After submitting your application and being selected from the pool of candidates, you have been invited for a federal job interview. You might believe that the most crucial stage of the application process is complete. Federal hiring managers heavily rely on interviews to find the best candidates; they do more than just conduct them.
So how can you best prepare for them? First, be aware that behavior-based interviews are used by the majority of federal agencies. This method of interviewing is based on the idea that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. You will be questioned about specific instances during the interview when you displayed certain behaviors or skills necessary to perform the job you want. Then, you will be graded on your responses. Even though these interviews can be nerve-wracking, preparation and practice can be beneficial.
Your scheduled job interview’s human resources coordinator will probably provide you with information beforehand. Ask the following questions just in case: How long will the interview last? What will the format be? Will there be a panel or just one person on it? Who will be on the panel? Will the interview be conducted in person or over the phone?
Make a cheat sheet of the top skills required for the position after carefully analyzing the responsibilities. The skills and competencies listed for the desired position will likely be the basis for the interview questions. For illustration, the obligations section of an announcement for an administrative officer might read:
Performs tasks in the administrative management of the organization. Interpreting administrative regulations, creating and implementing organizational policies, defining administrative needs, and/or advising management on relevant issues are some examples of this.
Can you give me an instance when you interpreted administrative rules, created organizational rules, and outlined administrative demands?
Please provide a specific instance when you advised management on administrative rules and regulations.
Prepare a list of accomplishments and projects to use as examples in the interview using these documents as references. Practice summarizing and discussing your projects and accomplishments by writing them down separately on separate pieces of paper. Recall the examples so you’ll be prepared to speak clearly and confidently.
Core competencies, sometimes referred to as soft skills, are distinct from skills. Each core competency essentially shows how you can combine skills and use them in different contexts.
You might be asked, for instance, how you handle management issues or motivate others to persevere through a challenging task. By comprehending the nuances of the potential job, you can get ready for core competency questions. Additionally, be prepared for a query about operating successfully in a tense environment, crisis, or demanding circumstance. There is a lot of pressure on government organizations to deliver services despite shrinking budgets and a changing workforce. Prepare to discuss your adaptability and capacity for dealing with change.
Learn and commit to memory the organization’s vision, mission, and strategy for upcoming and recent initiatives. Be prepared to discuss upcoming difficulties, changes, growth, and how you can contribute.
Be prepared to briefly describe your background and professional aspirations. In federal interviews, you frequently have the chance to give a succinct introduction. You can include your overall mission, exceptional skills, and passions in this message. Be prepared to share your message at the beginning or end of the interview. What are you passionate about? What are your most noteworthy skills?
Practicing with a video or audio recorder is extremely helpful. The best responses include examples that are convincing, condensed, pertinent, and delivered with interest and some zeal. This takes practice. When speaking, dont hesitate to lean forward. At the Defense Logistics Agency, a senior manager once asserted that he never hires anyone who is not leaning forward. At a table, check your posture and slant forward to show that you’re interested in the job.
Don’t be afraid to express that you want the job, that you think you’re a great candidate, and that you support the agency’s mission. Federal hiring managers prefer to work with candidates who are committed to the position’s objectives and customers.
Related: Use Military.com to find your ideal career path and receive tailored job recommendations based on your military experience and professional interests. coms Military Skills Translator + Personality Assessment.
What I learned when I shadowed a GS 15 (a federal manager above me)
Government job interview questions with example answers
This inquiry is meant to ascertain the basis of your interest in working for the government. An employer wants to know why you prefer working for the government over other sectors of society. Avoid responding with information about pay, benefits, or vacation time; instead, focus on the central purpose of government.
Example: “I’ve always thought that work that involves helping others is the most satisfying.” My motivation is maintained by understanding that my work is a part of a larger effort to preserve and enhance public life. “.
Jobs in government
You may have many job opportunities if you’re interested in working in local, state, or federal government. Here are 10 jobs in government to explore:.
This role involves a lot of interaction with concerned citizens. Is that something you can see yourself doing on a daily basis?
This inquiry is intended to gauge your level of preparedness for a position that focuses on serving citizens. Your response should be affirmative and thorough, outlining why you could see yourself in the position.
Example: “Ive always been a people person. It’s one of the elements of government that appeals to me the most. I have experience working in a variety of customer service roles, so I have honed a set of skills that are specific to working with clients to identify the best solutions while maintaining their composure and making them feel valued. “.
