GOVERNMENT Interview Questions & Answers! (PASS your Government Job Interview at the 1st ATTEMPT!)
Gs 12 Interview Questions
- Why did you leave your previous job?
- What are you looking for in an organization?
- What’s important in life?
- What’s not important to you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Are you comfortable with the responsibilities that would be expected of you?
An interviewer asks this question not only to see how comfortable you are with the role but also to see how in-depth you have researched the position and its responsibilities. Your answer should demonstrate that you understand the specific title and its required job duties.
Example: “I feel very confident that I have the necessary skills and qualifications to fulfill this job position. I am well-versed in government policies, have 10 years of experience in customer-oriented positions and have been commended in my community outreach programs.”
There are several different types of interviews which you may encounter. The most common is the structured interview however in the federal sector you may encounter one of the others depending on the occupation you are entering. Generally, you wont know in advance which type you will be facing. Below are some descriptions of the different types of interviews and what you can expect in each of them.
On a personal note, as a manage with the FAA, I personally granted numerous informational interviews. I met perspective candidates at my office, participated in career days at various schools and colleges, provided facility tours, and answered their many questions about future job opportunities. A number of those that I talked with ended up eventually applying for and being accepted for government jobs. One of the individuals was hired the same day and on the other extreme, one technician that applied for a specialist position accepted a position five years after our initial discussion. This individual only wanted to be hired at one facility and was willing to wait for scarce openings to apply.
Their are two primary federal job interview types that you will encounter during your government job search the informational interview and the employment interview. The informational interview —initiated by the job seeker— is a valuable networking tool used to explore job opportunities. Employment interviews are initiated by prospective employers to assess your ability and weigh your strengths and weaknesses against other applicants. The person with acceptable qualifications and the ability to impress the interview panel, gets the job.
If you are uncertain whether or not your job skills are needed by an agency, contact the personnel or Human Resources Department and review the qualification standards for positions that interest you. Also locate and thoroughly read job announcements of interest. Secretaries can often direct you to individuals that can help. If an informational interview is granted take along a signed copy of your employment application or federal resume and a cover letter describing your desires and qualifications. The informational interview will help you investigate available employment opportunities in many diverse agencies. You will need to identify candidates to interview through the methods mentioned above. You dont have to limit your informational interviews strictly to supervisors. Any individual currently employed in a position you find attractive can provide valuable insight and information. The outcome of these interviews will help you make an objective career decision for specific positions.
The first step is to call agencies in your area and ask to talk with a supervisor who works in your specialty, i.e.; administration, technical, computer operations, etc. If an immediate supervisor isnt willing to talk with you in person, ask to talk with someone in the Human Resource department. Briefly explain to this individual that you are investigating government careers and ask if he/she would be willing to spend fifteen minutes talking with you in person about viable federal career paths with their agency.
Why do you want to work in government?
This question is designed to gauge the root of your willingness to work within the government. An employer wants to understand why you want to work for the government specifically, as opposed to other areas of society. You should avoid answers related to pay, benefits or time off, and instead center your answer around the foundational reason for government.
Example: “Ive always believed that service-related work is the most rewarding. Knowing that my job is part of a larger initiative to maintain and improve public life keeps me motivated.”
FAQ
What questions do they ask in a government interview?
- 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.
How do I prepare for a GS interview?
- 1) Know your resume/CV. Be able to articulate your strengths and weaknesses, as well as which experiences and skills make you a good fit for the job. …
- 2) Talk about your skills. …
- 3) Do your research. …
- 4) Prepare your answers. …
- 5) Ask questions.
How do I prepare for a DOD interview?
- Ask About the Interview Before the Interview. …
- 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 13 most common interview questions and answers?
- ‘Can you tell me about yourself? …
- ‘How did you hear about us? …
- ‘What do you consider a weakness of yours? …
- ‘What are your strengths? …
- ‘Where do you see yourself in five years? …
- ‘How do you deal with stress? …
- ‘What are your hobbies/ what do you do for fun?
