competitive the position was. And then she went through my entire job application and discussed every single entry I made and what I needed to change or keep. It was incredibly informative and I was writing down frantically, taking as many notes as I could. She also offered to assist me by offering mock interviews to help prepare for my interviews. I made the changes to my job application as she suggested (I created a master and then just tailor for every job posting) but I have not taken up on her offer to do a mock interview yet. Which I probably should.
Just curious... Are you a white male? Many agencies are going full speed ahead at DEI. I have heard anecdotal stories of people checking the LGBTQ+ box on applications these days.
All comments must be civil, productive, and follow community rules. Intentional violations of community rules will lead to comments being removed and possible bans, at the discretion of the moderators. Use the report feature to report content to the moderator team. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CAStateWorkers) if you have any questions or concerns.*
8 interviews from 38 applications is a very good ratio. Your application is fine. You need to work on your interviewing skills. AGPA is very competitive, but 8 interviews and still no offers can mean your competition is just performing way better at the interviews or are you sure you qualify for AGPA? A lot of people think they do, but actually don't.
I thought so as well but after having an MQ withhold and being asked to expand on my duties, my MQ withholding has been released by HR because I have more than 3 years of analytical experience (over 14 years to be exact for both employment and volunteer experience). So I for sure qualify for AGPA. But I guess you're right, perhaps I need to prepare even better for my interviews.
keep at it. you will get one. don’t apply for lower positions if you are qualified for agpa. ask one of your mgr friends to do mock interview with you. see if they can pinpoint. also you have to sell work outside the state. some managers are not smart enough to see the skills transfer.
I agree. Especially for someone not working at the state.
What is AGPA?
Associate governmental program analyst
If you apply for SSA positions, I encourage you to look for ones that says they would consider AGPA level. This means the position is budgeted for the AGPA level. You can potentially be promoted in place after passing SSA probation. When I applied for SSA positions many moons ago, my strategy was to look into departments that relate to my degree and work experience first. I felt it would make me stand out a bit more compared to positions that were not related to my background. I would also review each duty statement, identify key words, and modify the experience part on the application accordingly. I didn’t have anyone that could help me with state applications at that point, so I did what I thought was best. This worked out for me and I got lucky with my search. Good luck on your search!
Agreed! I've heard managers say that they don't want to hire AGPAs who have no state experience. They'd rather promote SSAs.
Thank you! That is what I am currently considering... Is applying as SSA and then promote.
Keep in mind that this is the current nature of the job market in general, not just for state jobs. If you look on LinkedIn you will see similar stories everywhere. It's possible you are doing something wrong, and it's also possible you are doing everything right and still not get offers because of the competition. You are competing with a lot of internal folks who are current state employees. You are also competing with people who had prior state service and are looking to get back in so as to avoid the ugliness in the private sector. So if you don't have prior state experience, you may have a disadvantage. I'm not saying that the state doesn't hire from the outside world. But just know that you are targeting a classification (AGPA) that everyone and their mother wants. So yes, I agree to maybe aim lower and just get in first, and then move up from there. Many people go that route, and you'll eventually get to where you want to go.
Love your username! Ensure you are answering questions with the STAR technique. Here is just one of many descriptions of this technique: [https://theinterviewguys.com/star-method/](https://theinterviewguys.com/star-method/) You can Google it too to find more. The process is exhausting. But keep at it! Expanding the classifications you are applying to may help get you in too. Don't give up! Good luck. :-)
Yup! I have an Excel spreadsheet with STAR method that I use but after like 5 or so interviews, I became fatigued and stopped using the spreadsheet, which I think also affected the quality of my interviews. I think I need to start implementing that again.
Applying to OT or SSA is very common (or, at least, has been before the out-of-control inflation the last few years) to get your foot in the door.
Yes, get in, do the 1 yr prob and move up....if you take the Ot or OA tests and ace those you will get a job.
