Finding Job Openings

Before you can apply for a job, you have to know that one is available. Fortunately, most corrections departments have websites. With access to the Internet, you also have access to all the recruitment postings and job openings available within the department you are interested in. If you don’t know the website address for the department you are interested in, use any search engine and type in “[city’s name] corrections department.” Once at the website, you should look for keywords such as jobs, careers, employment, and recruitment.

If you do not have access to the Internet, you should call your local corrections department or sheriff's office (you will find the number in the government pages of the phone book), go to your local library, or check your local newspaper or community bulletin board for job openings. In larger cities, such as New York, you may even see billboards and posters for upcoming recruitment drives. Today, many departments will also set up recruitment drives at shopping malls and on college campuses.

Because public safety tests are extremely competitive, it is recommended that you take as many corrections exams as possible. Some of the bigger departments that hire on a regular basis may give the test more frequently throughout the year. However, other agencies, such as smaller departments and specialized agencies, may only offer the test once every few years or so.

This is where you need to explore and decide on different agencies that may interest you.

• What will you do if you find out the department you really want to join doesn't offer another test for 2 or even 4 years?

• What if your preferred agency institutes a hiring freeze before you can complete the application process?

That is why we recommend you find other agencies and jurisdictions that interest you and take as many tests as you possibly can.

• First, see what departments are hiring when you want to start—you want to get your corrections career off the ground, and waiting a few years to be hired can be stressful.
• If you are hired by a department that’s not your first choice, you can still take other exams and transfer to the department you want. Depending on the department, you may be able to transfer your seniority, retirement package, and investments like 401(k) plans. Even if you cannot transfer to your preferred department right away, at least you will gain corrections experience and skills that will make you a more appealing prospect for other departments in the future.
• Even if you are working for a department that was not your initial choice, you may grow to love the department and want to stay. Once you form a bond with your colleagues, you might realize that your initial impression of the department was inaccurate. By staying in the same department, you might also find yourself a few steps closer to opportunities for specialty assignments and promotions.

Many corrections agencies have walk-in examinations. All you need for these walk-ins is some form of valid identification and/or a driver’s license. Check the announcements on the respective department websites for details.