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Wisconsin’s Civil Service Exams Preparation & Tips – 2024

Online job tests practice

Working in Wisconsin

Known for its cheese, Wisconsin is one of the leading Dairy producers in the United States. Its economy is also supported by the production of ginseng, cranberries, and the manufacture of paper products. Wisconsin is divided into 72 counties, with some of the largest employers being the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and Milwaukee Public schools. The State of Wisconsin offers its employees a benefits package that includes:

  • Health and dental insurance coverage
  • Paid time off
  • Van-pool commuter program
  • Educational benefits program
  • Loan forgiveness programs

 

What Is Wisconsin’s Civil Service Hiring Process?

Application

Openings for Wisconsin civil service jobs are posted online. The State of Wisconsin website gives you the option of creating an online profile. By creating a profile, you are able to save your searches, save resumes, and receive job announcements. A profile will also give you the ability to fill out online applications for the jobs that require one. Not all positions have online applications available at this time. The State of Wisconsin requires a resume to be submitted with applications. Along with the resume, you will need to submit a cover letter. The cover letter serves an introduction, gives relevant details about your background and education, and gives you an opportunity to explain why you are a good fit for the job. Your resume and cover letter should emphasize the qualifications that are required for the position.

 

Wisconsin’s Civil Service Tests

Not all civil service positions in Wisconsin will require an exam. In earlier many exams were done away with in favor of resume-based hiring. Jobs that do require exams will give you instructions for how to register and testing dates on the job posting. There are several types of civil service exams given in Wisconsin.

  • Written Exam – There may be a multiple-choice test that will be used to measure your reading comprehension, vocabulary, memory, and mathematical skills.
  • Essay – This will be given to job-seekers who have applied to positions that require a great deal of communication through writing.
  • Objective Inventory Questionnaire This is a checklist given to determine a job-seekers experience.
  • Oral ExaminationTo test the oral communication skills of applicants who will be required to communicate verbally, some positions may require an oral examination.

Interview

Interviews for civil service positions in the State of Wisconsin will vary based on position. Some jobs will require a panel interview, with several department heads, and some will be one on one. Interviewers will ask about relevant job experience and your education and background. There may be some situational questions to gauge how you will respond to difficulties that may arise on the job.

 

How to Prepare for Wisconsin’s Civil Service Exams?

Civil service positions require very specific skill sets. Civil service tests are skills-based and are used to prove that the abilities you listed on your resume are on par with the requirements of the job.  When preparing to take the examinations, think about the skills that are most relevant to your position of choice, and focus on strengthening those. For example, if you have applied for a position that you know will require a great deal of interaction with the public, then working on your verbal skills will be necessary.  Applicants for clerical positions will need to practice their typing speed and accuracy. The civil service hiring process is extensive and can be time-consuming. Preparing for the tests, and making sure your skills are sharp will help ensure that your time was well spent.