Here are answers to questions we hear regularly
Questions? Scroll down the list below – in most cases, you’ll probably find the answers you're looking for!
How do I find jobs on the MSS Website?
From the home page, click on the “CAREER OPPORTUNITIES” link. Once you have
been redirected to the Merit System Services Online Application System, at the top, click on “Current Job Openings”.
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How do I register to apply online?
To register, click on the "CAREER OPPORTUNITIES" link from the home page.
Next, click “Register to Apply Online” at the top of the screen. You will need a valid email address. Free email accounts can be acquired from many sites such as:
Hotmail.com
Yahoo.com
Gmail.com
Fill in the required information and click the Register Applicant button. A registration confirmation email will be sent to you. Follow the instructions in the email to
complete your registration. Please add Merit System Services as a trusted contact to ensure you receive MSS notifications.
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What if the position I am interested in is not listed in the current job openings?
Merit System Services only accepts applications for positions that are currently open and posted on the “Current Job Openings” page only. Applicants are encouraged to
check the Current Job Openings web page frequently for new postings. Job openings are posted for a minimum of five days.
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What if I don’t have a computer and/or an email address?
If you do not have access to a computer, you may visit a local library to use a public computer. Keep in mind if you apply online all notification will be sent to you via email.
You may also obtain a paper application by calling Merit System Services at (916) 263-3614. You may also pick up a Merit System Services application at the Department of
Social Services or Department of Child Support Services in a Merit System Services county.
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Do I have to login to view job openings?
No. You can view all job openings and the job description without registering or logging in. To view current job openings click on the “CAREER OPPORTUNITIES” link from the home page.
Next, click on the “Current Job Openings” link.
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Can I change my profile after initially creating it?
Yes. You can change your profile, training and experience at any time. It’s a good idea to keep these updated so that the most current information is available.
Log into your account and click on the “My Profile Information” or “My Education and Experience” link at the top of the webpage.
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Can I start my application and finish it at a later time?
No. Once you have started the application you cannot save it and come back to it later. You do have the option of saving your education and work experience
in your online profile prior to submitting your application. We recommend you do this ahead of time since this part takes the longest. Once you have updated
your profile with your education and experience, it will then be applied to all applications you submit.
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What happens if my Internet connection shuts down while I am doing my application?
If you lose your Internet connection for any reason while you are applying for a job, you will need to start the application process over.
The system will save any education and experience listings that have been submitted. However, any supplemental questions that have been answered will be lost.
You can type up your supplemental questions in a Word document and then copy and paste them into your application.
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Do I need to redo my profile information each time I apply?
No. It is important though to keep your profile information updated. You can update your profile information anytime, even if the job opening you applied for has already closed.
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How do I send additional information such as certifications?
If additional materials are required the job bulletin will provide instructions on how to submit those materials. Failure to submit this material by the Application
Deadline may result in disqualification of your application.
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What happens to my application after I have submitted it?
Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications that are listed on the job bulletin. You will receive notification from
Merit System Services once your application has been screened.
Following the initial review, those applicants deemed to have the most competitive application materials will be subject to further evaluation consisting of
one or more of the following items: a written exam, an oral exam, performance exam; and/or a rating of education, training and experience. The exam types are
usually listed on the job bulletin with tentative examination dates.
Following completion of the evaluation process(es), an “Eligible List” is developed by Merit System Services. Applicants are notified of their status and
the “Eligible List” is referred to the county department for which you applied who may then conduct HIRING interviews.
While Local Agency Personnel Standards require the county department to hire within the top ten placements (ranks), it is not necessary for the county
department to contact and interview everyone in the top ten placements.
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How can I obtain a paper application?
Paper applications are available by calling Merit System Services at (916) 263-3614. You may also pick one up at the Department of Social Services or
Department of Child Support Services in a Merit System Services county. (Do not include a resume with your application). Please mail the application form to:
MERIT SYSTEM SERVICES
241 Lathrop Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
Mailed applications must be received between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the application acceptance dates specified on the front of the job bulletin.
Mailing your application does not guarantee that your application will be among those approved. POSTMARKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
Note: Your application and any additional material become the property of MSS and will not be returned. Please make a copy for your file.
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Can I attach a resume?
No. Please ensure your application is completed in its entirety and includes all relevant experience.
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How can I delete duplicate entries in my profile?
Log into your MSS online account and click on the “My Education and Experience” link. Next click the “delete” link next to the education or experience
entry you would like deleted.
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When can I retake a test?
Candidates are not permitted to take the same version of a test within six months of the date that they last took the exam. Candidates who have taken
the same version within the last six months will have their scores transferred from the last recruitment to the current recruitment(s) that require
that specific version. Merit System Services will notify all candidates whose scores are being transferred. Candidates who receive notification of
being scheduled for an MSS written examination are not eligible to have their scores transferred, and must take the exam in order to continue in the
recruitment process. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please call MSS at (916) 263-3614.
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What if I’m scheduled for more than one test on the same day?
Please contact Merit System Services at (916) 263-3614 or mss@cps.ca.gov, depending on the examinations you are
scheduled for, your scores may be transferred to multiple exams.
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Can I fax an application?
Applicants without Internet access may fax a paper application to (916) 648-1211. Faxed applications must be received between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
on the application acceptance dates specified on the front of the job bulletin. Faxing your application does not guarantee that your application
will be among those approved.
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Can I make changes to my applications after it has been submitted?
If the application you submitted requires changes, please contact Merit System Services (MSS) at (916) 263-3614 to have your application deleted.
Once your application has been deleted, you will then be able to submit a new application. Please note: If MSS is accepting a limited number of
approved applications, deleting your application will change the order in which your application was received.
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Still have unanswered questions? Call Merit System Services at (916) 263-3614, or email your question to mss@cps.ca.gov.