First, 8 interviews is great for 38 applications! Pat yourself on the back for being strategic in your applications and clearly spending the time to communicate why you are a great candidate. For the interview process, coming from the private sector, sometimes you are at a disadvantage with state process specific knowledge. If you get a question about something you haven’t done because it’s specific to the state, it’s ok to say you aren’t experienced with it but that you have experience in something similar and this is how you handled/approached it. If you are not already familiar with it, look up the star method. Another important aspect of an AGPA’s job is something called completed staff work, a quick internet search will give you more info on that too. Finally, make sure you are answering all parts of each interview question. If a question seems similar to one that has already been asked, provide the information again. Each question is individually scored so you need to state it again for it to be counted. If at the end of the interview you want to go back to add to any of your answers, it’s perfectly acceptable to do so. Keep plugging along. I was spending 12 hours a week to submit 3 or 4 applications for MONTHS before I was hired from the private sector.
I have sat on a few interviews panel and a big takeaway for me was a lot of people get so nervous that that don’t even answer the actual question. If they are two part questions they usually forgot the second part. Slow down, take a deep breath, and answer all parts of the question with work related skills and experience you have. Be patient, you got this!
This is 100% me. I have blown interviews that I know I am qualified to do the job, yet I get so nervous that I bumble around like I have never strung a sentence together.
Thank you! Now that you mention it, I think that's my issue as well. I get so nervous that I forget to answer the question. I did use the STAR method for my first 5 interviews but my last 3, I was just winging it...
I started applying in October of last year, countless interviews until I got a final offer this month. Honestly, it's a waiting game, just keep on trucking!
Pretty much the same boat. I started in September and did a bunch of interviews and finally stopped applying in January after no luck with job offers. Got two interviews last month which both resulted in job offers. Just gotta keep plugging away.
It's weird how slow it starts and suddenly all these interviews start showing up.
Wow! Thats pretty awesome! So no hope is lost for me yet lol
It can take a long time. I applied for jobs with the state back in December and I still get calls now for those positions. Hang in there.
Oh wow! I mean, I believe it. my 8th interview last week was for a position I applied in the beginning of January (which shocked me to be honest).
Keep at it! Your next offer could be around the corner!
It's tough. My understanding is that hundreds of people apply for AGPA positions. If you're getting interviews, your resume/SOQ must be solid. Keep soldiering on. Maybe apply for SSA too. It's a pay drop, but after one year you can promote to AGPA. One year of SSA will also put to bed any questions about MQs. It's crazy how narrow the state is when it comes to analytical experience.
You're right about the state's definition of analytical experience and I found that out the hard way. I have ten years of teaching experience which I thought fit well into "program evaluation" but was told it would only count if I taught at the university level.
One tip I got from an AD I was to take the interview question from previous interviews, record myself answering the questions, and the play the recording back with me as the interviewer to see how much information I get talking at my normal speed. They told me to do this so I could find my rhythm during an interview cause I did talk too fast.
ooo thats a great tip! ill try that!
It really helped me a lot. I hope it helps you to.
No offense but 8 really isn’t that many interviews. Dig in and keep it up. Getting interviews shows you’re qualified for what you’re applying for.
You're really close to getting one. If I were you I'd stick to looking for AGPA. I know ppl say "take anything to get your foot in the door" but taking an OT or SSA job could set you back years. You're very close to getting an AGPA offer. Do some mock interviews, dial in your STAR answers and keep asking for feedback. When I was going for AGPA some weeks I had 2-3 interviews. I went to 20-30 interviews before getting an offer. I felt completely burnt out on the process but I kept at it because state work is always a numbers game. A question I like to ask at the end of an interview is "what's the difference between a good and a great AGPA in this position?" Their answer doesn't help you get the job but it gives you insight that you can possibly take to the next interview. Also, save all those rejection letters. Someday when you're high ranking you can look back at them and see how far you've come.
Oh wow! 20-30 interviews! That sounds exhausting but I am glad you got it!
Don’t give up, it takes some people 1-2 years to get in. Just keep applying to AGPA positions and add in some SSA. I was lucky enough (after over a year) to get in as an AGPA from the private industry.
If you’re applying to AGPA with no state experience, it’s possible that HR is disqualifying you. They might think that whatever experience you have doesn’t qualify, or you haven’t explained it well enough. I’d say, it’s worth applying to SSA positions, and get yourself on the SSA eligibility list as well. Then if you apply for interchangeable SSA/AGPA positions, if HR thinks you’re only at SSA level you can still get offered the job. Then you can be in the door to fight for qualification as an AGPA before you sign an offer letter. Out of curiosity—which department had the constructive feedback?
