Online billing is usually divided into two ways: third-party payment tools and payments through the bank. Payment tools tend to be more flexible and intimate, for example, they will proactively remind you of unusual charges. Also, if you receive an unso requested phone call or email, double-check their number and email address. The numbers and email addresses of large companies and banks are always the same, and if you see anything suspicious, don’t disclose any personal information or click on any links.
1. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure? Answer tips You may say that you thrive under certain types of… 2. What field experience do you have for a ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OFFICER POSITION? Answer tips Speak about specifics that… 3. What …
I have a virtual interview coming up for the PM-01 position. I interviewed for this position just a few months back in January (for a different selection process) so Im familiar with the process in person but I have no idea what to expect for a virtual version. Normally they would have you complete an assessment and then have you do the interview after (they give you 30 minutes to prepare your answers) but none of this was mentioned in the invitation, stating that the interview will only take about 45 minutes. Does this mean theyre going to forego the assessment and just do the interview? Do we still get the 30 minutes to prepare? Also Im wondering if the interview questions are going to be the same as the ones they asked me last time. I did my last interview for the position in a different city so Im being interviewed for a new location.
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Haebin Pan SFU Alumni OLC Editor
Credit Chelsey Faucher on Unsplash When it comes to answering interview questions, Angela recommended using the STARR approach. This acronym stands for situation, task, action, result, and relevance.
If you are interested in working for the federal government, you may have wondered how you would prepare for an interview at the Government of Canada.
Angela Foraaunet, a Human Resources Advisor in the Public Service Commission of Canada, hosted a webinar for SFU students on October 20th and 21st. In the webinar titled, “Preparing for a Government of Canada Interview,” she answered the SFU students’ questions and presented valuable information for the interview success. Let’s take a look at the important points from her webinar. Types of Assessments
There are different types of assessments for positions at the federal government. Besides interviews, there are screening (occurs during the application review), computer-based or written tests, in-person or online tests, simulations, role-plays, work samples, and reference checks. There could be individual or group interviews, and the interviews could be either structured or unstructured. Hiring processes include different assessments, so you may work with a few, some, or all of these assessments for your job application. Your interview invitation will list the types of assessments that you will have.
Four Competencies
The assessed qualifications may be different for certain hiring processes. Also, oral communication skills may be assessed during any type of interview. What you should know is that there are four core competencies, which are often assessed in the federal public service. These competencies include:
Types of Interview Questions
Angela explained in the webinar how there are usually four types of interview questions.
STARR Approach
When it comes to answering interview questions, Angela recommended using the STARR approach. This acronym stands for situation, task, action, result, and relevance.
You should first explain the “situation.” Briefly describe your role in the organization (that you were or have been involved in), and for “task,” briefly describe your tasks in the same organization.
Next, explain the most important parts of your STARR answer, which are “action” and “result.” Spend enough time to describe the steps you took to complete your tasks (action) and explain your work’s results.
Lastly, demonstrate the “relevance” of your STAR answer to the position you are applying for. Key Details About a Government of Canada Interview
Our countrys legislation requires that the federal and provincial governments’ hiring processes are merit-based. Hiring departments may give interview questions to the candidates (immediately before the interview) for the candidates to prepare their responses in their notes, which they may be permitted to use during an interview. During the interview, the interview panel members would usually take notes to ensure a thorough and fair assessment; they may make minimal eye contact with you. You may ask the interview panel to repeat the question, but they will not rephrase the question or give examples, as they need to ensure consistency and fairness. If you are unsure how to respond, you may ask to move on and return to the question later. Accommodation and Official Languages
You can request accommodation due to disabilities, functional limitations, personal needs (e.g., family situations), and/or religious reasons (e.g., religious holidays). The examples of accommodation measures include changes in settings, response format, scheduling, and presentation format. Check your job advertisement to find who to contact about the accommodation.
You can also choose French or English at any stage of the hiring process—anywhere in Canada. Interview Tips
To wrap up the webinar, Angela provided the following interview tips that can take your interviewing experience to the next level.
