
With jobs in scarce supply, students need all the help they can get.
On Nov. 8 Jodi Travasaro a statewide learning and performance officer, held an event at City College to educate students and staff on how to find state jobs. Her two-hour lecture was full of tips and advice on how to “think professionally,” Travasaro said repeatedly.
Travasaro started her lecture by asking everyone to create a professional atmosphere, hoping one day it would soon become a familiar feeling.
“I was proud about the turn out,” said Poonam Kelkar, coordinator and job services student personnel assistant (SPA). “Students can learn a lot from Travasaro because of her experience in the workforce.”
Travasaro told her own personal story of how she was able to obtain a state job. She described the steps she took and the mistakes she made.
“It’s all a game for the best and the brightest to win and standout,” Travasaro said.
Travasaro emphasizes standing out and being able to outshine others. Her six simple steps for getting hired at a state job were the following:
1. Log onto SPB.CA.GOV register and complete the application
2. Get on a list
3. Search for job openings
4. Apply and take exams
5. Go to a hiring interview
6. Accept the position
Travasaro said that these steps were the steps she herself took to obtain a state job and that the website is used by all California Departments looking for employees.
“I put the event together because I wanted to give students tools and resources,” Kelkar said. “I hope everyone walked away with more knowledge than they came in with.”
Travasaro also said getting a foot in the door is very vital.
“Know what your applying for but don’t be afraid to accept a job you’re not happy with,” Travasaro said.
Some more crucial steps that will ultimately help people find jobs in the state department, Travasaro believes, are knowing what you’re talking about, being professional, selling yourself to the companies and being positive at all times.
“The jobs are yours. You just need to go get them,” Travasaro said.
For more information about state jobs, go to http://spb.ca.gov/index.htm?e=1.