Sacramento is the state capital, and the State of California is one of the biggest employers in our region. State jobs offer steady pay, full benefits, paid holidays, a pension, and real job security.
The catch? The application process looks nothing like applying at a private company. At every SacJobs career fair, we hear the same questions: “Where do I apply?” “What form do I fill out?” “Why didn’t I hear back?”
This guide breaks the whole process down into simple steps so you can stop guessing and start applying the right way.
The #1 Rule: Exam First, Then Apply
You cannot apply for most state jobs until you pass the exam for that job title. This is the step most people skip, and it’s the biggest reason applications go nowhere.
The good news: most state exams are not sit-down tests. Many are short online questionnaires about your education and work experience. You can often finish one from your couch in 20 to 30 minutes.
Once you pass, you can apply to any open job under that same job title, at any state department.
How to Apply for a California State Job, Step by Step
- Create a CalCareers account. Go to calcareers.ca.gov. This is the official state job site, run by CalHR. Every exam and state job posting lives here.
- Find your job title (the “classification”). The state calls job titles “classifications,” like Office Technician or Staff Services Analyst. Search open jobs, then read the duty statement and the minimum qualifications to make sure you qualify.
- Take the exam for that classification. Click “Exam/Assessment Search,” find your job title, and read the exam bulletin. It tells you the minimum qualifications and how to take the exam. Give true answers and include all relevant work and volunteer experience.
- Get your “List Eligibility.” When you pass, you’ll get a score and rank, and your eligibility is saved in your CalCareers account. Eligibility usually lasts about one year (sometimes up to four). When it expires, you retake the exam.
- Fill out your State Application (STD 678). This is the official form for every state job. Fill it out once in CalCareers and save it as a template so you can reuse it.
- Apply before the closing date. Open the job posting, click “Apply for This Job,” and choose that you have eligibility. Attach every document the posting asks for and submit before the deadline.
Forms and Documents Checklist
Every state job requires the STD 678. The rest depends on the posting, so read the “Application Instructions” section carefully.
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STD 678 (State Application) | Always | Fill out in CalCareers and save as a template |
| Resume | If requested | Match key words from the duty statement |
| Cover letter | If requested | Keep it to one page |
| Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) | If requested | Answer each prompt exactly as asked. Watch page and font limits. |
| Transcripts or diplomas | If the job needs a degree | Unofficial copies are often accepted |
| Licenses or certifications | If the job needs one | Include the license number and expiration date |
If the posting asks for a document and you leave it out, your application can be passed over. This is one of the most common reasons people never hear back.
Tips to Stand Out (and Mistakes to Avoid)
Do this:
- Use the duty statement’s words. Hiring managers compare your application to the duty statement. Mirror its key words where they fit your experience.
- Take more than one exam. Many jobs are posted under two or three classifications. More eligibility means more jobs you can apply to.
- Count everything relevant. Volunteer work, church or nonprofit roles, and part-time jobs can all count toward experience.
- Apply to a lot of postings. State hiring is a numbers game. Apply to every posting you qualify for, not just one or two.
- Be patient. State hiring can take weeks or months. Keep applying while you wait.
Avoid this:
- Applying to a job before passing the exam
- Missing an attachment the posting requires
- Leaving gaps or blank sections on the STD 678
- Putting your Social Security number or birth date on documents unless the posting asks for them
- Waiting until the last day. CalCareers deadlines are firm.
Where to Get Help
- CalCareers help line: 1-866-844-8671 or CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov
- CalHR video tutorials: available on calcareers.ca.gov for creating an account, taking exams, and applying
- In person in Sacramento: the CalHR State Jobs Center helps with the CalCareers account and the State application. Hours and other local help are on our government jobs page.
- SacJobs career fairs and workshops: state departments and local employers recruit at our events in Sacramento, so you can ask questions face to face. See upcoming career fairs.
Would you rather have the application written for you? See our State of California application package.
Start Your Search With SacJobs
A state job is a great goal, but you don’t have to put your whole search on hold while you wait. SacJobs has helped Sacramento candidates connect with employers since 2000, and a SacJobs account is free for candidates.
With a free SacJobs account, you can:
- Browse open jobs from Sacramento-area employers and beyond
- Get job alerts sent straight to your inbox
- Hear first about upcoming SacJobs career fairs and workshops
- Meet hiring managers in person at our seasonal career fairs at the Scottish Rite Center
Take the next step toward your next job.
Create your free SacJobs account
Already have one? Browse Sacramento jobs.
While you wait on a State job, our guide 5 Best Places to Look for a Job in the Sacramento Area covers where else to look.
Sources: California Department of General Services, How to Apply for a State Job. CalRecycle, How to Apply. California Natural Resources Agency, Overview of the State Hiring Process. Caltrans, How to Apply. CalCareers, Contact Us.