Comments | san_diego: County Jobs

katdinkum in san_diego

County Jobs

Jan 08, 2008 17:13

I just graduated with a degree in general Sociology (It's useless without a MA, I know). I'm looking for work and Craig's List isn't cutting it so far. I'm in the process of applying for work through the County. I'd like opinions on County jobs and the application process, and experiences you've had or heard of. I was told that while they do ( Read more... )

Comments 37

kishiriadgr January 9 2008, 02:13:00 UTC

Okay, I should be specific...my background is admin, nothing else. There are 200 applicants or more for those jobs.

The County process is long and arduous, but the payoff is supposed to be pretty good. I haven't done it for a long time because they aren't hiring paralegals right now, and since I got the certificate, that's what I want to do. You'll need to get a typing certificate, but those are easy to get; the test is administered in the community colleges and it's either free or maybe $5.

You also might want to check out USA Jobs (http://www.usajobs.com).

leime January 9 2008, 04:02:39 UTC

You only need a typing certificate if you're going for an admin sec I or higher - not for office assistants any more or anything else.

kishiriadgr January 9 2008, 07:12:33 UTC

yeah, but why not have it and be able to aim for a higher level job?

leime January 9 2008, 16:33:23 UTC

There's no reason, but I just assumed the person was going in for an Office assistant position since it's a good way to start and it's harder to get into the admin sec position (believe me, I held the position for 4 months and went through a LOT of interviews on both sides).

leime January 9 2008, 02:14:28 UTC

Do it. I work for the county and have off and on for 5 years. Don't get discouraged. The time it takes to get a job depends on how many other people are looking (say, for clerical - it takes a lot longer).

Plus, it's easier that once you're in the county, you can transfer quickly if you don't like it.

You get benefits, paid holidays, accumulation of sick/vacation time is quick. Finally, if you don't like the location you're working at - transfer. I was unhappy at one location, got a diff. job, love where I work now. I will be sad to leave, but hell, 30k vs. potential to make 70k....

readysteadystop January 9 2008, 03:27:58 UTC

Civil service jobs are definitely worth the time and effort. The process almost always takes several months, but as others have said, the end result is a great one ( ... )

leime January 9 2008, 04:08:05 UTC

Sorry, a little more - if they say "or related field", ignore it. After talking with a bunch of career counselors with the county - apply and let the analyst tell you you don't qualify.

readysteadystop January 9 2008, 04:24:55 UTC

Yes, definitely! Also, even if the job says they're looking for a list of qualities and you have 7 or 8 out of 10 or they're looking for someone with a degree you don't have, but you have practical experience... apply anyway.

catmomma January 9 2008, 04:11:41 UTC

be prepared to wait 4-6 weeks for your first paycheck after getting hired.

leime January 9 2008, 16:30:50 UTC

4 weeks with the county due to the start date (which is every other friday) which makes the first pay day the fourth friday you work (technically the third week you work).

jadziads9 January 9 2008, 04:17:57 UTC

I also say, just do it. I submitted an application in Feb 06, took the test (I applied for clerical) around mid March, started going on interviews in April, and by the end of May I had a job. I actually got the job the same day of my last interview! I continued to get offers for interviews a good 2-3 months after I had my job, too. So opportunities abound. And as previously mentioned, the benefits are pretty awesome.

katdinkum January 9 2008, 05:46:37 UTC

What position were you applying for? I'm applying for admin/assistant type jobs. I am taking my typing test tomorrow, and I know I will do at least the 50 wpm they are looking for. I also have my bachelors, and over a year of experience in the clerical/admin. field. I'm hoping that this works out. I'm getting horribly depressed browsing Craig's List everyday. :-/ Thanks so much for your input. It has helped a lot.

jadziads9 January 10 2008, 01:46:51 UTC

I applied for the intermediate clerk (now office assistant), records clerk, and assessment clerk (all three are one list). I got the OA job, which paid the least (but around the same as I was earning before), and I think is the easiest (hehe). My particular office is really small, and the job is cake. Since I've passed my probation, I'm looking to get on other lists (you can do transfers that way), and see what happens. I wish I'd listened to my mom and applied for a county job when I was in college many, many moons back; I'd probably be an analyst or something by now haha. Anyway, don't get discouraged by the process. I know that in my office and the adjacent office (we share a floor) there are looking for at least 3 people but first you have to get on those lists! :)

leime January 10 2008, 02:57:58 UTC

analyst - no clerical work. Crap, you're gonna go against me for this one aren't you? Right now, there's a Human Resources Specialist. Only qualification - Bachelor's degree, but it's county-only opening.

If you're looking for more money in clerical - Sheriff's dept. Pays REALLY well. (plus more for over night). Plus lots of overtime - cash only.

Finally, only way to get on an actual transfer list is if your highest step is the same or higher than the one you want to transfer into. Blech. I've faced that part a great many times.

But I know what you mean about getting on young - student worker time counts! So, BOOYAH! 5 years before I'm 25!

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