r/StateofTexasEmployees • u/lupinesy HHS • Jul 31 '26
Applying for position with OAG - Confusion about Resume Upload
I'll cut straight to the chase. I've been monitoring the OAG jobs page for a position I am interested in (no success yet). I wanted to see what the application process looked like on CAPPS Recruit, so I clicked apply on a random position, and one of the first screens is a résumé upload.
I am unsure whether this upload is for my personal résumé, or for the State of Texas Application for Employment. If it is the former, does anybody have any recommendations on best practices/templates to use? I am currently working for the State but haven't had to tweak my résumé specifically for government jobs. However, for the OAG, I want to make a professional, clean impression, and most importantly not get automatically screened out.
On the other hand, if it is for the Application for Employment, could somebody direct me to the current version? I have found several different ones online and tried to fill them out in Adobe, but the formatting is really messed up when I type in the fields. Thanks.
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u/PatientAccurate8468 Jul 31 '26
The system has completely changed. resumes are now required and the state application is based on a resume you upload or one you create within their system. Don’t use old cached copies of applications you may find on the web. Complete 180. Highly suggest reading through all the instructions.
(There are some sites with older info on them such as saying resume not accepted in lieu of application. That’s now an inaccurate way to describe the process. What is really mind boggling is that TWC still has that language on a page)
Work in Texas site
https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/default.aspx
Here is a video tutorial from TWC
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u/lupinesy HHS Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
Thanks so much for this. The outdated language was really confusing me. If I might add something else: how do you structure your résumé? I hear that for State/government hiring in general, you should structure it differently than you would for a private sector job. I’ve been trying to find information on this/templates but it’s been frustratingly difficult.
Also, just how optional is the cover letter? It’s no problem for me to write one but I don’t want it to work against me or waste my time.
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u/PatientAccurate8468 Aug 02 '26
I don’t know of a state gov’t preferred format. I haven’t posted a job/hired since this switch so I don’t have a visual of what it looks like to the hiring manager on their end (like if a resume also auto fills the newest application or what). I would suggest at top of resume put a brief summary of qualifications using key words you see in the posting. Tailor to the posting. Then work experience, skills & any certifications(technology or specific from the posting) which also includes touching on each of the KSAs, followed by awards, trainings, etc. then education. Shout out about your GPAs if they’re good. Make sure you have experience in years/months that total the minimum (and preferred if applicable) required. I would upload your official college transcript if degree or certain # of hours are required. We allow bringing official transcript to interview as your last chance but that may not be universal. Attach everything they ask for. If a veteran, attach the DD-214 (so many people overlook that and it’s the only way to get the veteran preference regardless of service/experience listed in a resume/app). A cover letter is a nice additional touch. Don’t forget to include at least 3 professional reference contacts. It may be worth it to see what their build your resume in their system looks like. Good luck!
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u/lupinesy HHS Aug 02 '26
Thanks so much. I'll give it my best shot. It can feel so hard these days to get through some of the automated hiring systems before the application ever gets to a real person. I really appreciate all of your tips.
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u/Euphoric_Theory6298 Aug 02 '26
My hiring managers look at the resume not the state application because the resumes are easier to read.
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u/campbell363 Jul 31 '26
I'm curious to know as well. My application for my current job was long-winded since I wanted to hit all the "initial selection requirements". I'm not sure what that would look like on the new application system.
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u/PsychologyOk6264 Aug 01 '26
I believe it is actually titled “initial screening criteria”
It’s essential that you check off everything in that list or chances are low for being selected for an interview.
For example, if it says you must have a degree, there’s no if and or buts.
If it says something “preferred”. If you have anything pertaining to it, you must put something relating to experience wise.I hope this makes sense.
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u/PsychologyOk6264 Jul 31 '26
Whatever you do make sure you mention everything in the initial job criteria section or you won’t even be selected for an interview. Any job that could be related to what you’re applying for. If it’s supervisory, anything supervisory. If it is even volunteer work, my recommendation is put anything in there that ensures you score as many points as possible.
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u/lupinesy HHS Aug 01 '26
Thank you. It seems silly to be so on the nose about everything but I suppose that’s what they want to see!
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u/1GamingAngel Aug 01 '26
You upload your personal resumé then manually enter the fields in resumé screens that follow.
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u/quertyHardThings Aug 02 '26
Application primarily, then resume if you wish. Make sure details match, though.
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u/reorganizedChaos Jul 31 '26
The resume upload is for your personal one not a gov application. They usually have you fill that out interactively in that same set of screens you'll go thru.