Hiring Process

Searching and Applying for Career Opportunities at the State of Tennessee

Types of Employment

Preferred Service employee is an employee who holds a position in an agency in the state service, in which the employee has completed the requisite probationary period. Employees in the Preferred Service have a streamlined appeals process for appreciation of a law, rule or policy by an agency which results in dismissal demotion or certain suspensions.

An Executive Service employee is an employee who holds a position in an agency that meets the criteria in Tenn. Code. Ann. § 8-30-202. Executive Service employees serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority and cannot appeal a suspension, demotion, or dismissal.

Searching for Careers and Internships

Applicants should visit www.TN.gov/Careers to search and apply for career opportunities, including preferred service, Executive Service, and Internship positions. Active state employees should search and apply for opportunities directly through Edison self-service, which will feature all available career opportunities and additional promotional opportunities for active state employees only.

Applying for Careers and Internships

Click ‘Apply’ from the job posting page. All applications must be submitted online through the applicant website.  Applicants must complete an applicant profile, including contact information and complete education and employment history. Executive service career opportunities may have application instructions that are specific to the posting. Please carefully review and follow the application instructions provided on each posting.


Selection Process

Applications are reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications required for the position, including education and work experience.

After the posting closes, applicants are notified within a few weeks if they are eligible for the position. 

First Round Interviews

The State of Tennessee conducts all first-round interviews electronically during the application.