*Please follow all instuctions. This will be the only tool used to detremine your final score and rank on the eligibility for this position.*
PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the Standard State Application (STD.678), you must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with direct responses to the statements below. In your SOQ, address each statement using specific examples of your education, training, and experience. Within the responses, be sure to include specific information regarding your background, knowledge, skills, and abilities. DO NOT provide a single, narrative response, as each SOQ prompt must be addressed separately for consideration. Each response must be numbered and include the full text of the question before each individual response to clearly indicate for which question you are responding (i.e.: first provide a complete and independent response to Prompt #1, then a complete and independent response to Prompt #2, etc.).
The SOQ must be typed, single-spaced, in font size 11 or larger, and no more than six (6) pages in length. Applicants who fail to submit the SOQ as instructed and/or fail to submit all the required documents may be eliminated from the examination process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.
Respond directly to the following SOQ prompts:
1. Describe your knowledge of and experience with the organization and function of California State Government, including the organization and functions of the Executive Branch and the Legislature, the state civil service system, budget processes, and the roles, responsibilities, and function of elected constitutional officers.
2. What is your experience in managing a business organization to create a positive, customer service-oriented work environment that sets and achieves measurable goals, values growth and initiative at all levels, encourages input from everyone in the organization, and recognizes individual and group achievements?
3. Describe your experience in understanding and leading a unit or organization in politically sensitive situations. Provide a specific example demonstrating your ability to function and collaborate effectively with the various interests that might be engaged in such situations. Examples of such interests might include elected office holders or their staff, executive managers (who may or may not be in your chain of command), professional staff, program staff, public interest groups, or the public.
4. Describe a specific situation in which you were required to use effective communication skills – either orally, in writing, or both – to communicate challenging issues or information to a senior or executive audience. What tactics did you use in communicating the necessary information? How did you tailor your presentation to reflect the diversity or divergent viewpoints of your audience, if at all? How did you address potential risks or trade-offs? How did you present your conclusion and recommendations?
5. Describe your experience in identifying, evaluating, and developing plans and strategies to address the current and emerging business needs of an organization, including implementing plans and strategies to address those needs moving forward. How did you measure the success of your efforts?
6. Describe your knowledge of and experience with working with multiple-member bodies such as boards, commissions, or committees, including working with individual members and appearing before such bodies. Describe your knowledge of and experience with working on issues involved in legislative hearings or the state or federal courts.
You must provide specific information which demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of this position.
