Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Washington State College Recruitment Program*

What is it?

The College Recruitment Program (CRP) offers a simple streamlined hiring process enabling prompt job offers to qualified candidates for entry-level professional positions within the state government. Appointing authorities of government agencies select candidates for specific positions within eight broad classifications.

There are five classifications at the Bachelor’s degree level. They are:

1. 1. General Studies
2. 2. Business and Finance
3. 3. Social Services
4. 4. Natural Sciences
5. 5. Computer and Engineering Technology

There are three classifications at the Master’s degree level. They are:

1. 1. Social Services
2. 2. Business and Finance
3. 3. Natural Sciences

Candidates who are hired through the CRP are trained for promotional opportunities.

Who's eligible for the CRP?

Any state employee or college candidate who has a Bachelor's or Master's degree; or is within one year of receiving a degree and is enrolled full-time in the program. Although most recruiting will be targeted at recent and soon-to-be graduates, all eligible applicants may apply. Candidates cannot be hired in a permanent position until the degree is obtained.

When are applications accepted?

Any eligible applicant may apply at any time throughout the year. However, usually state agencies identify specific staffing needs and initiate targeted searches to support these needs.

How do I apply?

First, determine the appropriate classification level for your degree- Bachelor's or Master's. Contact the Department of Personnel or refer to the website at http://hr.dop.wa.gov/bulletins/crp.htm for assistance with this step. Next, choose the CRP title that best matches your major or area of study. For example, if an applicant has a double major in Social Sciences and Business Administration, the applicant would qualify for both eligibility lists.

Applicants who apply by mail must complete a Washington State application and the appropriate test questionnaire. The completed application and test questionnaire should be mailed to:

Department of Personnel
ATTN: College Recruitment Program
Box 47500
Olympia, WA 98504-7500

The CRP test questionnaire also can be administered in the form of an oral interview test by a participating agency. Interview responses are scored and mailed to the Department of Personnel by the agency.

How long does the process take?

When agencies actively recruit and administer interview exams, applicants typically receive results at the end of the interview or within a few days. Unsolicited applicants who complete and send in the checklist questionnaire test can expect to receive their results within a couple of weeks, depending on the mailing time. Applicants who pass the test are placed on the CRP eligibility list/register.

How do I get an interview?

Once on the eligibility list, applicants should contact state agencies directly, through their human resource offices. Applicants can ask for an informational interview to find out about the agency, its employment needs and their hiring plans. Remember that agencies will seek out candidates around their hiring needs. Not all applicants are interviewed.

Are employee benefits the same under the CRP?

Yes, benefits are the same under CRP as in other state positions, and some are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Salary levels for these classifications are comparable to other entry-level professional classifications. As with other classified employees, CRP appointees gain permanent status after serving a probationary or trial service appointment. Once hired through the CRP, there is a six-month probation period for new and promotional employees.

Who do I contact for more information regarding the CRP?

For general information on the CRP and other employment opportunities within Washington State government, please call:

The Washington State Department of Personnel
Customer Service Desk 360-753-5368
The Job Line
Olympia 360-586-0545
Seattle 206-464-7378
Spokane 509-456-2889
TTY 360-664-0389

Remember, the CRP is one of many avenues to state employment. Applicants are encouraged to apply and test for non-CRP positions as well as CRP positions. Due to the nature of the CRP program, it is highly recommended that applicants continue to contact agencies directly.

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