Resources for Applicants

Job Announcement:

Please review the "Minimum Qualifications" section carefully in the job announcement. Your application will be evaluated based on whether you meet the minimum qualifications outlined. Only applicants who meet these requirements will be invited to participate in the testing process for the position.

Submitting Your Application:

All application materials must be submitted by the application deadline specified in the job announcement. If you are applying online, please ensure that you receive an email confirmation verifying that your application has been successfully submitted before the deadline.

If you require any accommodations during the testing process (e.g., wheelchair access, assistance with reading or hearing), please inform us when submitting your application.

After Your Application is Submitted:

Once your application is received, it will be screened to determine whether you meet the "Minimum Qualifications" outlined in the job announcement. Applicants who meet the qualifications will be notified of the date for the first part of the examination by email. Applicants who do not meet the qualifications will also be notified of their disqualification and the reason via email. 

Criminal Background Check:

Please note that failure to disclose any felony or misdemeanor convictions (even if expunged) on the application form will result in disqualification from consideration. 

Training and Experience application questions are used to precisely assess applicants’ possession of job-related certification and previous experience, training, and education.  It is helpful to learn the best strategies for answering these questions correctly.

How-to-Guide for Answering Training & Experience (T&E) Questions

• Read and follow instructions carefully. Please note that you need to format your responses to the Training and Experience (T&E) questions using the special instructions provided on the application.  

• Answer all required questions. Do not leave any blanks. However, if there are questions that do not apply to you, simply respond with “not applicable,” or “n/a.” Do not write “see resume” when completing the application. Remember that your statements and descriptions will be used as part of the selection process to help make an employment decision.

• Always answer all questions honestly and truthfully. All responses to T&E questions are subject to verification of its accuracy. If you provide false and/or misleading information, you may be disqualified from the application/examination process.

• Answer the questions neatly. Correct spelling, grammar and punctuation count. Remember that the application is a reflection of you. If your response cannot be read, it will not be scored. Proofread your answers before submitting your application. Once you have completed the application take a moment to thoroughly proofread your answers, checking for all errors, especially typos and misspellings.

• Tailor your answers to the job you are seeking. Just as with your resume, you want to focus your education and experience to the job at hand. Through this information you want to demonstrate that you are a qualified applicant to fill the position that you are applying for. Give details of skills, accomplishments and experience including previous jobs, education, training, clubs, organizations, and volunteer work.

• Keep your application consistent with your resume. Make sure all dates, names, titles, etc. on your application coincide with the information on your resume. Any discrepancy will be perceived as an indication of lack of integrity from your part.

• Take your time and do the best you can.  Remember that the T&E questions are a weighted exam and applicants’ responses to them are meticulously analyzed and scored. Thus, always keep in mind the goal of the entire application: show why you are more qualified than other applicants for the position.

A resume with a cover letter is the first opportunity to make a good impression on prospective employers. Learn how to relate your skills and experience to those noted in the job posting, pique the interest of the employer, and answer the question that ultimately matters: will this candidate add value to our organization?

Developing a Resume 

STEP 1: Conduct a Self-Assessment

• A self-assessment requires you to think about your skills and experience. Supervising, programming, writing, and drawing are examples of skills that may have been acquired through your education, work experience (paid or non-paid) and involvement in student organizations. Write down your skills.
• Next, list your most recent college(s) attended. If you are a freshman, you can incorporate your high school information. Include your degrees and/or certificates.
• List your work experience along with job duties. Your skills, education, and experience can now be used to write your resume.

STEP 2: Choose a Style

• The two most commonly used resumes are the chronological and combination/functional.
• Chronological Resume: This style places emphasis on work history. Education and work experience sections are presented with the most recent or current education/experience listed first. It works well for those with a solid work history.  
• Combination/Functional: The combination/functional resume is designed for the person who has acquired a great deal of experience. This style focuses on the skills and experiences you have acquired and not on the work history. Thus, the work history is listed at the end of the resume.

STEP 3: Organize

Now that you’ve conducted a self-assessment and selected a resume style, you can begin to organize your findings. Start with your contact information at the top of the paper and end with extracurricular activities or other information at the bottom.

• Formatting. Use 8 1/2″ x 11″ laser bond paper, preferably in white, with 1-inch margins all around the edges. The font size should range from 10 to 12 point in such type as Arial, Courier, Helvetica, and Times. Keep the resume to one page for entry-level positions. Run the spell check after your resume is complete, but don’t rely on this tool alone.

