Merit FAQs
- Where is the Employment Services office located?
- What is a Merit position?
- What are Merit Temporary positions and how do I apply?
- How do I apply for a Merit position?
- How do I know if I am eligible to apply to a specific Merit job that is listed at Jobs@UIOWA?
- Are there Merit positions that do not require any special training or experience in order to apply?
- How do I find out the minimum eligibility requirements for a Merit position?
- What are special qualifications?
- Who determines if I meet the special qualification?
- How long will Merit jobs advertise?
- How long do I have to apply for Merit jobs?
- How often should I check Jobs @ UIOWA for new listings?
- Will I be contacted if I am referred to a specific Merit position for which I applied?
- How will I know if I have been referred to a specific Merit position?
- Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of being referred and/or hired?
- Is there a priority of referral and/or hiring?
- How long does it take to get hired at the University?
- Does my age, race, or sex make a difference when I apply?
- What will my salary be if I am hired?
- Will I serve a probation period for Merit positions? If so, how long and why?
- How can I get a list of all the Merit jobs for which I applied?
Merit Answers
Where is the Employment Services office located?
Employment Services is in the University Services Building located at 1 W. Prentiss Street in Iowa City. Please visit the University Campus Maps site for a map, driving directions and parking and accessibility information.
Top of PageMerit positions typically do not require the advanced knowledge gained through completion of a college education. Examples: Secretary, Clerk, Custodian, Laborer, Lab Technician, and Painter.
Top of PageWhat are Merit Temporary positions and how do I apply?
Merit Temporary jobs do not have Benefits and are limited to 780 hours per fiscal year. Advertised temporary positions are non permanent jobs that any one can apply for, if there are no special qualification requirements.
If special qualifications are required for the advertised position on the Job Line, they must be in the list of approved skills in your active electronic application. Jobs may also advertise that do not have special qualifications.
To apply for positions advertised with special qualifications, if you are eligible for the classification, the job will be in the "Quick Apply to Merit Jobs" list in your active application, and you can apply from there. If you meet the requirements for the special qualifications, but not the qualifications for the classification, you can still apply by calling Employment Services at 319-335-2656 while the position is advertising.
To get your name on the Merit Temporary List, complete the optional section in the initial application set up. If your application has already been activated, call Employment Services at 319-335-2656 to have your name added to the Merit Temporary List. Your name will be on the list for three months and will then be removed. Call Employment Services to renew your name on the list every three months.
Top of PageHow do I apply for a Merit position?
To apply for a position, refer to the “Merit Application” located in the Tutorials page of Jobs@UIOWA. This tutorial will explain how to complete the online application for employment and apply for specific openings. Computers are available in the Employment Services office if you do not have access to one.
If you are looking at the Jobs@UIOWA page and you see a specific position that you want to apply for, at the bottom of the listing you will see a “Start Application Process” button. Clicking this button will take you to the Merit Application. You can fill it out on line after reviewing the tutorial guide, and then submit. Please note the application needs to be completed 1-2 days in advance of the closing date to allow the Employment Services Office time to activate your file. Once your file is activated you need to log back in with your established user name and password and go to “Quick Apply to Merit Jobs” section to apply for specific job openings before the 4:59 pm deadline.
Top of PageHow do I know if I am eligible to apply to a specific Merit job that is listed at Jobs@UIOWA?
After your application has been approved, a list of positions you are eligible for will appear in your web file. To view this list, log-in to My Jobs@UIOWA file and choose the "Merit Options" tab. There is a link on the page to "Quick Apply to Merit Jobs". These are open jobs for which you meet the minimum eligibility requirements and all special qualifications. To apply for the position, simply mark the box next to it and select the "Apply" button below.
If a specific position is not on your list of approved positions, either minimum eligibility requirements were not met or special qualifications asked for were not documented in your application. You can see which special qualifications are missing by using the “Job Search” function when you are in your application. Simply go to the specific job listing and the missing skills will be bulleted at the bottom. Merit Job Classifications or Definitions of Standard Special Qualifications. If the position requires a typing score, you must have an adequate score verified in your application before you may apply for a specific position. Refer to the Merit Typing Test FAQ.
If after reviewing the Merit Classification Descriptions and Minimum Eligibility Requirements you feel you are qualified and would like to add this classification to your eligibility list please call the Employment Services office at 319-335-2656 and ask to speak to an Employment Representative.
Top of PageAre there Merit positions that do not require any special training or experience in order to apply?
Yes, these positions are listed under the Merit Service area at Jobs@UIOWA
Top of PageHow do I find out the minimum eligibility requirements for a Merit position?
Minimum eligibility requirements, as well as classification descriptions, are located on the Compensation and Classification web site: Merit Job Classifications.
Top of PageWhat are special qualifications?
These are specific skills/training, in addition to the minimum eligibility requirements for the classification that a specific position requires. Only eligible applicants who possess these skills will be considered for the position. To be considered, the information must be documented in your application. Additional information is available at Definitions of Standard Special Qualifications.
Top of PageWho determines if I meet the special qualification?
Except for a typing speed, University Human Resources Employment Services and/or the hiring department will determine whether or not you have an adequate level of skill. Definitions of Standard Special Qualifications.
This information must be presented in your application. Proficiency is determined by one of the following:
- six months work experience using the skill, or
- relevant post high school course, or
- relevant Skillsoft course with a score of 80 percent or higher.
- Foreign languages require a fluency level that means you can read, write and speak the language.
How long will Merit jobs advertise?
Positions covered by the AFSCME contract must be advertised for five working days. The “Apply By” date is listed with each position. Positions not covered by the contract may advertise longer. Departments may place positions on “Extended Advertising” if an adequate pool of applicants was not generated during the initial advertising period.
How long do I have to apply for Merit jobs?
Applicants have until 4:59 PM on the advertising end date of the initial advertising period to apply for a specific Merit opening. In order to apply for Merit positions, an applicant must have a registered account with Jobs@UIOWA and submitted the application online to the Employment Services office. Please allow 1-2 working days for applications or updates to process. The applications must be processed and approved to apply for specific Merit openings.
How often should I check Jobs@UIOWA for new listings?
Check the job listing every 1-2 days. Apply for each position for which you are eligible and would consider accepting. Keep your General Employment Application up to date for contact purposes, specifically your name, address, phone number(s), and e-mail.
Top of PageWill I be contacted if I am referred to a specific Merit position for which I applied?
If you are referred to a Merit position, your name will be sent to the department. The department will contact you, usually by phone, if they wish to interview you.
Top of PageHow will I know if I have been referred to a specific merit position?
The “Initial Referral Results for Merit Positions” is a listing posted after 12 noon on the first workday following the close of advertising. We list for five days the groups initially referred for the position. This gives you an idea of what the job list looked like immediately after advertising. This is not updated as the department moves down their list of candidates.
Top of PageIs there anything I can do to increase my chances of being referred and/or hired?
Check the job listing every 1-2 days. Apply for each position for which you are eligible and would consider accepting. Keep your General Employment Application up to date for contact purposes, specifically your name, address, phone number(s), and e-mail.
Top of PageIs there a priority of referral and/or hiring?
The majority of Merit positions are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Iowa and the AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) union. This contract sets the priority of referral/hiring for covered positions.
Top of PageHow long does it take to get hired at the University?
This depends on your qualifications and the positions for which you apply.
Top of PageDoes my age, race, or sex make a difference when I apply?
No, the University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer.
Top of PageWhat will my salary be if I am hired?
Beginning salaries are listed in the advertising for each position. A current UI Merit staff member's salary will be set in accordance with the appropriate Merit rule for promotion, lateral, or demotion. A Pay Plan Directory is available on the Compensation and Classification web site.
Top of PageWill I serve a probation period for Merit positions? If so, how long and why?
All new hires serve a six month probation period.
Current UI employees will serve a six month probation period for a promotion, lateral move out of classification or a demotion out of series.
Current UI employees will not serve a probation period in a classification which they have already completed the probation period during their current continuous employment.
The probation period is the work test portion of the selection process and is used to determine whether or not you can successfully perform the duties of the position.
Top of PageHow can I get a list of all the Merit jobs for which I applied?
Go to the “Merit Options” tab, then choose the “Job Application History” link on the left side of the page. This option will give you a list of all the positions you have applied for using the online application.
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