Job Search Support


We recognize that this is a difficult transition, and we want to provide resources that may assist you as you begin exploring next steps. This page includes helpful information such as application and résumé tips, links to current County job openings, and general guidance on navigating the job search process.


Opportunities at the County of San Luis Obispo


Local Opportunities


Personalized Career Development & Exploration

Sign up for career counseling, skills training, and job-search resources. In addition, impacted employees will be contacted directly by a Rapid Response Career Coach who will be available to provide personalized support for career exploration. Enroll online at: slocalcareers.org

Application Tips & Tricks

The application is not only a requirement for any job opportunity, it is also your first opportunity to share your experience and qualifications with the hiring department. While we would love to interview every candidate who applies, the application and supplemental materials are often used to determine which candidates will move forward in the application process. Use this opportunity to demonstrate how you not only meet the minimum qualifications but are the best fit for the position.  

  1. Before beginning your application, thoroughly review the job posting and job description. Pay attention to any special requirements, you may be asked to provide references or answer supplemental questions. 

  1. Check that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, these will be listed in the job posting and job descriptions. Remember that there are multiple ways that a candidate might meet the minimum qualifications, even if you don’t have the exact experience described, your unique combination of education and experience might qualify you. 

  1. Be thorough. Include your entire relevant job history and detail your job duties in each individual position you’ve held.  Include job experience where you may have gained transferrable skills. Although it may seem redundant, please include your work history in both the application and your resume.  Do not reference your resume as an alternative to listing job duties. 

  1. If you’ve held multiple positions within one place of employment, please list each position as separate work experiences. Use this as an opportunity to show how your career has progressed and how you’ve gained new skills.  

  1. Review supplemental questions and write your responses prior to beginning your application.  

  1. Be specific when including education history, your major and/or minor might matter! 

  1. Upload supporting documents (I.e. Resume, Cover Letter, Etc.) as PDF documents. 

  1. Include all applicable licenses and certifications in the Certificates and Licenses section of the application. 

  1. Include professional honors, awards, trainings, volunteer experience, and other relevant information in the Additional Information section of the application.  

  1. Include languages spoken and any other relevant skills in the Skills sections of the application. If you indicate that you are bilingual or multilingual, be prepared to be tested for proficiency in the language(s) you listed. 

  1. Include professional references, the hiring manager may conduct a reference check prior to a job offer being made.  

  1. If you are a Veteran, you may be eligible for Veteran’s credits.  For more information, contact the County Veterans Services Office at (805) 781-5766.  

  1. Plan to have your application submitted prior to the deadline, just in case you run into technical issues during the application process. 

 

While not a requirement, a strong resume can help you add clarity to your application and further highlight your relatable skills. 

  1. Focus on highlighting skills you possess that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This can also include volunteer experience.   

  1. Tailor your resume to each position you are applying for. 

  1. Think beyond your job duties, what skills have you developed?  

  1. Be clear and concise. Attempt to capture the reader’s attention in the first 16-17 seconds.  

  1. Keep resume should be no more than 2 pages in length 

  1. Provide an overview of your accomplishments that supplements your application.

  1. Proofread. Have someone else read over your resume prior to submission. 

  1. Maintain consistent formatting. Formatting should be professional and easy to read.   

Additional Resources:

  1. The Cover Letter is an opportunity for you to communicate to the hiring manager why you are interested in the position and what makes you the best fit. 

  1. Focus on skills that set you apart. 

  1. If your skills are not directly related, focus on your transferrable skills.  Draw a connection between the skills you possess and the duties of the job. 

  1. Remain positive and enthusiastic about the position. 

  1. Write succinct paragraphs that are easy to follow.   

  1. Your cover letter should be no more than one page in length. 

  2. Proofread.  Have someone else read over your cover letter prior to submission. 

  3. Avoid cliches. Saying “I’m a fast learner” or “I think outside the box” are important skills, but you will sound like 95% of the other applicants.  Try to find a unique way to set you apart.  

Additional Resources: