How does the Personnel Commission Office determine if I
qualify for this job?
The Personnel Commission reviews the
application materials submitted. For your
application to get the consideration it deserves, it is very important
that you fill out the application materials completely. You may also
include a resume. Do not, however, state “see resume” when asked
to describe your responsibilities and experience. Your
qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of information you provide
on the application. Your resume will be reviewed only for clarification
purposes.
Occasionally, a Supplemental
Application will be required so that you can more fully explain specific
experience or qualifications.
The supplemental application focuses
on the key responsibilities of the position for which you are applying
and allows you to elaborate on your previous experience/training in
areas of particular relevance to the job. Resumes, letters of reference,
certifications, etc., may be included with the application, but only
your responses to the areas in the application and supplemental
experience statement will be evaluated.
Include not only paid work
experience, but all other experience which may apply to the job, i.e.,
volunteer work experience, licenses, professional affiliations, classes
you have taken, training you have received and any other special
qualifications. Failure to include all information requested could
result in the rejection of your application. With accurate and complete
information, we will be able to determine whether you meet the minimum
qualifications for the job class.
Since there is usually a large number
of applications for each recruitment, the evaluation process can take
several days. We realize the wait can be frustrating, but please be
patient. We want to give each application the careful consideration it
deserves.
Does everyone who applies take an exam?
Generally, if you meet the minimum
qualifications for a job, you will be scheduled to take the exam. You
will be notified by mail of the date, time and location for most exams.
For some exams the application and supplemental experience statement
package is the actual test or a test part.
What kind of examination will I have to take?
The type of test used to qualify
candidates depends mostly on the nature of the job. Depending on the
knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform these job duties,
the examination may consist of one or more of the following: evaluation
of your training and experience on the application/supplemental, written
tests, oral interviews, performance tests or assessment exercises.
For example, an applicant for a secretarial job may take a performance
test in keyboarding skills and a written test on clerical, human
relations and mathematical abilities. All applicants will be
interviewed as well. The interview process is considered an oral test.
Most of the questions in written tests that school districts give are
multiple choice. This means that you will be asked to pick the right
answer from a number of answers that are given with the question.
Sometimes true-false questions are used.
If a test is too easy, most people
will get high scores, and it will look like everyone who took the test
is equally qualified to do the job. If a test is too hard, most people
will get low scores and it will look as though no one is qualified. A
good test allows well-qualified applicants to get a high score. Less
well-qualified applicants will get lower scores and the least qualified
will score lowest.
How do I prepare for the test? What do I study?
All tests given by SMC are
job-related and designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities
required to perform the functions of the job. Read the job description
on the job announcement, then study the material which you feel would
directly or indirectly relate to the necessary knowledge, skills or
abilities. For example, if two of the requirements for a job are
performing mathematical calculations and interpreting regulations, some
of the exam questions probably will cover math and reading
comprehension. If you feel you need to study or practice, start at a
library to look for appropriate materials and books.
On the day of the test, leave home
early enough so that you will not have to rush. To be admitted to the
exam, bring the exam notice with you and a picture ID. Applicants are
not admitted late to the exams.
If you may need reasonable
accommodation at any phase of the application or testing process, please
make your request for reasonable accommodation as described on the job
announcement.
What happens after I take the examination?
You will be
notified by mail of the examination results. SMC is looking for the
highest qualified applicants. Pass/fail determinations and the final
score will be based on the distribution of scores resulting from the
evaluation/examination. The passing point also will be influenced by
several factors, including the number and qualifications of applicants,
the amount of turnover, the number of vacancies expected and the total
number of positions authorized.
If you pass all the components of the examination, you will be placed on an eligible list in order
of your final score. Qualified candidates may then be referred to SMC
departments as vacancies occur.
If you receive notice that you are
not successful in the process, don’t be discouraged. All classified SMC
selection processes are highly competitive. Try again.
The schools and departments review
application materials for those candidates certified/referred from the
top three ranks plus any employee transfer and reinstatement requests
for their vacancy. In most cases, the Personnel Commission will schedule
interviews for a specified date for the hiring department. The hiring
department can hire any of the certified eligible candidates who they
believe is the best qualified for the vacancy.
For how long is the eligibility list good?
The life span of SMC eligibility lists is
generally one year. When your name has been added to an eligibility
list, you will receive a letter which will indicate the length of your
eligibility.
Do I get bonus points if I am a veteran and/or
disabled?
If you are a qualified veteran,
additional points are added to your final passing score, if the exam is
for an entry level examination and you submit a copy of your DD214
military papers prior to your passing the examination. If you pass
and have indicated your status on your application materials, and
included a copy of the DD214, you will then receive five points if you
are a qualified veteran.
If you are a qualified disabled
veteran, you may be eligible to receive ten points.
Do I get bonus points as an employee of SMC?
Longevity Preference Credit will be
awarded on promotional and merged lists. The following is the
schedule of longevity preference credits allowed on a candidate's final
passing score for candidates who have permanency with Santa Monica
College or who are on a valid SMC reemployment list.
|
Years of Service |
Points |
|
1 to 2 |
1.0 |
|
2 to 3 |
1.5 |
|
3 to 4 |
2.0 |
|
4 to 5 |
2.5 |
|
5 to 6 |
3.0 |
|
6 to 7 |
3.5 |
|
7 to 8 |
4.0 |
|
8 to 9 |
4.5 |
|
9 to 10 |
5.0 |
|
More than 10 |
5.0 |
How do I get selected for an actual position?
The Personnel Commission will
schedule selection interviews for departments with those
candidates in the top three willing and available ranks, plus any
employee transfer requests for their vacancy. The hiring department may
select any one of the persons certified.
What should I do if I am called for a selection
interview?
It is the candidate’s responsibility
to know: the time and place you should appear for the interview, phone
number (important if you can’t make it or an emergency occurs), name of
the person who contacted you, to whom you should report to for the
interview, how long the interview is scheduled to take, the job for
which you are being considered, and all relevant information about the
job.
If you may need a reasonable accommodation in the interview, request it
prior to the interview.
Before the interview, review your
application or resume and the job announcement. Be prepared to discuss
how your training and/or work experience relates to the job for which
you are interviewing.
During the interview, listen
carefully to the questions. Your answers should cover everything your
interviewer needs to know to evaluate you fairly.
What happens if I am selected?
Our Human Resources department will
contact you to process your employment offer. After you have been
offered and accepted a job, be sure that you understand when and where
you will be processed, when you will start, where and to whom you should
report, and whether there are any other steps you should take before
starting work. Be sure to get the telephone number of the person who
contacted you in case you have further questions.
When you are selected for a regular
position, your name is no longer considered active on the eligibility
list for that job. Your name will remain on any other eligibility list
for their specified eligibility periods.
What if I am not selected or not interviewed?
Our objective is to hire the best
person for the job, so competition is high. If you are not successful in
getting a job immediately, your name will remain on the eligible list of
consideration for any other vacancies that occur, and for which you meet
the hiring criteria, until the list expires. If you are not hired
during that time, you must wait for another recruitment and reapply. It
is a good idea to keep your final ranking letter(s). This way you will
know what eligible lists you are on and when they expire.
If you are unable to attend an
interview, contact the interviewing department. Your name will be
removed from the eligible list if you fail to appear.
Do not be discouraged if you do not
get a job offer the first time you apply. Try again. Sometimes it may
be a month or longer between steps in a process (application to test
notice or test to a final notice). We know this seems like a long time,
but we want to evaluate everyone fairly and find the best person for the
job. The time and effort are worth it; a job or career may be waiting
for you!
