​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS (Account Creation, Password, Sign​​ In, etc.) 


SEARCHING FOR A JOB 


APPLYING FOR A JOB 


GENERAL QUESTIONS 


SYSTEM OUTAGE 
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS (Account Creation, Password, Sign​​ In, etc.)

I’m a former State employee, why isn’t my employee/ESS login information working to access the system?
Since you are no longer an active employee, you can no longer utilize ESS to access Wisc.Jobs. You will need your account converted to an external account. Contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov​ or (608) 267-1012 for assistance. ​​

How do I create an Account?


What is the preferred device, and which browser should I use when searching and applying for jobs on Wisc.Jobs? 
For the best user experience, use Google Chrome, Microsoft ​Edge, or Mozilla Firefox on a desktop or laptop. 

​I forgot my sign in information. How do I recover my user name and/or password? Should I create another account?​
From the Sign In​ pop-up, click Forgot User Name and enter your email address or click Forgot Password and enter your user name. Check your email, including your spam folder, for messages related to recovering user name or password. 

Do not attempt to create another account -- users ​must use only one account. If assistance is needed, contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov​ or (608) 267-1012

​​What are the password requirements?
  1. Has a​ minimum of 8 total characters with at least 1 digit, 1 lowercase character, 1 uppercase character and 1 special character from the set: ​​​(!@#$%^&*-_=+\|]}[{;:/?.><,`). 
  2. Does not match your user name. 
  3. Does not match any of your email addresses. 
If the password is not accepted, make sure to delete the contents in both fields before re-entering the password. ​​​​​​

Why do the Password and Confirm Password boxes fill-in with dots?
The Password and Confirm Password boxes disguise the password by making the password appear longer. This is a security feature and doesn’t change the password you entered. Be sure to enter your password identically into both boxes. 

Why are the last four digits of my social security number and birth month/day required to register as a new user?
We use the information as unique personal identifiers for accounts. This information is confidential and will not be shared. It will be used to confirm account ownership. If you do not have a social security number, contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk for assistance at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or (608) 267-1012. Falsification of application information is punishable by law. If hired, all personal information is confirmed for payroll purposes. 

I’ve checked the “I agree to terms and conditions” box at the bottom of the page. How do I continue?
Scroll up to the top of the page, click on the blue Register button on the right. This will register your new account.  ​​

Can I share my account with another user to apply for jobs?
Do not share your account with another person, each user must use their own account to apply to jobs. 

I am receiving a message that I should disable my pop-up blocker. What should I do?
Pop-ups must be enabled for Wisc.Jobs to work properly. To enable pop-ups, click the link for the browser you are using: 
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​SEARCHING FOR A JOB 

Do I need an account to search for jobs?
No. You can search for jobs without creating an account or logging in. However, you will need an account to save your job searches and apply for jobs. 

How do I search for all jobs that are currently available?
There are two ways to search for positions with the State of Wisconsin. From the homepage, click the blue button titled Search Jobs on the search bar (top right side of the page) or the View All Jobs tile in the Featured Career Opportunities section. To narrow the search: enter a keyword, city, or postal code in the search bar; select the Search by Agency or Search by Career drop-down in the top menu bar; or click the tiles in the Featured Career Opportunities. ​​​


From the Careers ​​page, click the arrow to the right of the Search Jobs bar or click the View All Jobs. To narrow the search, enter a job title, location, or keyword and click the arrow or select View Jobs Posted in Last 14 Days. ​

How do I sort or filter job postings by specific criteria?
You can sort by any of the column headings (job title, job ID, location, posting date, deadline date, job category or agency). On the Search Resultspage, click on the column headings to sort alphabetically or numerically. The first click will sort the column A-Z (or newest to oldest), the second click will sort the column Z-A (or oldest to newest), and the third click will remove the sort. If more columns are clicked, there will be a number by it that will indicate which is primary, secondary, etc. 
To filter from the Search Jobs page, click on location or the boxes under job category, agency/organization, full/part time status, remote work, and supervisory/management position​. Search results can also be sorted by clicking the arrows (pointing up and down) to sort by job title, job ID, location, agency, or posted date. 

How do I save a job posting to revisit later?
When you are on the Job Posting page, there is an option to click Add to Favorite Jobs, which is located under the Job ID, Location, and Agency on the left side of the page. When you revisit later, the job will be listed on the Careers​ page under My Favorite Jobs.  

How do I save my search criteria and receive email notifications for future opportunities?
After you perform a search at Careers page, the Save Search will appear at the top under the Search Jobs box and above the results. Follow these steps to be notified of future opportunities that fits your search criteria: 
  1. Click Save Search 
  2. Enter a name for the search 
  3. Click the box Email m​e when new jobs meet my criteria 
  4. Verify the email address is correct or delete and replace it with another email address 
  5. Click Save
​ 
How do I find my saved searches?
From the Careers page click My Saved Searches. Click Search to perform a search or click the arrow to edit the search name, uncheck the box to stop receiving emails, update the email address, or delete the saved search. 
​​ 
When searching for jobs, how do I see more information about a job that I’m interested in?
You can click anywhere in the box of the job when it is highlighted by the cursor. ​​

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APPLYING FOR A JOB 

How do I apply as an External Applicant?
 

