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The Federal News Network’s longest-running program is Ask the CIO. I’ve been the host for almost 12 years. Every interview I conduct and every panel I preside over is always filled with fascinating information and nuggets that demonstrate the development of federal IT.
CIOs hold some of the most challenging but rewarding positions in the government. Technology, as we’ve often been told, is what binds the mission and business programs together.
We are highlighting the most popular Ask the CIO interviews online for the second consecutive year. The top 10 interviews from 2018 included the expected combination of cybersecurity and IT modernization.
In the federal community, every article and interview about the National Security Agency is well received, so it’s a little surprising that this particular interview won. The NSA’s innovative approach may have inspired others to consider how they can meet present and future needs as every agency and private sector organization grows more desperate for cybersecurity expertise.
Artificial intelligence is one of those words that might win the prize for the buzziest buzzword of 2019 This could be the reason why the Army CIO/G6 Gen. Bruce Crawford was so popular. However, the Army’s aggressive promotion of the use of AI and other cutting-edge technologies could also be to blame.
A first on Ask the CIO, a chief financial officer. Irv Dennis, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s CFO, is actively engaged in the organization’s Centers of Excellence-led IT modernization efforts. It just made sense to have him on. Strangely, one of the top 10 from 2018 included modernization of the HUD and IT.
The Defense Information Systems Agency has two interviews on the list, with this one being the first. In the Emerging Technology Directorate at DISA, systems innovation scientist Steve Wallace is one of those public figures who draws attention for his cutting-edge work. This interview was similar because many vendors and agencies continue to prioritize cyber.
This interview with Jamie Holcombe, the new CIO at the University of S. Patent and Trademark Office, made the top 10 list. When I spoke with Holocombe, he was still fairly new and PTO has a sizable IT budget. Additionally, the topic of IT modernization is appealing.
The Energy Department lab took the idea of a honey pot and gave it life, making it one of my favorite interviews of the year. It’s one of those projects where the government, for once, is getting much-deserved credit for being ahead of industry in figuring out how to stop cyberattackers. Other agencies should make a New Year’s resolution to improve on a practice in 2020, regardless of the subject.
Data would be another square on the chart if you were playing buzzword bingo. But the fact that the FBI disclosed how they are addressing their big data challenge with a new chief data officer and a new strategy makes this story particularly relevant to many people. Even though Gordon Bitko left the FBI, the agency continues its efforts.
Another one of those crossover stories where I invited non-CIOs to discuss technology was this one. In this instance, the Federal Acquisition Service of the General Services Administration discussed the progress of significant technological upgrades, the majority of which will be completed in 2020.
The second top 10 story from DISA is about yet another cybersecurity innovation. Every agency and vendor wanted more information on zero trust, which was another word on the buzzword bingo chart. Therefore, the announcement that DISA was starting to test this idea attracted a lot of attention.
Jose Arrieta assisted in managing the agency’s acquisition shop prior to becoming the CIO at the Department of Health and Human Services. Our readers were particularly interested in his discussion of blockchain or distributed ledger technology in that capacity. Arrieta has a reputation for taking calculated risks, so the idea of an agency experimenting with this cutting-edge technology attracted a lot of attention.
Acing the interview Part 1 | CIO Career Coach Episode 1.4
Interviews for Top Jobs at GovernmentCIO
Executive Assistant Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at GovernmentCIO (Washington, DC) in Nov 2018
Interview
I was contacted by the recruiting department and had to perform a phone interview with the recruiter. I was then brought in and, because I was to support HQ’s four (4) c-suite executives, had to have 1-on-1 interviews with them. This occurred all within the same day although I interviewed with one person via phone. Turnaround time for this role was fairly quick. I was offered the position 1-2 days later.
- How well do you work under pressure?
8. What you choose to read says a lot about a person’s personality and goals, so tell me what books and blogs you’re currently reading.
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6. Explain the rationale behind each of your career moves. From their college graduation to the present, I ask candidates to describe the reasons behind each of their career decisions. Their response demonstrates their use of strategy in their own professional life and provides insight into how they make long-term plans.
1. Knowing how their career path led them to apply for my company is important to me, so please tell me what brought you here. Why do they believe that working for me is the next logical step and how has their career prepared them for this position?
13. This question allows me to gauge how enthusiastic and sincere a candidate can be in regards to what they think I could do as the CEO of my company. I don’t take someone seriously if they don’t have an answer. But it leaves a lasting impression if they have the guts to face me in an interview and offer me constructive criticism.
CIO Role, Responsibilities and Key Skills
According to executive advisors, management consultants, and seasoned CIOs, CIOs are in charge of overseeing the entire IT function, which includes delivering stable, dependable technology products and doing so in a productive, economical way. They hold senior positions in the C-suite and are in charge of hiring, keeping, and developing staff.
This article is part of
They frequently act as advisors to their C-suite counterparts and the heads of business lines, assisting them in understanding how to use technologies to achieve goals. CIOs also create roadmaps for how future developments in technology may benefit and harm their organizations.
What qualifies as a high-performing CIO?
Most CIOs need to have an IT background as well as some business education or experience to deliver on the aforementioned, according to recruiters.
Today’s CIOs can still rise through the enterprise IT department’s ranks, but they must also be able to show that they understand the language of business and can use technology to help the organization achieve its strategic goals. According to recruiters, this is how many CIOs have advanced their careers from lower-level management positions to the C-suite: by successfully managing high-profile projects that produced quantifiable business results.
What are the intelligent questions to ask a CIO during an interview to ensure they’re the right fit for the role? According to many IT leaders and recruiters, these are the top
Over the past ten years, the CIO role has evolved from functional leader to senior executive who provides organizational strategy advice based on their knowledge of technology.
The significance of the position to organizational success increased as it changed. Today, every business needs a CIO who can assist it in delivering on its distinct value proposition. CEOs and other hiring managers seek candidates who can comprehend their specific organizational needs, their clients, and their business partners. The 2019 CIO survey from accounting and advisory firm Grant Thornton states that CIOs must “focus on building trust in four areas: technology, customer, ecosystem, and employee.” “.
Consequently, organizations looking to fill the CIO position have strict criteria for candidates. Executive consultants and CIO recruiters advise these companies to make sure their CIO interview questions reflect the significance of the position.
FAQ
How do I prepare for a CIO interview?
- Background Experience:
- Perspectives on the Current State of IT:
- Perspectives on the Future State of IT:
- Specific IT Leader Experiences:
- Approach to Transitioning Into the Role:
- Leadership Philosophy:
What are the most effective CIO interview questions?
- What do you see as the CIO’s top priority? …
- How have you helped move the business forward? …
- What is your experience with digital transformation? …
- What direction do you expect the industry to take in the following three to five years?
What are government interview questions?
- Why do you want to work for the government? …
- Why do you want to work at this agency? …
- Tell us about yourself. …
- Why did you leave your last job? …
- What do you think of your previous boss? …
- This position is less senior than your last one.
What can I expect from a CIO?
The information technology (IT) strategy and computer systems necessary to uphold a company’s annual goals are under the control of the chief information officers (CIOs). The CIO must balance the IT budget, create cost-benefit analyses, and inspire employees.
