CDCR hiring process

Giveback · Jan 9, 2014

Congratulations! I would think it meant you made it to the next level of the interview process and they might begin your reference and background check. My process took close to 3 months from the date of my first interview.

RN Rover · Jan 20, 2014

I applied to CDCR for RN position at Northern CA prison last February. I interviewed at end of March, got a job offer in June and didn't start as state employee until August 12. It takes a long time!!! hang in there though, sounds like you are moving along in right direction. Good luck. Ask me anything, I'm willing to share if I have info you can use.

Jeffreygbassett · Feb 8, 2014

Thanks Giveback & RNRover- I just got a call that yes, I am being offered a position. As your experience shows, I started the app process in July 2013, got an interview Nov. Looks like I'll start mid-March 2014. I've appreciated the support from y'all. :)

BrendonBarnett · Feb 12, 2014

I actually used to work in the CDCR Personnel office. In general the state hiring process is extremely slow. Just try to make sense of this:

https://www.jobs.ca.gov/

Most people get lost in the maze of requirements you have to meet just to apply (exam, application deadline, certification list, etc.). If your currently on "the list" for a nursing position, that just means you're eligible for the job. When someone tells you that they're "putting your name forward" don't assume that means anything. With the state process, you're not being considered until you get a call for an interview. You could wait a month for that call and never receive it. Typically departments are supposed to send a notification letter informing you that you were not selected as a potential candidate, but many don't because of the amount of applications they receive.

My advice:

Ask to speak to the hiring manager for that position. Typically the contact person is just clerical staff that organizes the applications.

Ask when interviews are being scheduled and if you could schedule your interview today.

Ask if there are any questions on your application/resume that needs clarification.

Ask if there are multiple positions that you could be considered for and if you need to submit a separate application for each position.

In general, continuously follow up and show your interest in the position(s). If you don't you are at the whim of state bureaucratic processes.

Mantibob · Mar 20, 2014

Wow _ great advice! Any additional advice? I was hoping there was a step-by-step guide. I would even consider hireing a job coach to help me walk thru the CA state prison hireing process. What do you think?

f1j1nurse23 · Mar 25, 2014

I took the online assessment first. Based on that's and the locations you pick to work, they send you letters of interest when a job opens. You fill out a std678 form I believe and send it in with everything else the job interest letter asks for. I had two interviews for two different nursing positions at a state prison today and I have another one tomorrow at a different state facility. Good luck on your application process.

hopefulkim99 · Jul 5, 2016

hi anyone still hanging around here care to share their experience working in the prison industry? And is there any talk about any more hirings? I'm still pre nursing, just wanting more insight into prison nursing. Thank you!

marcbn · Jan 24, 2018

Got called for an interview. What are my chances? What should I expect?

Hi everybody! I took the self assessment exam for the RN correctional Facility and passed and I ranked 2nd. To my surprise, I got a call after a few weeks and had a panel interview.

I've been waiting for about 2 weeks now, what do you guys think my chances are for getting a call back? I'm really hoping for this to work out because this is kind of my dream job.

Thanks everyone!,

M

CityofAngelsRN · Feb 1, 2018

Hi! Would you mind describing your work day? Are you assigned to a group of prisoners?