Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Technology & Email

What device should I use to apply?

Use a computer or laptop for the best experience. Libraries and Alabama Career Centers offer computer access.

You must have an email to create an account. Free providers include Google, iCloud, Outlook, and Yahoo.

You may already have a NeoGov account through another government agency or educational institution. Use the same username and password, or click “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” to recover access.

Use the recovery links on the login screen. State Personnel cannot access or reset usernames or passwords. Reset emails may take time depending on your email provider—check your spam folder. See additional help and support here.

Only NeoGov can unlock your account. Call them at 855‑524‑5627.

You may upload files in PDF, DOC/DOCX, TXT, RTF, JPG/JPEG, TIF/TIFF, or PNG formats.

Creating & Managing Your Account

How do I create an account?

Go to the State Personnel Career Page, click “Sign In,” then “Create One.” Keep your username and password for future use.

You can also create an account when you apply for a job posting.

No. You only need an account when you apply.

From the Career Page, sign in, click your name in the top right, then choose “Profile” or “Account Settings.” You can update contact information, education, and work history at any time. You cannot change a submitted application.

No. Shared accounts can cause errors and may interfere with test scores and notifications. Everyone must have their own unique account.

The attachments that you submitted are a part of the application itself. To access your submitted applications, log in to your account. Look for your name in the top right corner of the screen. Click the drop down menu and choose Applications.

Finding Jobs & Getting Alerts

How do I know which jobs I qualify for?

Check the “Minimum Qualifications” listed in each job posting. Review the entire posting carefully before applying.

You can visit State Personnel’s Career Page. Using the Menu at the top left hand side, you can sign up for alerts by specific job titles using the Class Specifications or by Job Category using the Job Alerts.

Applying for a Job

How long do I have to apply?

Each posting lists a closing date unless it remains open continuously. Continuous postings may close at any time.

Go to the Career Page, open a job posting, and click “Apply.” Your account stores your information for future applications or you may already have an account with available information.

No. You must submit an application for each job. You may also set Job Alerts for future openings.

  • Make sure you meet minimum qualifications
  • Provide complete details on your experience and training
  • Upload required documents
  • Answer supplemental questions thoroughly and clearly
  • Review your application before submitting
  • You cannot edit your application after submission

Supplemental questions help show whether you meet the job’s qualifications and can affect your place on the eligible list. You must answer all of them completely and clearly. Incomplete or unclear answers may lower your ranking or disqualify your application.

Yes. The system autosaves. Return through your account under “Incomplete.” Submit before the closing date.

You will get a confirmation email within minutes. Check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it.

Yes. But you can submit only one application per posting.

A resume, if attached, will not be considered in the evaluation process for placement on the eligible list.  Only education and work experience documented in the appropriate sections of the completed application will be reviewed for qualification and evaluation purposes.

The job posting will let you know if a transcript is required for the application. If a transcript is needed, it can be uploaded as you complete the online application.

No, though some jobs require residency after hiring. Check each posting.

Log in anytime to check the status of your applications or call State Personnel at 334‑242‑3389 if you still have questions.

A brief definition is given to explain the status updates that you may see on your account:

Application received – We’ve received your application and will begin reviewing it soon.

Evaluating qualifications – Our team is reviewing your education and experience to confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.

Assessment of education and experience – We’re taking a closer look at how your education and experience match the job’s qualifications.

Self‑scheduling available – You can now choose your testing date, time, and location.

Schedule notices sent – We’ve emailed you the details of your scheduled test date and time.

Exam/interview being scored – You’ve completed the exam/interview, and your results are now being evaluated.

Eligible for consideration – You have met the requirements and are now on the list of eligible candidates.

Referred to hiring manager – We’ve forwarded your application to the hiring manager for further review.

Selection Process

What happens after I apply?

State Personnel reviews your application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications. If you qualify, your application may be evaluated or scored, or you may be required to complete another type of examination or assessment. Eligible applicants are then forwarded to the hiring agency, which decides whom to interview and hire.

