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How to apply for jobs with the State of Michigan

    Searching for work with the State of Michigan is now easier than ever, thanks to changes in the application process!  There are now only six Civil Service examinations.  All other jobs can be applied for on-line, via email, FAX, or by regular U.S. mail.  There are four ways of applying, depending on the type of job.  The Civil Service website is part of the new application process, located at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/

What kind of job do you want?

     Information on specific state job titles, descriptions, rate of pay, and qualifications is on the Civil Service web site. 

How Do You Apply?

Depending on the type of position you are applying for, there are four ways to apply for state employment:

1.       Vacancy Posting System

2.       Civil Service Exams

3.       On-line Candidate Registration

4.       Michigan Talent Bank

1.  Vacancy Posting System    

The Vacancy Posting System is the state’s electronic “Want Ads.”  Simply click on the “State of Michigan Vacancy Postings,” and view current openings in state agencies.  Click on the job title to get more information about the position.

The application process usually involves sending a resume or application, cover letter and perhaps, copies of college transcripts or professional licenses to the hiring department by a certain date.  You may be contacted for an interview.

2.  Civil Service Tests

Some jobs require a Civil Service test before candidates can become eligible for them.  For these jobs, the Department of Civil Service administers an exam, maintains an applicant pool, and sends lists of eligible candidates to state agencies when they have vacancies.  To apply for an examination, visit the Civil Service web site, then click on “Examinations.”  Links with titles of all of the state-administered exams appear, with drop-down boxes that list the job classifications covered by each exam.  Click on the exam title to obtain an application.  If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-788-1766, for an application.

Administrative Support Exam - #5029

Secretary, General Office Assistant, Executive Secretary, Legal Secretary, Word Processing Assistant, Accounting Assistant, Personnel Management, Assistant, Data Coding Operator, and more clerical jobs

Corrections Nonprofessional Supervisors Exam - #4081

Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor, Corrections Security Inspector, Corrections Shift Supervisor, and Resident Unit Manager  

Entry-Level Security Exam - #4012

Corrections Officer and Forensic Security Aide

Entry-Level Law Enforcement - #2002

Conservation Officer, State Police Trooper, Motor Carrier Officer, and State Properties Security Officer

State Police Sergeants Exam - #2012

State Police Sergeant and State Police Detective Sergeant 

*Supervisory Exam - #9031

Supervisor, Department Supervisor, Unemployment Claims Supervisor, Physical Plant Supervisor, Electrician, Supervisor, Janitor Supervisor, and more supervisory jobs     

*  Exams open to state employees only

3.  On-line Candidate Registration

On-line Candidate Registration is used for jobs in specialized fields including engineering, health care, human services, information technology, and science.  In this process, candidates enter their credentials into a web-based database that departments can draw from when they have a vacancy.  To register, click on "Career Categories". Drop-down boxes with career category choices will appear, which will take you through the registration process via a series of prompts.

4.  Michigan Talent Bank

Some State of Michigan jobs are posted on the Michigan Talent Bank, a service of the Michigan Department of Career Development.  You can access the Michigan Talent Bank by clicking on the “State of Michigan Employment Opportunities” link from the Civil Service home page and then on the “Michigan Talent Bank.” When the “Welcome to the Michigan Talent Bank!” page appears, click on the “Job Seeker” link.  The “Job Seeker” menu will appear.  Select “Sign In” and begin the registration process.  Each screen has step-by-step instructions to help you search for jobs.

We’re Here To Help You!

    The Michigan Department of Civil Service.  Office of Employment Information and Career Planning Services is here to assist you with your state job search.  We offer information on career planning, career movement, education and training, job fairs, labor markets, Veteran employment, resumes, cover letters and interviewing.  Our Lansing and Detroit offices are staffed with experienced human resources professionals who can help you.

Michigan Department of Civil Service contact information:

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