• Contact/Heading Information. Include your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of your paper. Make sure to have a professional sounding email address.

• Objective. Your objective should be the specific position for which you are applying. (Example: Entry-level position as an Accountant.) If you do not have a specific position, are applying online or attending a job fair, create an objective that reflects your interests as best as you can.

• Education. List your most recent education first. Also, identify your expected or earned degree and date of graduation and a minor if you have one. Include your GPA is optional. If you attended a community college and earned a degree or certificate, include this information.

• Experience. You can include paid and unpaid work experience in this section. Each listed experience should include five components: 1) your job title; 2) the dates you were employed; 3) the name of the employer; 4) city and state location of the employer, and 5) job duties. Use action words to identify your job duties. An example might be “prepared various documents using Microsoft Word,” “trained new employees.”

• Skills (e.g., computer, language). The ability to speak more than one language and experience with computer software applications or special equipment can be listed in this section. You should use terms like “conversational”, “fluent”, or “proficient” to identify levels of competency. Keep in mind that information on your resume should be honest.

• Honors and Awards, Hobbies, Publications, Research, or Activities and Leadership. This section is optional. However, such information can enhance your marketability. Membership in an on- or off-campus organization and holding an office such as president or secretary can be listed under activities and leadership.

Developing a Cover Letter

The cover letter gives you an opportunity to discuss topics which you feel will be of particular interest to the prospective employer. Use 8 1/2″ x 11″ laser bond paper, preferably in white, with 1-inch margins all around the edges. The font size should range from 11 to 12 point in such type as Arial, Courier, Helvetica, and Times. Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person.

1st PARAGRAPH 

• Introduce yourself and name the position for which you are applying and how you learned of the opening or organization.  

2nd PARAGRAPH

• Tell why you are interested in the organization or position.
• Discuss qualifications that would be of greatest interest to the employer, using positive statements about skills and abilities.
• Indicate any related experience, educational background, or specialized training that might increase your employability.

3rd PARAGRAPH

• Reiterate your interest and be positive in your attitude.
• Close by making a request for an interview and provide your phone number.

Prepare yourself by understanding the structure of a multiple-choice test and how to approach these types of exams. By carefully analyzing each question and choices offered, you can increase your chances of performing well on any multiple-choice test you take.

• Get a good night’s sleep before the examination and eat before arriving for the exam. Feeling rested and eating a balanced diet will go a long way in relieving pre-test jitters.
• Allow plenty of time to travel to the examination site. If you are not sure where the test location is, drive there the day before to familiarize yourself with the area. It is important to plan for traffic, accidents, etc. Once the examination begins, the doors will be locked, and you will not be allowed to enter. 
• The test items are multiple choice. They are designed to have only one answer. More than one answer may seem correct, but only select the best of the choices offered.
• Read all of the directions carefully.
• Read each question completely before answering it.
• Questions left blank will be marked as incorrect. It is in your best interest to answer all of the questions, even if you have to guess. Your score will be based on the number of correct answers. 
• If you have the option of choosing what section you want to begin with, consider which would be the best for you. Would it be better to begin with the section you find the most difficult or to begin with the easiest? For some people, answering the easy questions first is a time saver and a confidence builder. 
• Periodically check to make sure your answer sheet is correct and corresponds to the question you are on. 
• Periodically check the clock; do not spend too much time on any one question. 
• Plan your time so that you may complete the examination within the time allowance.  
• You will be told when to start and stop. 
• Interpret words according to their generally accepted meanings. 
• If you get stuck on a question, don’t get worried and frustrated. Re-read the question to make sure you understand it, and answer it to the best of your ability. 
• Remember: the process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice exam. Start by crossing off answers that can’t be correct. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices. 
• When you are finished and have extra time, don’t stop! Go back to review your answers where allowed, making sure you didn’t make any careless mistakes, such as putting the right answer in the wrong place. 
• Stay relaxed and confident!

The following information consists of study guides and sample tests. It is highly recommended that you review this preparation material prior to taking a test in similar subject and content areas. The materials listed below are meant to be resources to assist test takers with their learning needs prior to taking a test. 

The study guides consist of reviewing content topics contained within the test materials, thereby allowing you the opportunity to study similar materials prior to participating in the test. The sample tests allow you to practice taking a test that is similar in topic and content prior to actually taking the test. The items on the sample test are NOT on the actual tests; however, the items are similar in content and level of difficulty. 

