What Is Civil Service?

New York City fills most permanent jobs through the civil service system — a merit-based process created so that people are hired and promoted on ability, not connections. Instead of applying directly to a single posting, you take a competitive exam for a title (like Sanitation Worker or Staff Analyst). Your score places you on an eligible list, ranked highest to lowest. As agencies need to hire, they are 'certified' candidates from the top of that list. The system is governed by New York State Civil Service Law and administered in the city mostly by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).