New guide shares Delaware government career advice

A new, free online guide can help applicants for Delaware state jobs navigate the complicated government employment system and maximize their chances of landing an interview.

The insights come from résumé coach Dan Shortridge, who drew on six years as a state government hiring manager to write the step-by-step handbook.

“Applying for a state job isn’t like anything in the private sector. I wanted people who may struggle with the application to have a better chance at success,” said Shortridge. “There are plenty of people who are highly qualified but don’t even get an interview because they don’t understand the quirks of the state jobs system.”

The online guide can be found at resultsresumes.org/statejobs; it includes an explanation of the hiring process, strategies for finding the best job match, and examples of how to complete the application questionnaire – a critical part that gets many people stuck. It also walks readers through the screening process and offers practical tips on acing a state interview.

Delaware state jobs can be highly competitive, with some 58,000 people applying each year for about 2,700 openings. However, close to 30 percent of jobs have fewer than 10 people applying, according to state human resources data.

Staffing needs will be increasing as current employees age. About a third of State of Delaware employees are eligible to retire within five years, while about 12 percent could retire and walk out the door tomorrow, according to the most recent state statistics.

“As a former state employee and hiring manager, I know the process can be intimidating and confusing. I hope this guide smooths the path for some people,” said Shortridge.

The guide also features an explanation of how state salary bands work. “This is one of the most confusing parts of the state jobs system: The pay range that’s advertised often isn’t the range that will be offered. Very few people will be offered salaries at or above the midpoint,” said Shortridge. “Candidates should understand the potential pay before they invest their time in applying.”

Many state jobs are underpaid compared to the private sector, but state leaders are working to increase salaries, and the excellent benefits, pension plan, and job security can make up for that, Shortridge said.