Tips for completing the MSS application
The following are some tips for completing and submitting an application for career opportunities covered by Merit System Services (MSS).
This is provided to encourage your full and accurate completion of the application as a key step in the selection process. (Please do not submit a resume.)
An incomplete application can affect your continuation in the selection process, so take your time and make sure the application represents
your qualifications well.
Before you begin the application:
Because the application requires specific information about your work experience and/or educational background, before you actually begin the MSS application
it is a good idea to have ready access to some information or documents that will help you complete the application. Some of this information includes:
- Current college transcripts showing courses completed, academic units (semester or quarter units) completed, and the actual or
projected dates for degree completion.
- A current resume or previous employment application to remind you of dates of previous employment, job titles held, the name
and title of your current and previous supervisor(s), and job duties you have had.
- A copy of current or previous job descriptions and/or class specifications for jobs you have held detailing your job duties and responsibilities.
- A copy of or access to the MSS job bulletin for the position for which you are applying to confirm that you do indeed meet the minimum
requirements for the position and to confirm the deadline for submitting an application.
Before you submit the application to MSS:
As a last check before you actually submit the application, it is a good idea to re-check the following:
- Have you fully completed any supplemental questions or class lists that are part of the application? Failure to complete
these may prevent you from continuing in the selection process.
- Is the application fully completed—have you included start and end dates for employment, whether you have completed college degrees
or key job duties of current or previous positions? Job titles alone cannot tell us about the range of experience you may have, so a full explanation
of duties is critical.
- Are employment or education dates accurate? Is the work experience full-time or less than full-time?