Application Tips
Applying for a position is an important step in your career journey, and taking the time to prepare a strong application can make a meaningful difference. The information below is designed to help guide you through the application process and provide practical tips to ensure your materials are complete, clear, and aligned with the job you are seeking.
From preparing your documents and reviewing the job announcement, to completing the application and following up after submission, these tips will help you present your qualifications effectively and avoid common mistakes. We encourage applicants to review these suggestions carefully before starting their application to help ensure a smooth and successful application experience.
- Review application requirements and be sure to give yourself sufficient time to complete you application.
- Gather all of your application materials: resume, transcripts, cover letter etc. Pay attention to the deadline date.
- Study the job description in its entirety: read the job description and minimum qualifications carefully.
- Identify key words in the job description and tailor your resume accordingly.
- Write an original cover letter – be specific to accomplishments and skills. It should not be a re-write of the application or resume. Let it showcase your personality, qualifications and desire for the job.
- Prepare professional references and alert references beforehand.
- Research the institution/organization/hiring department.
- Ensure that your transcripts are complete, listing your name, degree title and degree conferral date.
- If applicable, have international transcripts evaluated by a NACES agency prior to applying. We recommend a detailed evaluation that includes course listings, however, general evaluations are accepted as well. Explore vendors at: www.naces.org
- Apply to your selected job, then create or log in to your Government Jobs Account. If you have trouble logging in, call the Applicant Support Line at (855)-524-5627.
- Don’t sell yourself short and don’t assume the employer will know what you do. “Connect the dots” for them.
- Follow directions and provide accurate information in each tab.
- On competency-based questions – give examples and don’t be vague.
- Employers seek organized materials, refined writing, and confidence (not arrogance). Candidates need to demonstrate suitability by giving short, positive answers that are grammatically correct and free of errors. Embrace the notion of “quality over quantity”.
- Do not put “References or transcripts available upon request”.
- Don’t list attachments as numbers ex. IMG_4020.jpg. Title them so it is clear to the screeners/panel. If you have many files, then consider merging them rather than uploading them all individually.
- Fill out all fields in the application and do not put "Refer to CV or resume".
- Refrain from providing attachments that are not listed under required application materials.
- Keep it relevant – add information that is most relevant to the job for which you are applying.
- Make sure employment history is in the correct order.
- Your degree title should match your transcripts. Do not list your degree level (Eg: Bachelor's, Master's) within the Major section.
- Take your time; if possible, save your work and finish the application in multiple sessions to keep your mind fresh.
- Review your application for errors. Submitted applications cannot be modified.
- Avoid re-submitting your application multiple times.
- Make sure application contents are consistent with your CV/resume.
- Ensure that you’ve attached everything that is required.
- Ask someone to read your application and application materials before you submit it.
- Do I understand the job description, qualifications and know about the organization?
- Do I meet the required selection criteria?
- Am I a good fit for the job?
- What key words and phrases are in the job description?
- Can I improve my CV/resume or cover letter to make it through the application screening and selection process?
- Does my CV/resume clearly show how I qualify and add value to the organization?
- Have I made it clear how I differentiate myself from other similar candidates?
- Have I followed the application instructions specified in the job announcement?
- Check your email often.
- Make sure you add the employer to your “acceptable emails” so they don’t go to spam.
- If you update your contact information, inform the employer right away.
- If you need to call about your application, prepare your questions beforehand and have your name and the job number (Eg: CL25-01234, AC26-04321) associated with the job announcement on hand.
For a complete guide on how to apply, refer to our "How to Apply - A Visual Guide" handout!
What is a job Interest Card?
By filling out a job interest card, you will be notified when any position you are interested in for Rancho Santiago Community College District becomes available. Subscriptions expire after 12 months. You will be sent a reminder email 11 months from your subscription to give you an opportunity at that time to extend your notifications for another year.
- Step 1: Use the QR code above or visit our webpage: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rsccd
Use the "Menu" button in the top left-hand corner to be taken to our "Job Interest Cards" webpage. - Step 2: Place a check in the box next to each job category for which you would like to receive email notifications; click the "Subscribe" button.
- Step 3: Fill out your information, and then click the "Submit" button.
- Step 4: Click on the confirmation link within your email to complete your sign up.
- Step 5: To view your current subscriptions, revisit the "Job Interest Cards" webpage and click "My Subscriptions". You will be emailed with a link containing your current subscriptions as well as their expiration dates.
State law and District policy require that all "new hire" employees be fingerprinted and cleared before processing their assignment is considered complete. All fingerprints taken are screened by the Department of Justice. FBI screening is required for all employees.
Livescan Facilities Listing
Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. Employees must be prepared to present original and unexpired documents to their worksite personnel office.
Add emphasis on 2 week timeline and urgency
In accordance with California Education Code §87408.6, all community college employees must provide verification that they are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB) as a condition of employment.
Prior to your start date, you are required to complete the School Staff & Volunteers: Tuberculosis Risk Assessment form (TCB-01) and obtain certification from a licensed health care provider. Based on your responses and your provider’s medical evaluation, additional testing (such as a TB skin test or chest x-ray) may be required before clearance can be issued.
Official clearance documentation must be submitted to Human Resources in order to satisfy this pre-employment requirement. Employees are encouraged to retain copies of all documentation for their personal records.
As a condition of employment with Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD), all employees must review and acknowledge key District Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.
These include, but are not limited to, the Policy Against Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, Substance Abuse in the Workplace Policy, and Mandated Reporter requirements
Electronic acknowledgment of these policies is required through the onboarding process, and compliance is a continuing condition of employment. For questions, please contact the Human Resources Division.