How do I apply as a Current State Employee?
Current State of Wisconsin employees can access the Careers page through ESS (Employee Self-Service) by clicking the Careers tile to search for job postings and apply. Employees can also​ click Login and select State Employees from the W​isc​​.Jobs​​ page. ​​

How do I know if I am qualified for a job?
Carefully read the job posting and compare your qualifications to those identified in the Qualifications section of the job posting. ​Pay close attention to the minimum qualifications of the job. All minimum qualifications/requirements must be sufficiently addressed in your response to be eligible to move to the next step of the selection process. 

I’ve checked the “I agree to terms and conditions” box in Step 1 of applying to a job and nothing happened. How do I continue?
Scroll up to the top of the page, click on the blue Register button on the right. This will register your new account. 

How will I know what documents to attach to my application?
Information about required documents can be found in the How to Apply section of the job posting. Typically, a resume and/or letter of qualifications may be required to apply for a position. As you navigate through the application process, the system will prompt for the required application materials. 

What document formats are accepted by wisc.jobs?
The accepted file types are: .doc, .docx, .pdf., .txt, .rtf 

What should I do if I do not have a resume?
The State of Wisconsin requires a resume (or similar) with all job applications. We recommend searching for a free resume builder or template online. ​

What should I include in my resume and letter of qualifications?

When adding a language or degree, I typed a word in the text box and received an error message. What should I do?
Delete the word from the box and click the search tool icon (magnifying glass). Look for the language or degree ID and click on the language or degree. Click Done to save the information and close the dialog box and click Next to move forward in the application process. 

How do I exit the page after I click Save as a Draft? And how do I return to it later?
To exit the page, close your browser tab. Your application will be saved and not submitted. You can continue the application by signing in at https://wj.wi.gov and click My Job Applications. Locate the job title and click the arrow button to the right. 

Can I edit an application I have already submitted before the deadline?
Once you click Submit, your application is finalized, and no changes can be made. If you are not ready to submit your application, click Save as a Draft button to finish later. If the application deadline has not expired or the application has not been screened, withdraw the application and reapply. 

What happens after I apply for a position?
After submitting an application, you will be sent a confirmation email. Application materials are evaluated after the deadline or first review date. The most qualified applicants are invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

How do I find out more information about the status of my submitted application?
You can check the status of your submitted application on the Careers page in My Job Applications or contact the HR staff listed in the job posting. 

How can I find information related to a job I applied for that has closed?
Go to the job posting found in My Job Applications, contact the HR staff listed in the job posting for specific information about the selection process.  

Can I withdraw my application once I have submitted it for a job?
Yes, you may withdraw an application​ that has not been screened. Sign in to your account and click on the Withdraw button next to the specific job on the My Job Applications​ page. If the application has been ​​screened, contact the HR staff listed in the job posting. 

Note: If you no longer wish to be considered for a job after scheduling an interview, notify the HR staff as soon as you are able. ​

How do I track all of my applications and documents I’ve attached?
You can find a list of all the positions you’ve applied to on the Careers page in My Job Applications. All submitted documents (e.g., resumes, letters of qualifications, license/certification, transcript, DD214, etc.) are saved there. 

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GENERAL QUESTIONS 

Who should I contact ​about my question?
Here is a reference guide to determine the appropriate contact for your specific question(s):
​​Human Resources Staff [​​Contact Information listed in the Job Posting]
​Wisc.Jobs Help Desk [wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or (608) 267-1012]
​Job related (requirements, duties, conditions, etc.)
​​​Account issues (new account, password, sign in, etc.)
​​Application status and next steps (eligibility, timeline)
​Special employment programs (Veterans' Non-competitive Appt, W-2, Student Diversity Internship​)
​​Documents required for the application
​​Other technical issues related to website access or site use
​​Pay and benefits
​Accommodations


What does it mean when I'm on a Register?
A register is a list of applicants who have passed the initial civil service assessment and have been deemed eligible for further consideration for the job opening. Applicants are notified of their eligibility/register status via email. Employment registers are typically used for 3 to 12 months and may be used to fill other similar job openings within the state government. Applicants are encouraged not to withdraw applications to remain on registers for future consideration. 

What does it mean when I'm on a Certification?
A certification is a list of applicants from the register who will be considered further for a specific job opening. Applicants will be contacted to participate in the next step of the selection process if their name is on a certification list. Typically, communications are sent by email and applicants will have a limited time to respond. Depending on the job opening, applicants may be on multiple certifications and can be contacted about similar job openings in the future. Therefore, contact information should be kept up-to-date and emails checked regularly. 

What special employment programs are available?
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Learn more about employment opportunities and programs on our Diverse Workforce page.
 
Is short-term employment available at the State of Wisconsin?
There are a variety of opportunities that are temporary, such as internships, project positions, and limited term employment (LTE). These positions may be listed on wisc.jobs​ and/or the agency's website. Click to learn more about LTE Opportunities.
 
What if I need special accommodations? How do I request assistance?
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Affirmative Action, Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable federal and state laws. We are seeking a diverse and talented workforce. If you need assistance, contact the HR staff listed in the job posting, or if you need an accommodation to participate in a phone, in-person, or virtual interview, contact the person who invited you to the interview.​
For general inquiries, contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or (608) 267-1012 from 7:45 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. For deaf and/or hearing impairments, call Wisconsin Relay at 711 or (888) 701-1251 (Textnet). ​

The technical services team will take the system down for short periods of time for maintenance and system updates. When this happens, these are considered planned events and a notice is p​laced on Wisc.Jobs. The notice will include a timeframe of the system outage so that you can return after the maintenance and apply.