Tips for Applying
See some of our top tips for applying at Los Rios.
Your application is your chance to show us you are qualified for a position at Los Rios and deserve an interview. Here are our top application tips—
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Be factual about your experience as it relates to the position.
- Read the duties of the position carefully. As you answer questions, communicate how your skills qualify you for the duties of the position.
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Compose your answers in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word, so that you can take advantage of the spelling and grammar correction functions. Ask someone else to read your application – they will almost certainly things you missed.
- The application is the primary screening document. Please provide full detail and information on the application (cut and paste from resume if necessary).
- Answer every question on the job application form. Applications with missing information or with a note of "see resume" will be disqualified.
- Provide references. Current and previous employers will be contacted as references, typically after the first or second interview. References are not contacted for every applicant, only for individuals being considered for a job offer.
The following statements are types of answers we are looking for:
- "I have a long work history of demonstrating how I have promoted a positive inclusionary environment, including my current position as a director a non-profit children's health services agency. The attributes that I have demonstrated towards being sensitive and promoting an inclusionary environment in the agency I work for is reflected in the success of the agency having a positive work environment for all that work there, and in meeting the needs of an un-served and under-served population that the agency serve. I have learned working with a diverse population that it is important personally and professionally to be sensitive, aware, and to promote diversity. My commitment in promoting diversity is essential in my understanding of others along with how I effectively communicate with others and how I effectively deal with others."
- "I have worked with diverse populations both as a Manager for a fast food restaurant and as an Administrative Assistant for a college that prides itself on having a diverse population of students. An example of promoting an inclusionary environment would be building a staff at the fast food restaurant that worked hard to understand each other as well as the customers, and open the lines of communication and cooperation among a diverse population. I also have a bachelors degree in Sociology, which has helped me to learn that there are many backgrounds and experiences that contribute to the personalities and perspectives of people. By being open to these unique perspectives I have learned to communicate better with a variety of people."
- "Coming from an immigrant family I have learned to be tolerant of others and respect the view of all people regardless of race, gender, disability, etc. I have learned that working with a group of diverse individuals is very helpful for the group and the individual. People with different backgrounds bring different ideas that can be very beneficial to the company where they are employed. You also learn new things everyday from different people, which is one of the many reasons why I like to work in a diverse environment."
Negative phrases such as "I quit," "I was fired," or "I was terminated" can be red flags. You should be truthful, but positive. Avoid saying anything negative about a past employer. The following are examples of positive ways to explain separations:
- Job ended
- Career advancement
- Return to school
- Relocated to an area with greater economic potential
- Personal
- Career change
- Will discuss in interview
- Involuntary separation
- Downsized
- Seasonal/temporary employment
- Company closed
Application Attachments
Every job posting indicates if attachments are required. Not all attachments are required for all positions.
Types of Attachments
- Letter of Interest, Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), and Letters of Recommendation
- Required for all administrative/executive and faculty positions.
- Not accepted for classified jobs. Do not attach to any area of the application.
- Supplemental Application
- Some positions require a supplemental application.
- Unofficial Transcripts
- If a job posting requires a degree, then you must attach unofficial transcripts that clearly show the title of your degree and the conferral or completion date. You only need to attach transcripts that reflect the degree(s) required to qualify you for the position. If you are concerned as to whether you meet minimum qualifications or not, then you may want to attach multiple related transcripts that pertain to the job you are applying for that show your degrees and coursework.
- Current employees who are applying for new positions must still attach unofficial transcripts.
- Report of Arrests That Lead to Conviction of Crimes (Form P-881)
- This form is required if you have ever been convicted of an offense other than a minor traffic violation.
- Download Report of Arrests that Lead to Conviction of Crimes Form P-881.
- Equivalency Determination (Letter of Form P-38)
- If you indicated that you meet the minimum qualifications for a faculty position by previously being granted equivalency to teach this discipline by Los Rios Community College District, then you need to attach the equivalency approved letter of Form P-38.
- Learn more about the equivalency determination process.
- Other
- If you are applying to a faculty position under the equivalency determination process, then you should use the 'other' attachment type to attach your personal statement and evidence that support your claim.
Labeling Attachments
Make sure your first and last name is on all of your attachments. Remove or hide your social security number (SSN) and date of birth.
Uploading Attachments
You can upload a variety of document formats. All documents are automatically converted to PDF. Follow these guidelines to make sure your attachments properly convert to PDF:
- Limit the size of your document to less than 2 MB.
- Use standard fonts, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
- Avoid complex tables and shading.
- Avoid the use of several columns in one document.
- Use black and white only.
- Avoid embedded images.
- Do not use password-protected documents.
After you attach documents, view them in your browser to make sure they look correct.
- Log in to the Los Rios jobs portal.
- Navigate to Your Documents.
- Select Add Document, then select the type of attachment you want to add.
- Select Choose File and find the file on your computer, then select Open.
- Select Submit to upload the file.
- Log in to the Los Rios jobs portal.
- Navigate to your job application and select Documents Needed to Apply from the drop-down page selector.
- Choose the type of attachment you want to upload – for example, Add Required Typing Certificate.
- Under Alternatives, select Use Previously Uploaded [Attachment Name].
- Choose the attachment you want from the list of options and select Add to my Application to attach the file.
- Log in to the Los Rios jobs portal.
- Navigate to your job application and select Documents Needed to Apply from the drop-down page selector.
- Choose the type of attachment you want to upload – for example, Add Required Typing Certificate.
- Select Choose File and find the file on your computer, then select Open.
- Select Add to my Application to attach the file.
For inquiries email hr-recruitment@losrios.edu.
You can check the status of your application via the Los Rios jobs portal and see if your attachments have been uploaded to your application.