Carpentry

• Sample Carpentry Test , click HERE 

Electrician

• Sample Electrical Safety Quiz, click HERE

Plumber

• Practice Plumbing Test, click HERE

English-Reading/Writing

• Grammar Practice Quiz
• Vocabulary Practice Test
• Reading Comprehension Practice Test

 Instructional Assistants

• Practice Test in mathematics, reading and writing. 
  Click HERE

Use the following tips to effectively prepare for and present yourself during an interview, helping to increase your chances for job opportunities and promotions!

• Interviewers may be subconsciously influenced by the physical appearance of an applicant during the interview even if they are explicitly instructed to disregard attire. Use your best judgment when deciding what to wear for your interview.

• Collect information about the position for which you are interviewing. Review the job description and the job announcement.

• The questions will be related to knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job; therefore, use the above documents to think of potential questions and rehearse answers. Decide which parts of your background and experience are most important for this position.

• Have friends and family quiz you.

• If speaking in front of others makes you nervous, practice.

• When answering the questions, try to be as succinct and clear as possible. Don’t use acronyms or slang.

• Remember that this is an examination and NOT a hiring interview. Everyone will be asked the same questions in the same order. How you answer the questions will determine your score on the interview.
• Do not assume that the interviewers know all about your qualifications. It may be useful to pretend that you are talking to complete strangers and want to put your best effort into your presentation.

In business, one’s dress is a reflection of one’s professionalism. Learn how to dress neatly and appropriately to make a good impression in an interview by following our run-down of the basics of professional dress for an interview.

WOMEN

General Advice

• Clothes should be clean, ironed, conservative, and fit properly.
• Dress for your body type (full-sized, medium, petite)

Color

• Avoid bright colors (hot pink, neon, etc.)
• Avoid loud prints and patterns
• Avoid mixing colors
• Use toned down colors (blue, gray, black, white, etc.)
• Use solids and minimal patterns

Hair Style

• Avoid multiple colors
• Avoid extreme hairstyles
• Use conservative styles

Make-Up

• Avoid heavy make up
• Avoid dramatic colors
• Use enough to accentuate the positive
• Use daytime colors

Shoes

• Avoid excessively high heels
• Avoid shoes that create a dangerous situation, such as flip flops
• Make sure that shoes are polished
• Wear heels at a comfortable height
• Protect your feet

Fragrance

• Avoid heavy perfumes and scented lotion
• Use a light fragrance

Accessories

• Avoid heavy jewelry
• Avoid noisy jewelry
• Wear light weight jewelry
• Wear scarves

MEN

A standard job interviewing attire for men

• A conservative dark navy or gray two-piece business suit
• A white long-sleeved button-down dress shirt
• A conservative tie that matches the colors in your suit
• Polished dress shoes
• Belt should always match your shoes

If you do not own a suit, wear the following:

• A conservative coat (no plaids or wild patterns and preferably a dark color)
• Nicely pressed dress slacks
• A white long-sleeved button-down dress shirt
• A conservative tie
• Polished dress shoes
• Belt should always match your shoes

Additional advice 

• Clothes should be clean, ironed, conservative, and fit properly  
• If you have a beard or mustache, your facial hair should be neatly trimmed 
• Use conservative hair styles 
• If you have any visible body parts pierced, most experts recommend removing all jewelry, including earrings  
• Do not wear excessive cologne 

The Lynwood USD accepts certifications that are comparable to the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Certificates obtained through online classes endorsed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross will be accepted. For your convenience, listed below are some agencies that are comparable to the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE AGENCIES LISTED BELOW

American Red Cross	Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED www.redcross.org
NATIONAL CPR FOUNDATION	Adult, Child, Infant, AED Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation www.nationalcprfoundation.com
CPR HEART CENTER	CPR & First Aid Certification https://cprheartcenter.com/classes/cpr-first-aid-certification/
ProCPR	Adult, Child, Infant, AED Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation www.procpr.org
Critical Care Training Center	CPR First Aid and AED https://acls123.com/free-cpr/

 

 

 

 *** Employees must maintain up-to-date certification in CPR and First Aid during employment ***

 

This information is provided as a resource. The Lynwood Unified School District and the Personnel Commission are not affiliated with the American Red Cross/ American Heart Association or any of its local chapters nor benefit from the advertisement of these classes. 

 

 

For your convenience, listed below are some agencies that offer the Food Safety Certification for Managers and Food Handlers.