15 Toughest Interview Questions (and Answers!)
1. Why do you want to work in this industry?
Bad answer: “I love politics. Obama has a lot of fans, and I find his call for change to be very motivating. ”Don’t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Instead, concentrate on your history with the government, particularly in that agency, and, if possible, share a success story. The best response was, “I am fascinated by how the government collaborates with lawmakers to effect change. Recent political developments and the actions of the Obama Administration have demonstrated how much the government can achieve when the proper individuals and resources are employed. This is especially true for the Department of Energy’s efforts at energy conservation. When I was employed by my previous company, I started initiatives to establish a more “green” workplace, which resulted in a 25% reduction in paper and electricity use after three months, saving the business $10,000 that year. Working in the DoE’s administrative office and having access to its resources, I am confident that I could advance this kind of project. I would find career and personal fulfillment in that. “.
2. Tell us about yourself.
Bad response: “I graduated with a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Michigan four years ago, but I decided that wasn’t the right path for me. I then changed my direction and began working in sales for a startup. I then continued working in legislative affairs for a law firm that represented the federal government. After that, I took a few months off to travel. I eventually returned and worked in the government and the legal sector. And here I am now, looking for a more difficult legislative position. “Instead of listing your employment history chronologically, highlight your advantages and how they apply to the position.” If possible, illustrate with examples. Good answer: “I’m really energetic, and a great communicator. My two years of sales experience gave me more confidence and taught me the value of retaining customers. I’ve also got a track record of success. In my previous position, I started a company newsletter that helped us strengthen our current connections and forge new ones. As a result, over the course of two years, our revenue increased by 10%. I’m also incredibly curious about how businesses can use the internet to promote themselves better, and I’d be committed to expanding on your current platform. This is crucial, especially as the government adopts more Web 2 technologies. 0 initiatives. ”.
3. What do you think of your previous boss?
Bad response: “He was totally incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, so I’ve moved on.” Keep in mind that if you get the job, the person conducting the interview will eventually be your former boss. The last thing they want is to work with someone who will eventually disparage them. Regardless of how terrible he actually was, avoid being negative and concentrate on what you learned from your former employer. Good response: “My previous boss taught me the value of time management; he didn’t hold back and was very deadline-driven.” His no-nonsense approach motivated me to put in more effort and meet deadlines that I had never even considered being possible. ”.
4. Why are you leaving your current role?
Unacceptable response: “I detest my boss and the work I do.” ”Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive. The appropriate response is, “I’ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I’m looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons, and to gain a new skill-set, all of which I see the potential for in this job. ”.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Bad responses include “relaxing on a beach in Maui” and “working.” The interviewer wants to know that you are ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company, but there isn’t really a right or wrong response to this question. So instead of telling them about your desire to retire early or making jokes, give them a response that demonstrates your motivation and dedication. Good response: “I’d like to have a deeper understanding of how this agency operates in five years.” Also, I really love working with people. In the end, I hope to hold a managerial position at this organization where I can use my knowledge of departments and people to the advantage of both my direct reports and the organization as a whole. “.
6. What’s your greatest weakness?
I work too hard, or in the comedian’s case, “Blondes” is a poor response. “This question is an excellent chance to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don’t want your response to be cliché – whether you’re joking or not. Instead, try to give a concrete example of a weakness you overcame. I’ve never felt at ease speaking in front of groups of people, which, as you are aware, can be problematic in the workplace. I asked my former employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop after realizing this was a problem. He said “yes. I attended the class and was able to get over a long-standing fear. Since then, I’ve delivered numerous speeches to groups of more than 100 high-level executives. I still don’t enjoy it, but no one else can tell!
7. What salary are you looking for?
Bad answer: “In my last job I earned $35,000 – so, now I’m looking for $40,000”If you can avoid it, don’t give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you’ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city. If the role is with a non-independent agency and therefore must us the GS Pay Schedule, think of ways to talk yourself up the scale.Good answer: “I’m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I’d expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City. Further, I think my education and background can make me at the highest Step in my Grade.”
8. Why should I hire you?
Bad answer: “I’m the best candidate for the role. “A good response will restate your credentials and emphasize what distinguishes you from other candidates. Good response: “I’ve worked as an executive assistant for the past ten years; my boss has repeatedly said that the organization would fail without me.” I’ve also taken the time to learn more about some of the software I frequently use (but didn’t fully comprehend). I can work more quickly and take on some of my boss’s traditional responsibilities now that I’m an Excel pro. What works for the majority of people never really works for me. ”.
9. Which of your failures has taught you the most lessons?
I didn’t complete law school, and everything that has happened since has taught me that giving up just because things are difficult is a terrible idea. You shouldn’t actually draw attention to a significant regret, especially one that reveals a general lack of satisfaction with your life. Instead, concentrate on a minor but significant incident and how it has improved you as a worker. Good response: “I took an art class in college to round out my studies. I didn’t take it seriously and thought it would be easy in comparison to my Engineering classes. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I’d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I worked hard the rest of the semester to make up for it, and I eventually received a passing grade in the course. I discovered that I should always try to do whatever I’m doing to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it’s not worth doing at all. ”.
