Here is what you can expect when you apply for a job with the Wisconsin State Government
Words you will encounter as you move through the application process:
- Apply – Visit Wisc.Jobs to explore current opportunities.
- Assessment – The assessment is based on the qualifications listed in the job announcement. Assessment results determine who moves forward in the hiring process.
- Register – Candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be placed on a list called the register. You will be notified when you are placed on the register.
- Certification – The list of the most qualified candidates that are selected to move forward in the process.
- Interview(s) – After certification, candidates will be invited to participate in an additional assessment, phone screen, or formal interview.
- Pre-Hire Requirements:
- Background Check - The DPI will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection.
- Reference checks – Reference checks will be requested for the top candidate(s).
- TB Screen – Positions that encounter students or school district staff will be required to have a TB physical.
- Application Tips
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Every job posting includes a Position Summary that describes the job and the specific qualifications we are looking for in a candidate.
You will be required to upload a resume and/or letter of qualifications to complete your application. You must provide sufficient details (such as examples) to show your qualifications via your resume and letter of qualifications. A letter of qualifications is meant to expand and compliment your resume. You may also be required to provide other documents. Please check the job posting to learn which documents are required.
You must have all the minimally qualified skills mentioned in your materials to be determined eligible for further consideration.
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Minimally qualified: Need to be able to do/have done before starting.
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Well-qualified: Preferred, but willing to teach or train the successful candidate.
Resume
Before applying be sure to update your resume to best reflect your experience and qualifications that relate to the job you are applying for. It should include:- Educational background, including any coursework that is related to the position.
- Employment history, including accomplishments and skills used.
- Your phone number and email address.
Letter of Qualifications
A letter of qualifications is a one-to-two-page document that allows an applicant to expand on the information provided in their resume. It is not a standard cover letter, so it does not need to be in a letter format or include why you want the job.In your letter of qualifications, it may be helpful to organize your document with a section for each qualification. You can list the qualification, followed by your related examples/experiences.
Example: You find a job you want to apply for, and the “Qualifications” section includes minimally qualified applicants must have experience in customer service and policy writing. In your letter of qualifications, you list these details:
Experience in customer service:
- My experience in customer service is...
- Examples of tasks I have performed in customer service include...
Experience in policy writing:
- My experience in policy writing is...
- Examples of tasks I have performed in policy writing include...
If you don't have any experience related to one of the qualifications, you can simply skip it or say that you have no experience in that area.
If you don't have education, training, or experience matching a qualification, but you have possible transferable skills or related lived experience, consider mentioning it.
Example: I don't have experience using an inventory tracking database. However, in my job as a library assistant, I utilized a database to arrange for and track interlibrary loans.
Lived experience example: While I haven’t worked with formal databases, I manage the complex logistics of a large family (coordinating schedules, appointments, and activities using digital calendars and spreadsheets.) I also maintain a household budget, track expenses, and categorize spending. These tasks require organizing structured information, ensuring accuracy, and using tools that mirror database concepts like filtering, categorizing, and maintaining up-to-date records.
Transferable experience example: While I haven’t held a formal office position, in my role at McDonalds I had to focus on efficiency, time management, and customer service. In my role at a daycare center, I was responsible for budgets, conflict resolution, calendar management, and customer service.
Sample Formatted Letter of Qualifications:
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- Interview Tips
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We use a structured interview, designed to give all candidates equal consideration. Each candidate has the same amount of time for their interview. Interviews may be by phone, virtual (via technology like Microsoft Teams), or in person. In some cases, we will provide an opportunity to review the interview questions in advance. If the questions are shared with you in advance, make the most of your time and take notes that you can reference during your interview.
- We develop interview questions and benchmarks in advance to help us evaluate qualifications related to the position.
- Each candidate will be asked the same interview questions.
- We recommend that you review the job posting (particularly the qualifications section) and position description to help you predict and prepare for what questions may be asked.
- Many of our questions are "behavior based," asking you to share examples of situations you have been in that relate to specific skill areas (e.g. "tell us about a time when…" or "describe a situation where you had to…").
- Your responses to the interview questions will be compared to the benchmarks, which are designed to determine how well your skills and experience align with the qualifications of the job.
- Panel members are given your resume but not your letter of qualifications.
- Interviews are conducted by a panel of people who are familiar with the job. Most often, there will be three people on the panel, one of whom will likely be the supervisor of the position, but this may vary.
- During the interview, the panel members will be taking notes on your responses to the interview questions. They may not be able to make a lot of direct eye contact with you, but please know they are engaged!
When answering questions, please keep the following information in mind:
- Questions may be in multiple parts or request multiple, specific details. Be sure to answer the question fully, even if you need to repeat something you included in your application materials or that you provided in a previous response.
- You can ask the panel to repeat a question or define a word if you are unfamiliar with it. You can also take a pause before answering to organize your thoughts. Breathe, relax, and do your best!
- Be sure to define and explain any acronyms or company-specific terminology, tools, systems, etc. that you mention in your response.
- Be a storyteller! Tell the panel about experiences that showcase your skills related to the question they asked. Try using the "STAR" method (i.e. describe the Situation/context of the example; talk about the Task, problem or challenge you faced; describe the Actions you personally took; explain the Results/outcome of your efforts).
- Consider using more than one example to show how you used your skills in different situations, which may include unpaid roles. If you can't think of a great example that is directly related, consider highlighting similar ("transferable") skills.
- Be mindful of the clock so you have enough time to answer all of the questions!
- If you know a panel member, respond as if you don’t. Answer the questions fully. The panel members evaluate what you share in the interview, not what they know about you from prior experience.
- At the end of your interview, you can ask questions to learn more about the role, department, etc.
For some positions, there may be additional assessments for you to complete before or after your interview (e.g. writing, presentation, spreadsheet exercise, etc.). If you are asked to complete another task, be sure to follow the instructions provided, including any time limits.
Following all the interviews, a decision will be made whether to conduct another round of interviews or to recommend a candidate for the position. We will reach out to finalist(s) about next steps such as reference checking or background checks (if applicable). All non-selected candidates will receive communication as well.
- Pre-Hire Requirements
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References
The State of Wisconsin requires at least three references, including two supervisory references. These checks are focused on verifying the candidate's job performance, skills, and suitability for the position. If a candidate has limited work experience, references like teachers or community leaders can be used.
Background InformationA criminal background check is required and must be cleared prior to your first day of employment. The specific background checks conducted depend on the nature of the work. DPI Human Resources staff provide instructions before the check is initiated.
Fingerprint-based background checks (using the vendor Fieldprint) are required for all candidates that involve virtual or in-person contact with children. If no contact with children is expected, searches are conducted in the state(s) where the candidate has lived during the past seven years (using the vendors TruView and/or Wisconsin Department of Justice).
TB ScreenWisconsin Statute requires you to be free from tuberculosis (TB) as a condition of employment due to potential contact with children or school employees. Certain positions at the agency are required to have a screening questionnaire, performed by a practitioner (MD, PA, or NP) prior to employment.
- Other Helpful Tools
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Classification Information
This classification tool is intended to be used by current State of Wisconsin employees with permanent status in class who are considering moving to another State of Wisconsin position. It will inform you on the type of movement the new position would be (i.e., promotion, demotion, transfer). You can find your classification displayed in STAR under your name on your timesheet.