How to Apply for a Job
Applying is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
When you choose to become a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) employee, you join more than 1,600 staff who are committed to the CPUC’s mission and serving communities each day. With a wide range of careers and jobs, our staff is empowered to provide access to safe, clean and affordable utility services and infrastructure for all Californians. Finding the right job to make a difference is as easy as 1, 2, 3; just follow the steps.
You can search for current CPUC openings on CalCareers by using the Advanced Search function and filtering by the department name Public Utilities Commission.
Found a job you're interested in? If you haven't applied to that job’s classification with the state of California before, you will need to take the corresponding exam to establish your eligibility. The CPUC conveniently links its exams within the first sentences of each job posting. It’s important to read the exam bulletin carefully before taking the exam, as your score establishes your List Eligibility not only for this job but for any future jobs in that classification for a 12 month period.
Once you have taken and passed the job classification exam navigate to the job you’re interested in and select the Apply Now button in the top left corner. You will need to use a previously created State Application (Template 678) or create one from scratch. Be sure to follow all instructions in the Required Application Package Documents section to ensure your application is complete and accurate. Once you apply, you will get a confirmation message and will be able to view your submitted application in your CalCareers account.
Once the final filing date has passed, the hiring manager will begin reviewing all submitted applications. If you are identified as a top candidate, you will be contacted for an interview.
Have questions about the application, eligibility, forms, job communications or job search topics? The Frequently Asked Questions below provide answers that can help.
All current CPUC job opportunity bulletins are found on the CalCareers Job Search webpage.
Creating a CalCareer Account allows you to:
- take state civil service examinations
- store different versions of your application
- track your application status
- save your resume
Your eligibility list ranking helps you determine where you rank with other candidates based on your examination score. Candidates on the list have successfully completed all parts of the examination process for state employment and are ranked based on their scores, with the top three ranks typically considered immediately employable. They will be contacted first. A candidate’s rank may change due various factors such as candidates being hired, placement on the inactive list or exams that are being taken continuously.
List eligibility can be up to four years but is typically one year in length. When list eligibility expires, you must reapply to re-establish eligibility by retaking the examination.
When you receive your Notice of Exam results, it will indicate your total score and the rank on the list this score represents. If you are in Rank 1, 2, or 3, you can immediately begin looking for job openings/vacancies. However, even if you are in lower ranks, you could become reachable as hires are made, and employment preferences for individual positions are not selected by people in higher ranks.
If you receive an employment contact letter from the CPUC HR Department, that means your name was certified on the eligible list and you are probably reachable for consideration for that position. Again, due to employment preferences, you may be contacted as reachable for one position and not be reachable for another position.
A contact letter is a way of letting you know that a department is recruiting for a classification in which you are eligible. When the CPUC uses an employment list to fill an open position, employment contact letters are sent to the individuals on the eligible list to determine if they are interested in a position. It is not an invitation for interview.
If you receive a contact letter you must respond by the date indicated in the letter to be considered for the position. If you do not respond by the date indicated, the department does not have to consider you for the position.
The application you submit for a job posting is your opportunity to shine and show you are the most qualified for the position. The application you submit for a job opportunity bulletin reflects your ability to read, understand and follow directions, as well as your ability to present complete and accurate information. Carefully fill out your application and answer all questions. You may be disqualified for any false or misleading statements or for omitting information.
You may include a resume with your application to describe in detail your education and experience; however, be sure to include the following information directly on the application form, in the event the resume gets separated from the application:
- Job title of each job you held
- Employer you worked for
- Dates you worked in each job (to and from dates), whether the job was full-time or part-time, and the number of hours worked each week
State application (STD 678) is available in hard copy form, or electronic through a CalCareer Account.
Yes, but you can simply submit the same data to multiple job opportunities and/or exam bulletins without re-entering any of your data. You should continue to update information on your application(s) as your work experience or education changes.
CalHR provides a job application package checklist which can be found on CalCareers in the Additional Documents section of the job posting. Each job opportunity listed on CalCareers will have set requirements for the job application package so read the posting carefully. This will differ depending on the position and classification. To be considered for the position you are applying for, you must include all the required documents listed on the job application package checklist.
Common components of a job application package
- Resume
- Cover letter
- SOQ if applicable
- Supplemental documentation (certificates, degrees, official transcripts, licenses, etc.), usually listed as “other” on the checklist, if applicable.
Please remember that in order to have your application considered, you must include all the required documents listed in the job advertisement in your application package.
You will interview with hiring managers and subject matter experts in the area in which there is an opening. The panel typically consists of 2 – 3 people.
Once you have completed the interview, you will receive notice about whether you have or have not been selected for the particular opening. If you have been selected, a representative from Human Resources will call you to extend a formal offer and process necessary paperwork, before finally establishing an official start date. If you have not been selected, you will be notified by the Division and encouraged to apply for other positions that are open at the Commission.