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Fact check: Does the california government use ATS in their hiring process?

Checked on August 21, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, there is no direct confirmation that the California government uses ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) in their hiring process. However, several sources provide relevant context:

  • The California Civil Rights Council has approved regulations to protect against employment discrimination related to artificial intelligence, which mentions the use of "automated-decision systems" in employment settings that may include ATS [1]
  • California operates the CalCareers system, which serves as the state's job application portal, though this is not explicitly identified as an ATS [2]
  • The state has been streamlining hiring processes for former federal employees, suggesting the use of some technological systems, but ATS is not specifically mentioned [3] [4]
  • Governor Newsom has advanced government effectiveness through technology, including AI, though not specifically for hiring processes [5]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important gaps in addressing the original question:

  • Regulatory framework exists: California has established regulations for AI and automated decision systems in employment, indicating awareness of such technologies in hiring [1] [6]
  • Technology modernization efforts: The state is actively pursuing technological improvements in government operations, which could include hiring systems [5]
  • Private sector context: One source discusses the importance of ATS for California employers to comply with labor laws, but this applies to private companies rather than government [7]
  • Department of Human Resources involvement: The California Department of Human Resources is working on improving hiring processes and technology use, though specific ATS implementation is not confirmed [8]

The analyses focus heavily on recent federal worker hiring initiatives but lack comprehensive information about the state's standard hiring technology infrastructure.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward inquiry about government hiring practices. However, the lack of direct evidence in the sources suggests that:

  • The question assumes ATS usage without confirmation
  • Transparency gaps exist regarding the specific technologies used in California government hiring
  • The state's regulatory focus on AI in employment [1] [6] suggests they are aware of such systems but may not be publicly disclosing their own usage
  • The emphasis on compliance and bias testing in hiring technologies indicates the state recognizes the importance of these systems, whether they use them internally or not

The analyses collectively suggest that while California government may use some form of automated hiring systems, definitive confirmation of ATS usage specifically is not available in the provided sources.

Want to dive deeper?
What is the most commonly used ATS in California state government?
How does the California government ensure fairness in their ATS screening process?
Can California government job applicants request manual review of their applications if rejected by ATS?
Which California government agencies are exempt from using ATS in their hiring process?
How does the California government measure the effectiveness of their ATS in reducing hiring time and costs?