Now that you’ve made decision to pursue a career in the State of North Carolina, you may be asking the simple question: How do I actually get a job? Here are a few tips and guidelines to keep in mind once you are ready to get started, including FAQs for Executive Order 158 (Fair Chance Hiring).
Apply
First things first, you must apply for a job with us. Applying for job openings has never been easier with our online job application system. Visit our site and create your online account profile. Once you have created your account you can quickly and easily apply for any position listed on our job board.
Job Alerts
The job board is updated daily. Rather than spending all your time looking at the job openings every day, you can set up job alerts. Job alerts will automatically email you each time a position opens in the desired categories of your choice.
Executive Order 158 - FAQs
Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 158 to implement fair chance policies at state agencies to increase employment opportunities for people with criminal records.
- Can an agency ask me for permission to conduct a background check for a position to which I have applied?
Yes, state agencies may request your permission to conduct a background check; however, such background checks or inquiries into an applicant’s criminal history are prohibited until after the completion of an initial job interview. Also, state employment decisions cannot be based on the criminal history of an individual unless that criminal history is demonstrably job-related and consistent with business necessity associated with the position, or if state or federal law prohibits hiring an individual with certain criminal convictions for a particular position.
- Will I be able to see the results of my background check?
Yes, unless prohibited by state or federal law, if a State Agency obtains a copy of your criminal record during a background check, the State Agency will provide you with a copy of your criminal background check and a copy of “A Summary of Your Rights Under Fair Credit Reporting Act”.
- Will I be allowed a chance to explain the circumstances surrounding a relevant conviction?
Yes, State agencies will allow an applicant with a criminal record a reasonable opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding their relevant conviction(s) and provide any proof of rehabilitation, including a certificate of relief.
Complete the Application in its Entirety
In order to receive qualifying credit for all your work history and credentials, applicants must complete his/her entire work history and education on the application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of an application and “See Resume” is not acceptable. Any information omitted from the actual application will not be considered for qualifying credit. It is OK to attach a resume, but make sure all pertinent information is listed on the application form.
Read the Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Section
Each job listing has a “Minimum Education and Experience Requirements” section. Pay careful attention to this section because if your application does not clearly document that you meet these minimum requirements, your application will not be considered for that job. Only the most qualified applications are referred to the hiring manager.
Fine Tune Your Application to Each Specific Job
Make sure you thoroughly read the entire job listing. It is always a good practice to make sure you clearly list and highlight the knowledge, skills and abilities/competencies that make you a strong fit for this specific open position.
Proofread
A great way to get your application passed over by a hiring manager is to have numerous spelling and grammatical errors. Double check your application before submitting and even better, have someone else proofread it for errors.
Sell Yourself
Be assertive. You are competing against possibly hundreds of other applicants. The best way to sell yourself is to focus on the strengths you possess and minimize your weaknesses. Give the hiring manager a reason why he/she needs you and would be making a mistake if you are not selected for the job.
Do Not Falsify Any Information
Be truthful about your work experience, education, and other information. The State of North Carolina verifies application information and if any information is determined to be false, your job offer can be rescinded or if you are already employed, you can be dismissed.