DCED Employment FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about DCED Job Opportunities

What does MET stand for?

Minimum Experience and Training (MET). This is the minimum experience and training that a person must have in order to be qualified for a position. You can find the MET on the job posting or on the Civil Service test announcement for the job title for which you are applying. Applicants must meet the MET to be considered for that job title. The State Civil Service Commission makes the final determination of a person’s qualifications.

How do I know if I will qualify for a Job Posting? I don’t want to waste my time if I’m not going to qualify.

Review the Recruitment Methods for the posting. Each method is described in the question above. If you feel that you may qualify, you can submit the application materials specified in the “How to Apply” Section.

Once you submit your application materials, HR will review your job history, as well as your qualifications, against the posting criteria and MET to make a preliminary determination. The Civil Service Commission has the final authority on qualifications for job titles.

If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact the analyst indicated on the posting.

There are six common mistakes which may disqualify candidates from interviewing for vacancies.

  1. LATE RECEIPT of a Bid Form and Resume.
  2. INSUFFICIENT DETAIL about current and former experience and training.
  3. MISSING employee number.
  4. MISSING social security number.
  5. MISSING signature.
  6. MISSING position number
How long does my online application remain?

This is a two part answer:

  1. Your profile information stays active all the time.
  2. The categories that you apply to are on file for one year. 
    Example: You applied to the clerical positions on 06/08/11 your application is in active status till 06/08/12.  You have the opportunity to update your information and add any education or experience you’ve acquired during the past year.

Click here to file online.

Once I have completed my on-line application, how will I know that it is on file?

Upon completion of your on-line application, you will receive confirmation.  You can also go back and review your application and edit, if needed.

How do I bid on a state job?

Only current or former Commonwealth employees can bid on state positions that are posted. For non-civil service postings, visit the Human Resources office of the agency in which you are interested in working, and follow the instructions on the bid form. For civil service postings, visit the State Job Net.

I'm not a Commonwealth employee. How do I find out what positions you currently have open?

The majority of positions within DCED are non-classified. You can visit www.employment.pa.gov to submit an application.

To apply for a Civil Service positions go to www.scsc.state.pa.us for information on Civil Service exams.

You can also visit any State Agency’s Human Resources office.  Recruitment Spotlight

Do I have to take a test to be eligible for all non-classified positions?

We only test applicants who are applying for Clerk Typist positions. All other positions do not require testing. The typing test consists of two parts, a 5-minute timed-writing, in which 40 correct words per minute are required, and a computerized exam including grammar, proofreading, math, etc.

Do I have to be a Pennsylvania resident to apply?

This isn’t a requirement for non-civil service positions; however it is a requirement for certain Civil Service positions. You can visit State Civil Service Commission at www.scsc.state.pa.us

Can I be hired for a non-classified job if I am not a U.S. citizen?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, there are certain conditions to be met to be eligible for non-civil service employment. Please visit the Bureau of State Employment’s Immigration page for complete information.

Is there an age requirement for non-civil service positions?

Yes, you must be 18 years of age, unless you are applying for the Commonwealth’s School to Work Program or are age 17 and have graduated from high school. For more information, visit: www.employment.pa.gov


For additional clarification, contact Human Resources Center:

To learn more about opportunities with the PA Department of Community of Economic Development and that are right for you, contact our Recruitment and Placement Section staff:

Donna Keister or Kim Good-Deibler at 717.787.6856 or send us an email.

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