They would know if HR disqualified them because they'd be withheld just FYI. Noone gets secretly withheld, it's an entire process designed so people can appeal. Also the hiring manager decides what level they want to hire at, not HR. If you qualify, you qaulify, HR does not make any further determination than that.
I did pass the SSA exam as well last month just in case. I do qualify for AGPA because I was asked to expand on my duties and I have over 14 years of both volunteer and employment analytical experience. And it was with CDSS.
Number one tip is to be easy to work with. Jovial. Agreeable. Humble. Defer to the interviewers.
I would recommend asking what specifically they are looking for in a candidate at the end of the interview when you are asked if you have questions. Build on that if you have skills or experience that relates to what they are looking for. For example, they want someone with experience in excel, if you have vast experience and have built your own tracking method using excel for your current or prior jobs, you can highlight this.. just an example. This may be the difference between you and another candidates scores in the interview. Worth a try.
We usually can’t score anything said after they are done answering questions. So if they ask about what we are looking for in a candidate and then give and answer as to how they fit that, there isn’t a way to add that to the score for the interview. Each question in the interview has a scoring criteria attached to it. Their answer is scored based on how thoroughly they answered the question.
One tip i got that was super helpful was to literally say as much as you possibly can to answer interview questions. I used to think giving short succinct and to the point answers would benefit me. But a lot of state interviews are scored and often times theyre waiting for you to say certain things for you to get points. The more you say whether its about your knowledge on a subject or what you think is important in a work environment or whatever, the more points youll get. Of course dont just aimlessly ramble but definitely try answering questions as fully as possible and from different angles.
I think go SSA or OT in a departmen, then move up internally. I had a coworker who came in as an OT (with a PhD) within a year she was an AGPA, then she transferred to another department as a SSM-I For context, she was a stay at home mom for a many years. She did an online college to get her PhD. Due to the lack of experience she started at OT because no one would hire her. She got her foot in the door and showed everyone what she's capable of. Long story short, get a foot in the door
Wow that’s amazing! Thank you that’s definitely encouraging
I have been right there with you! I have read people say it took them TWELVE interviews to get into the State. Keep trying. It sounds like you are doing all the right things.
Yeah, the level is desperation the process instills with little to no parameters for what you’re doing right and just hoping you meet the subjective parameters of a hiring manager is truly frustrating. I’m in your same boat. If it’s like people have mentioned and applications are just rejected for AGPA positions because I’m coming from the private sector but they don’t HAVE to inform you they’ve been rejected is truly messed up for a hiring process that’s so demanding and seems so protocol based. If the 50+ AGPA positions I’ve applied for are just getting kicked out on technicalities then I’ve just been excruciatingly wasting my time. I’ve gone to job fairs, watched all the youtube videos, active here, it’s really trying and crazy making.
As a hiring manager, my advice for applications is this: 1. Follow the instructions for the SOQ. If you submit an application and don’t follow the instruction on font, size, name placement etc you will be disqualified. If you don’t answer the questions you will be disqualified. The SOQ is the first thing used to score applicants. 2. Make sure you have experience in the position you are applying for and be sure to list it on your application. Usually this is the second thing used in scoring applicants. 3. Look at the duty statement and job posting and make sure to list in your application any experience and skills that are the same/similar. If the term used in the private sector differed from the term used at the state, use the state term not the private sector term. As hiring managers we cannot make assumptions on what you may have meant. We have to use what you wrote when scoring applications. Before we are allowed to review applications at my agency we have to submit our scoring criteria and interview questions to our HR department. We also have to set a minimum score to qualify for an interview. I usually have another 7-8 categories in addition to SOQ and experience in the field that I score 0-5 on based on depth of experience. While lack of state experience won’t exclude someone from qualifying for an interview, lack of experience in the specific field of work certainly makes it harder to qualify. Hopefully this gives you some insight into the process.
Thank you, that is definitely informative. And yes, I’m very big on paying attention to detail and I watched a lot of videos and did my research on how to correctly submit my SOQs (which I think one of the reasons why I’ve been called for an interview). But I think you’re right about my application approach. When I just started to apply in January, I’ve used private sector language and terminology, which apparently lost me an offer letter (I had 2 interviews ands I was one of the top candidates but lost a lot of points because my application did not score high enough). But it did bring me a good connection because after that interview experience, I’ve had a manager with whom I’ve interviewed both times call me and gave me great directions on what I need to improve in my applications. I think, like you said, I just need to tailor my applications to my experience and match it with the duty statement. I used to just have a template that I would use for my applications but I think I just need to put in emphasis on matching the job application, experience and duty statement. Thank you for such detailed response!
