The County of Orange offers exceptional opportunities for its employees to look within to meet their professional needs without having to change employers and subsequently lose service hours or change medical insurance. Comprised of 24 agencies and departments with thousands of job positions, the possibilities to try new disciplines and learn new trades are endless. Choosing Your Career Path.
- Research - Ask yourself what you want to do. If you don't know, think about what skills you're good at or what interests you.
- Review Agency and Departments' websites at www.ocgov.com and select the department from the quick jump menu at the top of the site.
- Find out detailed information about an agency or department by reading their business plan here.
- Contact the Human Resources Team here.
- Map out a plan - Once you've identified what you're interested in, find what the job is called at the County. Next, think about what you'd need to prepare for this position. What is required for education or experience?
- Education - Take advantage of formal and informal learning opportunities such as:
- The County's Educational and Professional Reimbursement Program
- Ask your supervisor about the Public Services Institute (PSI) training program or visit our training site.
- See if your Department/Agency has a training program.
- If you need to complete an internship for school, check out our volunteer site.
- Start memberships with related professional organizations.
- Subscribe to professional journals or web sites.
- Look for a mentor.
- Perform online training or blended training that includes online, in-person and other methods.
- Attend professional conferences or workshops.
- Experience - Job experience can include:
- A new or different project that stretches you beyond what you do everyday.
- Internships or volunteer experience
- Transfer to a newly established position or a place where you will serve a different client.
- Other jobs you've had that might incorporate transferable skills. If you have questions about what qualifies as a transferable skill, contact your Department/Agency Human Resources Team. You can find the contact information here.
- Online job opportunities - visit the HR recruitment web site to view open recruitments, set up an account and apply online here. Remember to fill out the online job interest card if you are interested in a position that is not currently advertised and wish to become informed when the position opens up.
- Prepare for the Interview - This is your chance to showcase your skills.
- Review the job bulletin and any resources included. Be prepared to explain how your experience relates to the competencies and requirements of the position you're after.
- Understand the recruitment process; the recruiter noted on the bulletin is your resource.
- Learn about the department(s) you are interviewing with. Check out the online agency directory here or read the department business plans here.
- Practice - Conduct a mock interview with a friend while video taping or recording your session. Remember to include:
- Greet the interviewer(s) with a warm smile and a handshake.
- Dress professionally.
- Anticipate what questions may be asked. Think about the questions you would ask if you were the interviewer.
- Make eye contact with the interviewers.
- Assume others do not know you or what you do.
- Understand that it's a competition.
- Be prepared with your own questions.
- Scope out the location prior to the interview to ensure you arrive on time.
- Remember to have fun.
