FAQs

Merit Principles
Employment in classified service is based upon merit system principles as defined by the California Education Code, federal law and the rules and regulations of the Personnel Commission.

How will I know if a job is open for recruitment?
Jobs are listed on the Personnel Commission's home page on the Internet. Please visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us and click on Departments, Personnel Commission. Job announcements are also posted on employee bulletin boards at various locations throughout district service area.

How do I find out about the job, duties & requirements?
Job information, duties and requirements are under each posting. Job announcements are an excellent source of information that lists the salary, duties of the job, the requirements necessary to qualify for the examination, special requirements and most importantly, the time/date by which applications must be submitted. Class specifications describing all classified jobs are also available. The education and experience required for a job are listed on the job announcement. Read the requirements carefully. The job may require college course work, a specified amount of experience, license, certification, or skill, knowledge and ability in specific areas. This should help you determine if you meet the requirements of the job. If in doubt, it is best to submit your application and the Personnel Commission staff will evaluate your experience and determine whether or not you meet the requirements.

How do I file an application?
On-line applications are accepted only for jobs that are currently being recruited. You may complete an on-line application at the Personnel Commission’s home page on the Internet. Please visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us and click on Departments, Personnel Commission. All completed application materials must be submitted with the on-line application by the posted closing time and date as listed on the job announcement in order to be considered for the next scheduled examination. Some recruitment is promotional, which means that only current CUSD regular employees may apply.

If I want to apply for more than one job, do I have to file more than one application?
Yes. You will need to complete a separate on-line application for each position.

How often can I apply for the same job?
If it is open for recruitment and we test more than once a year, you may file an on-line application any time during the recruitment period; however, you will not be allowed to retest until after a four-month period has elapsed since your last application was evaluated or since you last tested for that classification.

Do you accept resume?
No. Compton USD does not accept resumes in lieu of an official on-line application. You must fully complete the classified on-line application. However, you may submit the resume with the on-line application.

How does the Personnel Commission determine if I qualify for this job?
The Personnel Commission representative assigned to the recruitment reviews the application materials submitted. These materials may include a special supplemental questionnaire, a list of college and/or training courses or a checklist of experience. For your application to get the consideration it deserves, it is very important that you fill out the application materials completely, even if you attach a resume. Do not state "see resume" when asked to describe your responsibilities and experience. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of information you provide on the application. Your resume will be reviewed only for clarification purposes. Frequently, a Supplemental Application will be required so that you can more fully explain specific experience or qualifications. The supplemental questionnaire focuses on the key responsibilities of the position for which you are applying and allows you to elaborate on your previous experience/training areas of particular relevance to the job. Resumes, letters of reference, certifications, etc. may be attached, but only your responses to the areas in the questionnaire or application will be evaluated.

Include not only paid work experience, but all other experience which may apply to the job, i.e., volunteer experience, licenses, professional affiliations, classes you have taken, training you have received and any other special qualifications for the job class. However, qualifications beyond the minimum requirements may be necessary to qualify you for placement on the eligible list. Since there generally is large number of on-line applications for each recruitment, the evaluation process can take several days. We realize the wait can be frustrating, but please be patient.

We want to give each application the careful consideration it deserves.

Does everyone who applies take an exam?
Generally if you meet the minimum qualifications for a job, you will be scheduled to take the exam. You will be notified by email of the date, time and location for most exams. For some exams the on-line application and supplemental questionnaire package is the actual test.

What kind of examination will I have to take?
Examinations are based on actual job duties. Depending on the knowledge, skills and abilities required for these job duties, the examination may consist of one or more of the following: evaluation of your training and experience on the application/questionnaires, written tests, oral interviews, performance examinations.

How do I prepare for the test? What do I study?
All tests given by Compton USD are job-related and designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the functions of the job. Read the job description and general test content on the sub announcement, then study the material that you feel would directly or indirectly relate to the necessary knowledge, skills or abilities. For example, if two of the requirements for a job are performing mathematical calculations and interpreting regulations, some of the exam questions probably will cover math and reading comprehension.

If you may need reasonable accommodation at any phase of the application or testing process, please make your request for reasonable accommodation as described on the job announcement.

What happens after I take the examination?
You will be notified by email of the examination results. CUSD is looking for the highest qualified applicants. Pass/fail determinations and the final score will be based on the distribution of scores resulting from the evaluation/examination. The passing point also will be influenced by several factors, including the number and qualifications of applicants, the amount of turnover, the number of vacancies expected and the total number of positions authorized.

If you pass the evaluation/examination, your name will be placed on an eligibility list in order of your final score. Qualified candidates may then be referred to CUSD departments or school sites as vacancies occur.

