As the job market remains competitive, preparing for an interview can be one of the most stressful yet important components of the hiring process. For those seeking a position with the Department of Social and Health Services, or DSHS, having a thorough understanding of the questions that may be asked during an interview can be especially helpful. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common DSHS interview questions. Knowing what to expect can help you best prepare for your upcoming interview and make a great impression on the hiring team. We will discuss some of the most common questions related to the job you are applying for, as well as some tips on how to answer them. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you can enter your interview with confidence and be well on your way to a new position.
How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions Sample Answers
Interviews for Top Jobs at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Senior Administrator Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Interview
As I entered the building, I was met by admin and immediately escorted to the conference room. I walked in to a small, overstuffed conference room that probably had never been vacuumed or dusted since it’s last update in the 1960’s, so of course my eyes welled up and my face turned hivey blotchy and I couldn’t breathe. Right then I began to consider at what point I was going to bail, how was I going to explain it, etc. So, when I had to slide against a dirty, dusty back wall to get behind the tightly penned conference chairs who objected to their preservation and use as much as I did, I started the stopwatch app on my cell phone mentally giving myself ten minutes to abort or call for an ambulance. I swore I had walked into cobwebs as I chose a chair, wrestled it away from the table, won the chair without injury, exhaled gloriously (thanks yoga!) and perched on the edge of my winnings. By the time I checked my hair for spiders and settled my briefcase, they peppered me with questions all at once, with one gal outright accusing me of being late. (I wasn’t, her peers corrected her, IN FRONT OF ME. I was about twenty minutes early according to the email I had printed out in my hand, as well as in my inbox, as it had all of the specific instructions for how to get to the office, where to park, etc.). I had no idea this was the interview panel. None. I thought we were all there for the same position! I guess the Admin got me confused with a no-show candidate? I don’t know. No one really explained that or apologized. Oh, except me, of course. Then I was wondering why I was the one apologizing, because I didn’t do anything wrong. It was a whole big thing. I was very confused about how this was/wasn’t handled. Needless to say, at that point I was done and just wanted to leave. There was no way I wanted to throw my hat in the ring with this crowd. They were fighty and rude and obviously didn’t care what their work environment was. Too polite to cause a stir, I went through the interview at breakneck speed, remained polite but totally tanked it, and left as soon as I politely could. Absolute disaster. Hives for days. Lied to HR at the follow up for I don’t know why reasons.
- The standard kinds of questions.
Psychology Associate Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (Steilacoom, WA)
Interview
I filled out an exam after applying. Then I had a phone interview (covid) with a full team. List of questions I had to answer. I felt good about it. Apparently, you are supposed to get the questions a couple days before the interview. I got nothing! Then I was given a tour. Drove to McNeil Island, took a ferry to the island, then a bus to the facility. I waited OVER an hour for a tour, never met anyone in my field. Tour guide told me if I got to the island I was a shoe in. Then I had another phone interview with the director. I felt good about it. I waited a few days and was told no. The worst part was waiting for an hour in the lobby sweating like crazy! Had to be 75 or more.
- We are not allowed to disclose that. ♀️
Summer Internship Interview
I interviewed at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Interview
Due to COVID we did not go into the office, I applied through the Washington online website, recorded my interview with the questions, submitted it with my cover letter and essay and waited. It went great.
- Why do you want to work at DSHS?
Interviews for Top Jobs at Texas Department of State Health Services
Intern Interview
I applied through college or university. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Texas Department of State Health Services (Austin, TX) in Jan 2020
Interview
The interview process was very low stress, it was more like a conversation, and there was a small test on excel which was also just a basic overview of your knowledge. Don’t worry the environments super friendly. Just be sure you know some basics before going in.
- presented with a practical test on excel?
Texas Works Advisor Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Texas Department of State Health Services (Grand Prairie, TX) in Oct 2019
Interview
The first part of the interview is a computer test. The first section ask you simple questions like how to turn the monitor on. The second part is you basically copying the outline of an interview. If you pass the computer test, then you are able to move on to fill out your preferences for location. Another quick exam will be given… If you pass the exam you will get interviewed.
- What would you say to someone who is angry with you because you denied them benefits?
How would you resolve a conflict with a senior-level researcher?
Demonstrates candidates teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Can you describe some research projects that you have collaborated on or designed?
Demonstrates candidates experience as well as analytical skills.
Interview Questions for Research Specialists:
Demonstrates candidates managerial, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
6 Benefits Specialist Interview Questions & Answers
I carefully use my personal planner and spreadsheet processors. Making notes and keeping track of dates makes it much easier for me to complete each task successfully and move on to the next one when I’m juggling multiple responsibilities. The majority of the time, I am pretty good at keeping information separate, but when I see that there may be overlap between various accounts or cases, I use a spreadsheet to keep everything in order.
This question is a great way to gauge your opinion of the government’s responsibility for providing social services. Additionally, you can demonstrate that you are aware of the significance of these initiatives and their social implications. It may be helpful to talk about your personal experience with public assistance programs or any other programs of a similar nature when responding to this question.
With more than 12,000 employees across the state, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is the biggest state organization in the state. From child welfare and food assistance to mental health and long-term care, DSHS offers a wide range of services.
Example: “I’ve spent the majority of my career working in a team environment. At my current company, where I was one of many customer service representatives, I began as an entry-level employee. Despite the fact that we all had different responsibilities, we were expected to support one another. For instance, we would fill in for someone who was taking a break or away from their desk. In addition, we also helped train new hires. ”.
Example: “My ability to get along with people is one of my strongest traits.” Even if it means going above and beyond what is expected of me, I am always willing to assist anyone who is in need. My weakness would be my perfectionism. While doing so has enabled me to accomplish a number of my life’s objectives, I occasionally need to learn to let go and accept that not everything will be perfect. ”.
Employers can learn a lot about your experience and performance in that role by asking you this question. If so, be sure to describe the type of call center you worked at and the responsibilities you had there. You can still respond to this question even if you haven’t held a position in a call center by listing any other customer service-related positions you’ve held.
You can determine your candidate’s true passion by asking them this question. Having a sincere passion for people is helpful for becoming a successful customer service specialist. A love of solving problems is also valuable. If your candidate does not mention these particular interests, it is not a deal-breaker, but ideally they will find motivation in circumstances that will be a regular part of the job.
Strong communication skills are necessary for customer care specialists because they interact frequently with customers and clients. Part of being a good communicator is understanding how much information to share. Some facts might only serve to confuse people, while others might give the wrong impression of the company or just be extraneous.
Top customer service representatives actively seek out ways to improve the customer experience rather than merely responding to customers’ immediate problems and needs. If your candidate has a history of going above and beyond in their work, they’ll probably do whatever it takes to give customers a favorable impression of your brand.
There will be times when clients or visitors misunderstand what is being said, even when a customer service representative speaks clearly. Knowing whether your candidate can recognize and clear up misunderstandings in a timely manner — and maintain the relationship — is important because when these misunderstandings aren’t resolved quickly, they can result in bigger issues later on.
Your next customer care specialist will represent your brand. They’ll gain a thorough understanding of the company’s offerings over time, enabling them to give customers, clients, and visitors better support. Although your candidate doesn’t have to be an expert, it’s still a good idea to find out if they have already developed the mindset of a customer service specialist by conducting your due diligence before the interview.
FAQ
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
- Tell me about yourself.
- What attracted you to our company?
- Tell me about your strengths.
- What are your weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Please describe a time when you faced a business obstacle.
What are the 7 most common interview questions and answers?
- Where do you see yourself in five years time? …
- What are your strengths/weaknesses? …
- Why should I hire you? …
- Tell me about yourself/your work experience. …
- Why do you want this job? …
- What are your salary expectations? …
- Why are you the best candidate to fill this position?
What questions do they ask in a government interview?
- How was the drive?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Where are you from?
- What are your three greatest strengths?
- What are your three greatest weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
- What are you passionate about?
What questions will I be asked in a social work interview?
Sample Interview Questions. Tell me about yourself. How does the work in this organization align with your professional goals or experience? Why are you interested in this agency?