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Making the Most of the Behavior-Based Interview Kathryn Troutman, Monster Federal Career Coach
You’ve submitted your application to work with the government and made the list of best qualified candidates — now you’ve landed an interview for a federal job. Think the most important part of the application process is over? Think again. Federal hiring managers do not merely conduct employment interviews; they rely heavily on them to identify the best candidate. So how can you best prepare for them? First realize that most federal agencies use a behavior-based interview style. This form of interviewing relies on the premise that past performance is the best indicator of future behavior. During the interview, you will be asked to speak about specific instances when you demonstrated particular behaviors or skills that are key to performing your desired job. Then, you will be graded on your responses. Although these interviews can be stressful, practice and preparation can pay off. Here are seven ways to prepare: 1. Ask About the Interview Before the Interview The human resources specialist who sets up your job interview will probably give you information in advance. Just in case, ask questions about the interview: How long will the interview be? What is the interview format? Will the interview be with one person or a panel? Who will be on the panel? Will the interview be in person or by phone? 2. Find the Vacancy Announcement and Study the Job Duties Analyze the duties carefully and create a cheat sheet of the top skills necessary for the job. The interview questions will probably be based on the skills and competencies listed for the target position. For example, the duties section for an administrative officer announcement could state: Performs tasks in the administrative management of the organization. This may include interpreting administrative policies, developing and implementing organizational policies, defining administrative requirements, and/or providing advice to management on related issues. So possible structured behavior-based interviews questions could be: Can you give me an example of a time when you interpreted administrative policies, developed organizational policies and defined administrative requirements? Please give an example of a time when you provided advice to management concerning administrative policies and procedures? 3. Find Your KSA/Essay Narratives and Resume Use these documents as references to prepare a list of accomplishments and projects to use as examples in the interview. Write your projects and accomplishments on separate pieces of paper, and practice summarizing and talking about them. Memorize the examples and be ready to speak with fluency and confidence. 4. Know the Position’s (and Your Own) Core Competencies Core competencies are different from skills; they are sometimes referred to as soft skills. Basically, each core competency demonstrates your ability to combine skills and apply them to unique scenarios. For example, you may receive a question that asks how you solve management problems or how you inspire others to persevere on a difficult assignment. You can prepare for core competency questions by understanding the nuances of the prospective job. In addition, be ready for a question that relates to working effectively in a tense climate, crisis or stressful situation. Government agencies are under significant pressure to perform services with decreasing budgets and a changing workforce. Be ready to talk about your flexibility and ability to work through change. 5. Learn About the Agency Study and memorize the agency’s vision, mission and strategy for the future and recent initiatives. Be ready to talk about future challenges, change, growth and how you can contribute. 6. Cultivate a Message Be prepared to provide a brief summary of whom you are and your career goals. Federal interviews often give you the opportunity to provide a brief introduction. This message can include your overall mission, top-level skills and interests. What are you dedicated to? What are your most significant skills? Be ready share your message at the beginning or end of the interview. Practice, Practice, Practice Practicing with a video or audio recorder is extremely helpful. The best answers include examples that are compelling, succinct, on-target and spoken with interest and some enthusiasm. This takes practice. When speaking, don’t hesitate to lean forward. A senior manager at the Defense Logistics Agency once claimed he never hires anyone who is not leaning forward. Check your posture at a table and lean forward to demonstrate interest in the position. Don’t be afraid to convey that you want the job or that you consider yourself an excellent candidate and believe in the agency’s mission. Federal hiring managers would like to hire people who want the job and who will be dedicated to its customers and goals.
1. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure? Answer tips You may say that you thrive under certain types of… 2. What field experience do you have for a ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OFFICER POSITION? Answer tips Speak about specifics that… 3. What …
Online billing is usually divided into two ways: third-party payment tools and payments through the bank. Payment tools tend to be more flexible and intimate, for example, they will proactively remind you of unusual charges. Also, if you receive an unso requested phone call or email, double-check their number and email address. The numbers and email addresses of large companies and banks are always the same, and if you see anything suspicious, don’t disclose any personal information or click on any links.
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 government 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 do the 3 P’s of Interviewing stand for?
How do I prepare for a Canadian government interview?