If you receive notice that you are not successful in the process, don't be discouraged. All classified CUSD selection processes are highly competitive. Try again.

The departments review application materials for those candidates certified/referred from the top 3 ranks plus any employee transfer requests for their vacancy and then they schedule the selection interviews. The departments can hire any certified eligible candidates who they believe is the best qualified for the vacancy.

What is the examination review procedure?
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQ): If you are not invited to participate in the examination, you may discuss the reasons with the analyst. The MQ review period takes place during the first six (6) working days from the original date notices are emailed. MQ reviews are conducted at the Personnel Commission Office. To schedule a review appointment with the assigned analyst, please telephone (310) 639-4321 Extension 55054, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5 pm

For how long is the eligibility list good?
The life span of eligibility lists generally varies from one year to three years depending on many factors such as the number of candidates who are still interested in employment, the number of positions in the class, the number of current and anticipated vacancies, etc.

If you have a change of address, phone number or name, please contact the Personnel Commission Office in writing so we can update your records and the eligibility list.

Do I get bonus points if I am a veteran and/or disabled?
If you are a qualified veteran, additional points are added to your final score, if the exam is for an entry level class held on an open only basis and you submit a copy of your DD214 military papers prior to your passing the examination. If you pass and have indicated your status on your application materials, you then will receive five points if you are a veteran.

Yes additional points are added to your score if you are a disabled veteran. At least 30 days of active service in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Merchant Marine, or as a reserve on active duty with the Red Cross, between the dates:

• World War II (December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946)
• Korea (June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955)
• Vietnam (August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975)
• Persian Gulf War (August 21, 1990 to present)

What should I do if I am called for a selection interview?
Be sure that you know the

• time and place you should appear for the interview;
• phone number (important if you can't make it or an emergency occurs);
• name of person who contacted you;
• to whom you should report for the interview;
• how long the interview is scheduled to take; and
• the job for which you are considered.

Since an eligibility list may be used by more than one division or department, the Personnel Commission may not know who contacted you. It is important that you get the above information when contacted.

If you may need a reasonable accommodation in the interview, request it prior to the interview. Before the interview, review your application or resume and the job announcement. Be prepared to discuss how your training and/or work experience relates to the job for which you are interviewing.

During the interview, listen carefully to the questions. Your answers should cover everything your interview needs to know to evaluate you fairly.

What happens if I am selected?
For many jobs, offers are made pending the results of a fingerprinting/background investigation, physical and passing a tuberculosis test. In these cases, if you currently are working, DO NOT quit your current job until all required steps have been completed.

CUSD complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. If offered a job, before starting work with CUSD, you will be required to present identification and work authorization papers. The most common way to meet this requirement is your Social Security Card (also required under tax law) AND your driver's license or other state-issued photo identification card. Other papers identified in law or regulations are acceptable. All people hired will be required to complete and sign, under penalty of perjury, a U.S. Department of Justice Employment Eligibility form.

After you have been offered and accepted a job, be sure that you understand when and where you will be processed, when you will start, where and to whom you should report, and whether there are any other steps you should take before starting work. Be sure to get the telephone number of the person who contacted you in case you have further questions.

When you are selected for a regular position, your name is no longer considered active on the eligibility list for that job. Your name will remain on any other eligible lists for their specified eligibility periods.

CUSD complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a reasonable accommodation is needed on the job, the prospective employee, the hiring division or department, the Personnel Commission and Human Resources Services division will work together to explore possible reasonable accommodations.

What if I am not selected or not interviewed?
Our objective is to hire the best person for the job, so competition is keen. If you are not successful in getting a job immediately, your name will remain on the eligibility list for consideration for any other vacancies that occur until the list expires.

If you are not hired during that time, you must wait for another recruitment and reapply. It is a good idea to keep your final rank notice(s). This way you will know what eligibility lists you are on and when they expire. If you are unable to attend an interview, contact the interviewing department. Your name may be removed from the eligibility list if you fail to appear.

Do not be discouraged if you do not get a job offer the first time you apply. Try again. Sometimes, it may be a month or longer between steps in a process (application to test notice or test to final notice). We know this seems like a long time, but we want to evaluate everyone fairly and find the best person for the job. The time and effort are worth it; a job or career may be waiting for you!

Compton USD is an equal opportunity/reasonable accommodation employer
This means that CUSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. If you feel that you require any assistance in any stage of the application/examination process due to a disability, please contact the Personnel Commission office at (310) 639-4321 ext. 55054. All individuals are encouraged to compete for employment with the Compton USD.