Civil Service Career Advancement

There are five ways you may advance your EIU civil service employment career path.

1. Promotion

The State Universities Civil Service System includes numerous job classifications and dozens of promotional lines. At any time, you may test for a higher ranking position in your job classification. Of course, you must meet the job classification qualifications to test for any position. For example, if you are hired into an Accountant I position, you may test for an Accountant II position if you are qualified. If an Accountant II position becomes vacant, you will be considered. Promotional scores are moved to the top of the register. In other words, if you have a passing promotional score, you will be ahead of any original entry scores for an interview when the position becomes vacant.

2. Desk Audit

When you feel you are performing tasks associated with a higher job classification, a desk audit may be initiated to analyze whether or not the position should be reclassified to a higher level. An auditor will review the job description and analyze your tasks, duties, and responsibilities. If the audit determines that you are performing at a higher job level, the position may be reclassified at the higher level. Accordingly, you will be promoted to the higher job classification after you successfully pass the examination.

3. Reassignment

In some cases, civil service employees in non negotiated and negotiated positions may request to be reassigned to a new department while maintaining the same job classification. For more information about submitting a reassignment or bid request, contact the EIU HR Employment/Examinations department. (217) 581-3463 or (217) 581-3911

4. Temporary Upgrade

In some situations, your job classification may be temporarily upgraded for up to 30 consecutive work days. During this period, you perform a different job at a higher classification level. To initiate an upgrade, your supervisor must submit a temporary upgrade form to the EIU Human Resources department. You must also pass any applicable civil service examination.

5. Applying for another job classification

At any time you may test for a job classification as long as you meet the state civil service testing qualifications. Your passing score will be placed on an active job register. If your score is at the top of the register, you will be contacted when a position becomes vacant. Your scores will remain active until the examination is changed, you fail to reply to notifications, or you ask for your scores to be removed.