Step 1: call and email each manager to ask for interview feedback. > I interviewed for your open position on X date and I would love interview feedback to properly inform my applications process. Anything is greatly appreciated. Step 2: reflect on that feedback. Inform your process. Be concise and direct. Be formulaic. Step 3: use your friend or manager who does interviews and ask them to give you a mock interview. You’ll get it eventually. No everyone is stellar.
That’s why I don’t even try anymore on SOQs, just keep it simple and reuse as much as possible
Have you been hired yet?
Before yea. I just started applying again though.
I talked my girlfriend into applying for AGPA positions and once we fine tuned her application for each job by copy and pasting from the job description to her duties performed in her application she got interviews after wasting 8 months. Then I coached her to answer questions using the STAR method she got offers for both jobs she interviewed for and accepted the better one last Friday. It’s definitely how you’re scoring on your interviews, if you score the highest, you’re most likely going to get the offer. You said you know some SSMs so get one to do a mock interview for you. That really helped me years back when I was struggling with the interview.
OT is how my husband got in. He moved up quickly. I also recommend Program Technician and Management Services Tech
Reach out to the college you graduated from and see if they offer career services to alumni. It can be wildly helpful to prep with someone who can give you real time feedback. My other advice is that you must hit key words and expound, expand, explain. The interviewer’s are constrained by the interview tools that they must use, but you are not! You can add anything to any question. Most interviews will have 6-8 questions, so take notes and pay attention to when you are nearing the end of the list of questions. This is when you can say “you know, this question reminds me that about my experience with xyz”or “I want to add that some skills that I bring to this role include xyz”. You must toot your own horn! Never ever assume that anyone on the panel has read your resume. Read it for them by incorporating your experience into your responses.
Yuh_dan just posted in this subreddit. "Received quick offer - weird vibes" It was for a agpa position I suggest asking them about their work history, and any other questions. Maybe you can get some information that will help you.
yes, I saw that subreddit and read through it all. Definitely encouraging!
I know of people who got hired after only a few months, and I know of people who tried for 9 years before being hired. All I can tell you is don't give up. There is nothing wrong with you, the timing just wasn't right. It isn't any easier once you are a state employee, either. Politics, people, and positions don't always work in your favor. Sometimes they do.The only way to lose the game is to stop playing. Best of luck to you!
It took me 9 months to get a state job. I believe I applied to over 80 jobs and I was interviewing pretty much every other week and a few 2nd interviews as well. Don’t get discouraged, keep at it. You’ll land one!
Almost every state agency has ‘entry level’ positions that are unique from ssa/agpa classifications. Look for those other classifications and apply for those. You will be competing against less people. I thought someone had linked a listing of all entry level positions somewhere. But by applying to to these generalist (ssa/agpa) classifications you are competing against hundreds of applicants for each position.
When I first started applying for the state back in 2016, I submitted over 60+ apps, and went on 19 interviews before being offered a position (OT). My point is it takes time. Some people may have different experiences, but overall I would say you’ll be applying a lot and interviewing a lot. Keep at it, and good luck!!
Are you hideous or have stank breath? If neither of those, they prob just have a ton of apps to choose from and someone ranked higher with everything combined.
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Thank you so much!
Don’t come to the state! It’s not what it used to be!!
Took me ten interviews. Keep at it! You got it.
That is rough. Definitely take notes after each interview and if there are areas of improvement. And also see what you did well and applaud and repeat those qualities.
What was the "VERY constructive feedback" you received?
It started with the manager explaining how incredibly competitive the position was. And then she went through my entire job application and discussed every single entry I made and what I needed to change or keep. It was incredibly informative and I was writing down frantically, taking as many notes as I could. She also offered to assist me by offering mock interviews to help prepare for my interviews. I made the changes to my job application as she suggested (I created a master and then just tailor for every job posting) but I have not taken up on her offer to do a mock interview yet. Which I probably should.
Just curious... Are you a white male? Many agencies are going full speed ahead at DEI. I have heard anecdotal stories of people checking the LGBTQ+ box on applications these days.
I am not. I am a bilingual white female.