Virginia transitions to online job applications

By the Associated Press
November 26, 2006
RICHMOND, Va. -- The state government is moving from paper to electronic applications that allow potential employees to apply from an Internet-linked computer at their convenience.

The transition has been under way since July and follows the lead of private employers making use of computer software to streamline their application process.

"We think it's a good step forward in efficiency," said Sara Redding Wilson, director of the Department of Human Resource Management.

But paper applications are not disappearing completely--those applying for jobs like laborers and housekeepers will still be able to fill out forms by hand.

"Most of the agencies that are paperless are phasing in," said Pat Waller, the state's recently installed recruitment manager.

The state's Recruitment Management System was designed by PeopleAdmin of Austin, Texas, and paid for by the Council on Virginia's Future, a three-year-old agency that promotes modernization in government.

While the system cost taxpayers less than $100,000, it could save much more in paper, printing, postage, storage, clerical and other expenses.

The state also posts job openings on the Internet. It is advertising vacancies in about 7,400 jobs and has received for just under 3,000 electronic applications.

The human resources agency has worked with other departments to ensure that the system can be used by non-English-speaking applicants or those with disabilities.

The Virginia Department of Transportation and the human resources agency are both completely paperless. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services have both opted for a hybrid approach.