You may call 334-242-3389 to speak with a staff member. Please keep in mind that SPD can only review the information included in your application at the time it is submitted. Resumes, if attached, are not reviewed or evaluated by SPD for minimum qualifications or scoring purposes. Any additional details provided after submission generally cannot be considered.

Bands group applicants with similar qualifications or test scores. Band 1 is considered first, then Band 2, etc. Everyone in the same band is treated equally. Bands may vary in size depending on scores. Experience alone does not guarantee a higher band.

Exams

When are in‑person exams held?

Qualified applicants will receive an email with dates, times, and locations.

Qualified applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to self-schedule. You can choose the location, day and time that are most convenient for you.

You can self‑schedule for both exams; however, you must ensure that you select two separate exam slots—one for each exam. If the schedule does not allow for this, you should contact State Personnel for assistance.

No. Your most recent score is always used.

The State of Alabama is committed to ensuring a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process for all applicants. Individuals with disabilities or special needs may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or examination process.

Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Coordinator for Special Testing at the State Personnel Department at (334) 242‑3389.

Eligible Lists

What is an eligible list?

All qualified applicants are placed on an eligible list. Hiring agencies request a “referral list” when filling vacancies.

The top ten qualified candidates (including ties) who are available are sent to the hiring agency.

Your position may shift as applicants are added, removed, or hired. Your score does not change.

This process is determined by the hiring agency and may vary from one agency to another. Once the hiring agency receives the referral list, they decide how candidates will be selected for interviews, when interviews will be scheduled, and any other steps in their hiring process. Hiring managers are not required to interview or consider every individual on the referral list.

Employment

I’ve been for my interview. Now what happens?

The hiring manager is responsible for selecting the candidate for the vacancy. After interviews are completed, the hiring manager or hiring agency will contact applicants to share the outcome. If you have questions about the hiring decision, please reach out to the individual(s) who interviewed you.

Not necessarily. Notification is up to the hiring agency’s discretion though State Personnel encourages notification.

E‑Verify is a program run by the U.S. government that helps employers confirm that employees are authorized to work in the United States. It works by comparing the information you provide on your Form I‑9 with records from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

Military/Veteran Preference (MVP)

How do I qualify for and receive military or veteran’s preference?

Learn more on our Military/Veterans’ Preference page.

Military and Veterans’ Preference provides eligible veterans, service members, and certain spouses additional points in the hiring process. Eligible applicants receive 5 or 10 extra points depending on their service and documentation. Eligibility is based on honorable service, service‑connected disability status, and specific family circumstances such as being a spouse of an active‑duty member, a veteran, or a deceased service member. Required documentation varies by category to confirm eligibility, and remarried surviving spouses are not eligible.

Glossary of Terms for Job Applicants

Account

Your personal login profile used to apply for State Personnel jobs. You must use your own account—sharing accounts can cause errors.

A group of applicants with similar qualifications or test scores. Band 1 is considered first, Band 2 next, and so on. All applicants in the same band are treated equally.

The State Personnel career page website where you view postings, create an account, apply for jobs, and check your application status.

The deadline to submit an application. Some postings have a set closing date; “open until filled” postings may close at any time.

A list of all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for a job. Hiring agencies select interview candidates from this list.

Part of the application review process where your work history and education/training are assessed.

Some jobs require an in-person test. Qualified applicants are emailed test dates, times, and locations.

The state department or office that interviews and selects candidates for a posted job.

Optional notifications you can sign up for to be informed when certain job titles or job categories open.

(insert link to Job Alerts)

The required education, experience, training, and certifications for a job. You must meet these to be considered.

The section in your account where you update your contact information, education, work history, and other details.

The list of candidates (usually the top ten including ties) sent to the hiring agency using the Rule of Ten.

Questions in the application that help determine whether you meet job qualifications.