 

 

YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE AGENCIES LISTED BELOW 

 

 

California Restaurant Association

 

ServSafe

 

PremierFoodSafety

 

This information is provided as a resource. The Lynwood Unified School District and the Personnel Commission is not affiliated with the agencies listed or any of its local chapters nor benefit from the advertisement of these classes.

If you received your education outside of the United States, you must have your degree and transcripts evaluated by a Transcript Evaluation Service Center that certifies that your degree meets the United States equivalency for consideration. Foreign degrees and transcripts require translation and equivalency established by an agency recognized by the Commission for Foreign Transcripts.

 

For more information about agencies approved by the Commission for Foreign Transcript Evaluation, please visit:  

FOREIGN TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION

This information is provided as a resource. The Lynwood Unified School District and the Personnel Commission are not affiliated with the agencies listed or any of its local chapters nor benefit from the advertisement of these agencies.

 

 

For your convenience, listed below are some local agencies that offer Forklift training and certification. Please contact the agency directly for more information.

YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE AGENCIES LISTED BELOW

Coast to Coast Fork Lift Training & Certification

10423 Atlantic Ave, South Gate, CA 90280

(562) 229-1908

American Forklift Training Centers Inc.

7250 Bandini Blvd #108, Commerce, CA 90040

(323) 620-7000

USA Forklift Certification

5800 S Eastern Ave Suite 511, Commerce, CA 90040

(909) 717-6946    (323) 597-8483

 

This information is provided as a resource. The Lynwood Unified School District and the Personnel Commission is not affiliated with the agencies listed above or any of its local chapters nor benefit from the advertisement of these agencies.

Commencing July 1, 2021, Senate Bill Number 390 (SB 390) requires all school security officers employed by a school district in California, regardless of the number of hours worked per week, to complete a school security training course developed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). The agencies listed below are provided as a resource.

YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE AGENCIES LISTED BELOW.

 

Sebron University	SB 390 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION https://www.sebron.org/s/sb-390-training-online-certification-79-95/
Institute for Campus Safety	SCHOOL SECURITY TRAINING SB390 https://instituteforcampussafety.com/
CALSAGA	SCHOOL SECURITY TRAINING SB390 https://calsaga.org/order-school-security-training/

 

This information is provided as a resource. The Lynwood Unified School District and the Personnel Commission are not affiliated with the agency listed or any of its local chapters nor benefit from the advertisement of these agencies.

Typing certificates from a Government Agency, Employment Agency, College/University, Business/Vocational College, Adult School, or a public school system is acceptable. Below are some local agencies that may administer typing tests to the public for your convenience. We recommend that you contact the testing agency directly for more information. Online internet typing tests/certifications are not acceptable.

 

YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE AGENCIES LISTED BELOW

 

Carson One-Stop Center 

801 E. Carson Street, #117

Carson, CA 90745

310-680- 3870

 

Inglewood One-Stop Center 

110 S. La Brea Ave

Inglewood, CA 90301 

(310) 680- 3700

 

Torrance One-Stop Center

1220 Engracia Ave.

Torrance, CA 90501

(310) 680- 3830

 

This information is provided as a resource. The Lynwood Unified School District and the Personnel Commission are not affiliated with the agencies listed or any of its local chapters nor benefit from the advertisement of these classes.

Please contact your local library for hours and availability on public internet access.    

Note: The Libraries listed below are CLOSED on Sundays. Hours and availability subject to change.

 

Lynwood Library 1320 Bullis Road Lynwood, CA 90262 (310) 635-7121	Mon.-Thurs. Friday Saturday	10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Leland R. Weaver Library 4035 Tweedy Avenue South Gate, CA 90280 (323) 657-8853	Monday Tues-Wed Thursday Friday Saturday	CLOSED 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Hollydale Library 1200 S. Garfield Avenue South Gate, CA 90280 (562) 634-0156	Monday Tuesday Wed-Thurs Friday-Sat	CLOSED 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Huntington Park Library 6518 Miles Avenue Huntington Park, CA 90280 (323) 583-1461	Mon-Tues Wed-Thurs Friday Saturday	1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CLOSED 10:00 a.m.-5:00p.m.
Norwalk Reginal Library 12350 Imperial Hwy. Norwalk, CA 90650 (562) 868-0775	Mon-Wed Thurs-Fri Saturday	10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Redondo Beach Library Main Library Branch 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (310) 318-0675	Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday	10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Redondo Beach Library The North Branch 2000 Artesia Blvd. Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (310) 318-0677	Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday	10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.