State of North Carolina is reducing barriers to government careers

This article was written for our sponsor, North Carolina Office of State Human Resources

Did you ever see a job posted that you'd be perfect for, but you passed it by in frustration because an academic degree was required?

If that posting is for a State job, don't let the lack of a degree stop you. For the majority of State of North Carolina jobs, relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities may serve as a substitute for a degree and that will be stated in the job posting. Those interested in a position are encouraged to apply if they believe that they have the relevant knowledge or experience.

“There are so many different opportunities to get hired and be successful in state government,” said Kristin Siemek, State Talent Acquisition Manager within the Office of State Human Resources. “Agencies are excited about the ability of more candidates to be eligible for jobs - and for current state employees to have increased opportunities for career advancement.”

State government employs nearly 74,000 people across all 100 North Carolina counties in almost every job imaginable. The State averages around 1,100 active job openings, which can be viewed in the State of North Carolina Careers portal. Candidates should create an online profile, from which they can set job alerts and apply directly for positions of interest.

With 25 percent of current state employees eligible for retirement with full and unreduced benefits in the next five years, the timing is ideal for job seekers to launch a career, return to the workforce, or start a second career.

What qualifies as relevant experience?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, two-thirds of North Carolinians do not have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Kathleen Tardif, Human Resources Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, is one of those people. She worked in HR at N.C. State University in the 1990s but left to raise her family. She returned to state government as HR Generalist in the Department of Health and Human Services. Over the course of 18 years, she has worked in areas across the agency as she pursued pathways for learning, promotion and advancement.

"I had the opportunity to move throughout those divisions and facilities and grow my role. I was given stretch opportunities," Tardif said. "I took advantage of every opportunity. That's how I got to where I am today."

The same can be true for anyone with the experience, interest, and drive to succeed.

Seventy-five percent of State jobs either do not require a college degree or allow for one year of relevant experience to substitute for one year of education. Examples of relevant experience include military service, previous on-the-job training, AmeriCorps service, internships, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships — even volunteer activities that demonstrate skills needed in a job may be recognized as relevant experience.

The key is demonstrating how your experience relates to the job opportunity.

Additionally, new hires who are short of the minimum job requirements could be brought into an apprenticeship, internship, or training progression, depending on the agency and the job. Employees may also work toward certain certifications on the job. In many instances, employees who achieve certain career milestones may be eligible for pay increases.

For example, Tardif notes that the Division of Marine Fisheries is looking for patrol officers. Candidates must be at least 20 years old and have a valid North Carolina driver’s license. New hires will be provided basic law enforcement training while being paid a State salary.

So where do you start?

"It's important for applicants to understand their job application is their first impression to the hiring manager," Tardif said.

Here are five tips (plus one bonus!) to help you represent yourself effectively on your application:

1. Understand the content of the job postings.

It is critical to understand exactly what the hiring manager is looking for, even if you apply for similar positions in different departments. In each application, be sure to include information relevant to the specific job posting, identify key terms and demonstrate how you are able to perform required tasks.

Once you've filled out one application and saved it, you can use that application as a base to apply for other jobs. But job content varies, so edit each application to demonstrate how you meet the specific job's requirements. If you do not take the time to tailor your application to a specific job, a recruiter may not be able to identify the relevance of the work.

2. Be very clear about your experience.

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the State application form, so it is critical to describe your related knowledge, skills and abilities on your application. Include everything relevant to the posted position, as it alone will represent you.

"We get hundreds of applications for some of our jobs. Staff in HR initially review each application to determine if the person meets the job criteria before we send it on," Tardif said. "We can not make assumptions about what somebody's experience is. If we can't see it on the application, the manager can't see it, and you're just spinning your wheels."

Be very specific about any relevant experience you have. If you are seeking a job as a project planner, and have volunteered as an event planner for a local non-profit, include that. If you've worked in a small company, and have managed multiple tasks like using Excel to order supplies or to create and manage data reports, include that.

"You want to be very mindful of articulating your knowledge, skills, and abilities that would be relevant to the job for which you are applying," Tardif said.

3. Be diligent; check back regularly.

Job postings on the State of North Carolina Careers portal are updated daily. If you don’t find the perfect fit today, don’t give up. Bookmark the web page for easy access, create an online profile and set job alerts in your field of interest. You will be notified of relevant opportunities as they are posted.

4. Consider applying for a temp job with Temporary Solutions.

Temporary Solutions is the State's temporary employment agency. The State employs around 6,000 temporary workers across all agencies and types of jobs. Working as a temp is a great option for those who want flexibility or need to develop a work history. It's also a good way to learn about various agencies before identifying one in which to build a career. Hundreds of temporary employees transition to permanent roles with state agencies each year.

5. Learn all you can about the hiring agency.

If you do get called for an interview, visit the agency's website to learn more about its mission and be prepared to talk about how your skills fit the needs of a particular job and the needs of the agency. That understanding shows your interest and passion for the opportunity, which really makes a difference. If it’s been a while since you’ve interviewed for a new job, practice with a reliable partner to become comfortable with what you intend to say.

6. (Bonus) Go to the first-ever State of North Carolina Career Expo!

For the first time, job seekers will have the chance to speak face-to-face with recruiters from state agencies as well as the university and community college system. Agencies with locations and jobs in all 100 counties of North Carolina will be represented at the expo. Ample and diverse career opportunities abound throughout this great state. No matter what job you seek, you may find it October 4 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

The State of North Carolina is eager to hire and is willing to help you succeed. "If you have the skills and the experience, come work for the State," Tardif said.

This article was written for our sponsor, North Carolina Office of State Human Resources