10. How do you explain your gap in employment?
Bad responses include “I just couldn’t find a job” and “I was so tired of working that I needed a break.” ”Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don’t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to appear as though you chose to remain unemployed for a long time for the right reasons. Good response: “I value my work, so I won’t settle for just any job. I’m taking my time and being selective to ensure that my next role is the right one rather than rushing to accept the first opportunity that presents itself. “.
11. When were you most satisfied in your job?
Unacceptable response: “I was most content when I performed well and received praise for my work. ”Don’t give vague answers. Instead, consider a skill you mastered and enjoyed that is applicable to this new position. This is your chance to discuss your passions, demonstrate your suitability for the position, and show off your enthusiasm. Good answer: “I’m a people person. When I was interacting with people and patients, making sure I could meet their needs and provide them with the best healthcare experience, I was always happiest and most satisfied. I was frequently given the ratings “Good or Excellent,” as it was my favorite aspect of the job. I’m interested in this position at Human and Health Services partly because I know I’ll interact with patients even more frequently and on a more serious level. “.
12. What did you like least about your last job?
Bad answer: “A lack of stability. The environment made me feel like it might suddenly collapse around me. Try to avoid doing anything that references your former employer’s politics, culture, or financial situation. No matter how accurate they may be, remarks like these will be seen as being too negative. Additionally, you don’t want to concentrate on a task that could fall under your purview in the future. So consider something you disliked about your previous position but which you are certain will not be a component of this new position. The best response was, “There wasn’t anything I disliked about my last job, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. Even though I enjoy traveling, going away from the office for two days every month got to be a little much for me. I’m relieved to see that this position requires much less travel. ”.
13. Describe a time when you and a coworker did not get along.
Bad response: “I get along with everyone, so I’ve never had any problems with a coworker.” ”Interviewers don’t like these types of “easy out” answers. Additionally, they are aware that you are probably lying. Pick a relatively innocuous (yet significant) occurrence, and transform it into a fruitful teaching moment. Good response: “I used to argue with a nurse in the INCU ward.” We disagreed on a variety of issues, including the treatment of patients, who should work which shifts, and how to interact with a child’s family. Our personalities just didn’t mesh. I approached her and invited her to lunch after we had argued for three months. We discussed our differences and the reasons we weren’t getting along over lunch. It turns out, it was all about communication. We had different communication styles, but once we realized that, things started to go well. I firmly believe that discussing a problem with someone can aid in its resolution. ”.
14. What motivates you?
Bad response: “Working hard and getting paid for it.” “This answer isn’t incorrect; it just wastes an opportunity, to be honest. This question practically begs you to emphasize your strengths. Don’t respond in a general or ambiguous manner because that will reveal very little about you to them. Instead, make an effort to use this question as a chance to share some of your character with the interviewer and use examples when appropriate. Good response: “Meeting deadlines has always motivated me; in my previous position, I was in charge of a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget.” I’m well aware of how deadlines-driven and fast-paced this job is, but I’m up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it. ”.
15. How would your friends describe you?
Bad answer: “I’m a really good listener. Although listening well is a great personality trait, I doubt your employer will pay much attention to it. They probably didn’t hire you to be a sympathetic ear. Keep your response pertinent to the position you are interviewing for and be as specific as you can. If you can, insert an example. My friends would probably describe me as being very persistent; I’ve never been afraid to keep trying until I get what I want, which is a good response. I experienced constant rejection while working as a program developer to find keynote speakers for a significant tech conference. This was the nature of the work. But I was adamant that I wanted the major players, so I refused to accept a no. Every time there was a new company on board or a new value proposition, I kept returning to them. Eventually, many of them did actually respond “yes,” and the program was so successful that we had twice as many participants as the previous year. After the first rejection, many people might have given up, but it’s just not in my nature. If I believe something is possible, I must persevere until I achieve it. ”.
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FAQ
What are 15 good interview questions?
What do you know about our company and why do you want to work here? What skills and strengths can you bring to this position? Can you tell me about your current job? What could your current company do to be more successful? These are the top 15 interview questions to ask job candidates.
How do I prepare for a GS interview?
Here are seven ways to get ready: Ask questions about the interview before it happens Find the Vacancy Announcement and Study the Job Duties. Find Your KSA/Essay Narratives and Resume. Know the Position’s (and Your Own) Core Competencies. Learn About the Agency. Cultivate a Message. Practice, Practice, Practice.
What are the three types of interviews section 15?
What are Red Flag interview questions?
If someone asks you a question or makes a comment that is ageist, sexist, racist, or otherwise offensive, it is a clear sign that the organization either lacks adequate training, tolerates inappropriate behavior, or, even worse, has not addressed unconscious bias in its talent management procedures, which includes recruiting.
