Is there a cost to register on OLAS?

OLAS is free to applicants.

How do I register on OLAS?

Can I apply to different regions on OLAS?

Yes. There are a few ways to apply to jobs in different regions. On the main screen, please enter the job title or keyword and select a location from the drop down under where it reads "Start your search below for jobs in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and the surrounding areas" and click "Search for a Job." This will take you to a list of jobs in the region that you selected. Please click on the job in which you are interested and click "Apply now" and follow the prompts. Another way to apply is to go to the main screen, click the "Find Jobs" tab. On the next screen, please change the region under "Location" and follow the above instructions. You may also log in to your OLAS account and click "Search and Apply to a job today." On the next screen, please change the default region in the drop down and click "search." Jobs will now be displayed for the region you selected. Follow the prompts to apply to the job in which you are interested in the new region.

What if I forget my user name or password?

Please click on the Forgot Password on the logon screen. Enter your e-mail address on the next screen and press Send. The system will send you an e-mail with a link to reset your password.

Why was I not able to register?

OLAS will not allow you to have multiple accounts. Please call us so we may help you access your old account. You can then update your information and apply to new positions.

Why do I receive a "password is weak" error message when I try to enter a password on the registration screen?

You must follow a certain format to create a password. Please be sure you are using the following format for your password: One upper case letter, the rest lower case, a number and one symbol. For a symbol, please select one of the following: !,@,#,$,%,^,&,*, No other symbol will be accepted.

Do I need to apply to new vacancies even though I have allowed all districts to view my application?

Applicants have the option to apply to new vacancies at any time. When you “Allow all districts in this Region to view my Application” all districts can search for you by certification area(s). However, if a district posts vacancies, they will search for applicants that have applied to those specific vacancies first. To apply to a new position, go back into your application using your user name and password. From the “Applicant Home” screen, choose “Apply for a Job”. This will take you to the screen where you may apply to new jobs. Select the job(s) in which you are interested and click the “Apply for a Job” button at the top of the screen. You will receive an e-mail confirmation from the system listing your choices.

How do I go back into my application and select new vacancies?

To apply to a new position, go back into your application using your user name and password. From the “Applicant Home” screen, choose “Apply for a Job”. This will take you to the screen where you may apply to new jobs. Select the job(s) in which you are interested and click the “Apply for a job” button at the top of the screen. You will receive an e-mail confirmation from the system listing your choices.

How do I upload a resume and generic cover letter to my application?

Please login and go to the "applicant home" section. On this screen, click "upload & review your resume and cover letter". On the next screen, please click "Choose File." This will open up the files on your computer. Please select your resume file and click "open." This will place your resume file in the "choose file" box. Please name your file where it reads "Enter a description." Then, click "upload." You will receive a message indicating that the process was completed. Repeat the same steps to upload your generic cover letter. For a quicker upload, convert your document to a pdf first and then follow the steps above.

Can I upload a cover letter specific to a vacancy/district?

Yes. We encourage you to do so. You may upload a specific cover letter after you have applied to the position(s). Choose the position(s) in which you are interested and click “apply for jobs” at the top of the list. Now proceed to the “manage my jobs” screen to upload job specific cover letter(s) to the position(s) listed. Click on “Upload Job Specific Cover Letter” next to the position. This will bring you to a screen that will allow you to browse the files on your computer. Choose the correct file and click open. This step will place the file in the browse box. Then click the save button. You will receive a message indicating that the process was completed.

How can I make changes to the cover letters and resume that I have uploaded to the system?

First, you need to make the changes on a file on your computer or create a new one. Then, go back into the system and upload the revised file to your application. This will override the original cover letter or resume.

Why do I need to upload job specific cover letters, when I have already uploaded a generic cover letter?

Districts have the option to search the system for you by certification area when you “allow all districts to view my application”. When your application comes up on this search, they will be able to see your generic cover letter. However, when you apply to specific jobs, districts will be able to view your job specific cover letter. Districts prefer to view a job specific cover letter for their positions.

When I go to “manage my jobs” there is a place to upload a writing sample. What do I need to upload as a ‘writing sample”?

Please click on the job number for instructions regarding a writing sample. If there are no instructions for the wring sample, then that district does not require you to upload one.

Why do I receive an error message when I click “view resume” or “view cover letter(s)?”

The system does not accept certain types of documents. Please save the document(s) as a PDF and then upload it.

Why has the formatting changed on my documents when I click “view resume” or “view cover letter(s).?

We convert all documents to PDF. In the conversion process, the margins revert back to the original margins (8 ½ by 11) which affects the formatting. If you convert your documents yourself to PDF documents before you upload them, this may help with the formatting.

Does OLAS accept Microsoft Works documents?

No. OLAS does not accept Microsoft Works documents. Please save the document as a PDF and then upload it to your application.

Where can I go to download Adobe PDF Reader?

Please visit Adobe Website and follow the directions to install.

Can I upload other documents to my application?

Yes. Each applicant is allowed to upload up to five transcripts, letters of recommendation and certifications, and one portfolio file. All documents are considered unofficial.

Why am I receiving error messages when trying to upload my “other documents?”

You may be receiving error messages because one or more of your documents may be too large. Each document should be under 2MB. Please rescan them and make them smaller, or if you have the latest version of Adobe, resave each document in “reduced size” PDF. Then go back into OLAS, delete the previous documents and replace them with the new reduced size documents.

How do I know that my application is being submitted to the districts to which I have applied?

Once you’ve applied, the system will send you an e-mail listing the positions to which you have applied. Those districts are viewing your application, resume and cover letter.

I did not receive an e-mail from the system. How do I know that I have applied correctly?

Please login to OLAS. Under "My Application", click "Manage My Job Applications" or click "manage my jobs" at the top of the screen. If the position to which you have applied is listed on this screen, then you have applied correctly.

What is the best way to complete my application and avoid overlooking any required field?

Use the arrow on the left hand side of the screen to expand each section. When you press Save and Continue at the bottom of each screen, the next section of the application will open. Once you have completed a section, a green check mark on the left menu will appear to indicate that this section has been completed. In order to apply for jobs, all the sections need to have a green arrow next to them.

How do I know that my personal information is secure?

The site is a VeriSign Secure Site, ensuring applicants the most sophisticated security available.