Statement of Qualifications

Happy to proofread!

I just remember how disconcerting and uncomfortable writing my first SOQ was after having had a pretty good career in the private sector (where I had never been asked to write something so absurd...) before deciding to try the whole "state worker thing".

The SOQ is something that-- if not 100%, then it's 95%--exclusive to state civil service. It's as archaic as the state's industrial revolution inspired, manufacturing-based, management style. I've never felt like I worked in a factory before--even when I actually worked for a manufacturing company. But now...when I watched that documentary "American Factory", I was stunned at the similarities. There is no sensible reason why we, in the year 2020, should be subjected to such outdated (and proven ineffective) management techniques.

Sorry, I'm feeling extra cynical this evening...this whole COVID19 thing has really laid bare all the problems with the way the state has allowed its agencies to treat its "human resources" (aka employees) and indoctrinate ("train") its managerial staff. It has exposed a lot of the flaws and inconsistencies within the state civil service structure as a whole---whether or not a person has a "good" or "shitty" manager should not make the difference between whether their health, safety, and life are valued, or not...and yet...the emphasis on the "or not".

I've also been stuck on the phone with my ISP for waaaaaay to long tonight. Grrr...

/r/CAStateWorkers Thread Parent