Guide to Applying for

Rhode Island State Government Jobs

(Please note, the Diversity Office is currently working on the Talent Bank (TB) project, which will be released in the future for the purpose of matching your entry with job openings in Rhode Island State Government and referring you for those openings commensurate with your qualifications.)

How to apply

This page contains a lot of information. Read it all carefully. Studying this page will make you more likely to get an interview, should governmental preference rules for upward mobility not fill the vacancy. If you can, print out this page and keep it by you while you are writing your application.

Remember, applying for RI State Government (RISG) jobs is different to applying for a private sector job elsewhere. Merit System laws, union contracts and State personnel rules govern state employment.

Get information

You increase your prospects for employment with State service if you take the following steps:

• Read the job advertisement carefully


• All RISG job advertisements list ‘selection criteria' online at the www.diversity.ri.gov website, under JOBS, view State Jobs. The selection criteria describe the skills, knowledge and experience needed to do the job.


• Advertisements also have a brief description of the job, the name of the contact person, an address and a closing date for applications. Click on the title and a job spec shall appear.


• Read the advertisement and make a note of anything you don't understand so you can ask questions. Keep a copy of the advertisement for future use.

Get the information online

Open recruitment notices online at www.diversity.ri.gov and click the Jobs button. You can view State Jobs, and select the vacancy that you are interested in. Click on the listed vacancy. You shall see a detailed description of the duties of the job, plus any other documents, if any, (such as an organization chart, special requirements or instructions if applicable). This information will help you determine whether you are qualified and will help you in filling out your application.

Telephone the person listed on the Job Advertisement for questions

If you have questions, you can get more information about the job by phoning the person named in the Job advertisement. Speak to them after you read the information so your questions will be more relevant. Speaking to the appropriate person will help you decide whether to apply for the job, and what to emphasize in your application.

Other information

Get as much extra information as you can to write a good application. If possible, search the Internet, visit the agency's library or talk to people who work in similar areas. This will give you a better idea of the workplace.

Write your application

You need to apply in writing to the agency advertising the job. It is important to prepare a good application, as it will be used to decide whether you get an interview. A good application shows why you are the best person for the job and how your skills, knowledge and experience match the selection criteria. It contains:

• A brief cover letter (optional),
• Your reason for interest in the position,
• Your resume, and/or A completed job application form. (Take the application from this site and make it available by clicking the State of Rhode Island Job application (Note: Acrobat Reader is needed). Please print a copy to fill out and mail.

You must apply for a specific position to be considered an applicant. Otherwise, your application will be kept on file, subject to inquiries for specifically qualified personnel.

You apply for the position to show the selection panel that you have the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to do the job. You need to write a specific resume and/or cover letter for each job that you apply for in the RISG Public Sector.

Make a separate heading for each selection criterion. For each one, describe your skills, knowledge and experience and show how they could be used in the job. Emphasize your major achievements. Use positive language, for example: ‘In my current role I take responsibility for...' is better than ‘I have limited experience in...'

Your resume

Prepare a résumé (that is, curriculum vitae), which is clear, concise, and up-to-date and includes:

•  Personal details

•  Education and training

•  Employment history (name of organization, period of employment, job title, major duties and responsibilities, main achievements)

•  Skills/experience gained outside of paid work

•  Contact details for two references, including complete phone and fax numbers and whether an interpreter is needed.

Ideally, your references will be able to comment on your recent work performance. If you can, give them a copy of the job advertisement.

A job application form is available online. Complete this form and enclose it with your cover letter that indicates the position that you are applying for. Download a standard job application form (note: not all agencies use this version). Unless you are told differently, the CS14 can be used.

If you have any questions, call the person indicated on the specific Job Advertisement notice at the designated phone number. This individual is the best prepared to respond to your inquiries. The Diversity Office may be called at 401-222-2222, if you are unsuccessful in reaching the specific agency representative.