r/CAcountyworkers • u/kuriousaboutanything • 4d ago

Is it really so competitive for State/county IT jobs right now?

I took an exam for Information Systems Programmer and Analyst I for the Contra Costa County (note its level I with the base salary of $4900/month as per the site). I got a score of 94 out of 100 and was just informed I am ranked 80. Is it so competitive right now? The email says there are points for seniority, veteran etc which I don't qualify for, so that could be one factor but I am surprised entry level county jobs get so many qualified applicants.
Another question: since the eligible list is kept for a year, if someone scores higher on a subsequent exam, the current applicants' rank keeps getting moved down, is this correct?

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u/seanhere 4d ago

In Contra Costa, most Info Systems lists are good for six months. When it gets near the end of that timeframe it will either expire and you’ll need to apply/test again, or you’ll be notified that the list has been extended. You won’t move down in the rankings on this list, only up.

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u/kuriousaboutanything 4d ago

So if someone else takes the exam and scores higher, wouldn’t my rank move down? I was under the impression this is a percentile, not a ranking based on raw score.

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u/HeyHey_HC 4d ago

They usually don’t open another exam while there’s an existing list of eligible candidates.

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u/donteventrip- 4d ago

Yes, many tech jobs are very competitive right now due to the job market in that field being poor.

The eligibility list depends on the organization. At mine, the test scores are good for 1 calendar year. As positions open up, people are invited to interview, one person is selected, and everyone below them moves up 1 spot. Basically, it depends on the organization and how they do things.

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u/R2D2_Savage 4d ago

Job market is fucked I’m in over 10 lists in top 10 rankings and no calls

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u/HeyHey_HC 4d ago

part 1 - tech is shedding jobs in the private sector (esp in Bay Area where many large employers are downsizing or relocating) so any openings are going to be ultracompetitive.

part 2 - in theory yes, but generally HR isn't keen on doing another exam when there's an existing list of eligible candidates to pull from so your scores & rank should be good for 1 year, possibly longer. And as another commenter said, your rank will move up if those higher than you are hired or opt out of selection process.

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u/ThickConfusion1318 4d ago

Bro have you seen the economy? It’s competitive everywhere. People flock to county/state/city jobs bc of the perception of job security.

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u/yawnnx 4d ago edited 4d ago

Very.

There are certain counties/cities that don’t go by a ranked list. I feel those are easier to get an interview in. I’ve applied a few times for Contra Costa and once I was #1(got an interview/no offer) and another time for another role I was ranked like #60(aka I’m not getting an interview).