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The New York State Constitution requires that public employees must be hired for jobs based on merit and fitness. The constitution also says that, for most jobs, merit and fitness must be measured by examination. The Civil Service Exam will assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job you are most interested in. The Schenectady County Civil Service Commission also announces and schedules exams for all cities, towns, villages, and school districts in Schenectady County.
Applying for a Competitive Job
Sign Up for a Civil Service Exam
Civil Service Exams are scheduled and announced by the Schenectady County Civil Service Office when requested by a County department or a local municipality. A number of exams may be scheduled each year. You can sign up to take a Civil Service Exam and complete your Civil Service Application online using the Schenectady County Civil Service Employment Portal.
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Prepare for Your Exam
Use the time you have leading up to the exam to prepare. Many of the exams are written, multiple choice tests. Review the exam announcement, which lists the subject area or "subtests" covered in the exam. You can find test guides and helpful tools and strategies online through the New York State Civil Service Commission.
- Keep a positive outlook and find healthy ways to manage stress.
- Get a good nights sleep before the exam and eat a healthy breakfast.
- Arrive at the exam location early and prepared.
- Notify the Civil Service Office if you require a religous accommodation or a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability.
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After the Civil Service Exam
When the exam scores are posted, you will be notified and your name will be added to the appropriate eligibility list. Eligibility lists are shared with the departments with job openings. Your name will stay on the eligibility list for up to 4 years, unless a new exam is opened after 1 year. You may receive a call from a county department following your test to determine your interest in a specific job or to schedule an interview. This is called canvassing. You are encouraged to respond to the canvas inquiry and let the department know if you are interested in being considered for the position. Your ranking on the eligibility list does not guarantee that you will be hired. Your responsiveness to canvas inquiries and your interview are equally important.
Canvas letters or inquiries are not job offers. If you have a job and recieve a canvas letter or inquiry from a county department, do not leave your current job. Always respond to a canvas inquiry by the return date, whether you are interested in a position or not. Make sure the department knows you are not interested in a specific job so your name remains on the eligibility list. If you do not respond to an inquiry, it will be considered a declination and you will not be considered for future opportunities.