Associate Governmental Program Analyst Interview Questions
Interviews for Top Jobs at Caltrans
Associate Governmental Program Analyst Interview
I interviewed at Caltrans
Interview
The interview had six or seven questions with a panel of three. the panel was very friendly. The questions were pretty standard. A lot was based on the job description that was posted – a question specifically asked the interviewee to tell the panel what the job entails. I felt like they already had someone selected for the position though. probably an internal candidate. i was not selected for the position.
- how does your experience relate to this position?
Associate Governmental Program Analyst Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Caltrans in Nov 2018
Interview
Standardized and professional. Panel of 3 interviewers who asked what’s in the binder. Questions were fair and reasonable. Took an excel test afterwards that was pretty easy (wages paid using overtime rules). No complaints.
- If you were going to vacation but had work that is due, how would you handle it?
Associate Governmental Program Analyst Interview
I interviewed at Caltrans
Interview
7-8 questions related to experience and qualifications and then an Excel exercise. It’s an online interview. Questions are not very hard, pretty reasonable, and straightforward questions related to the position.
- why do you want this position?
Interview Questions for Program Analysts:
Reveals the candidates approach to and method of evaluating programs and systems.
How do you handle uncooperative employees?
Shows interpersonal and people management skills.
Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a critical operational or program issue?
Demonstrates work experience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
6 Program Analyst Interview Questions and Answers
Program analyst manage software licenses and purchase new licenses as needed from the developer. How did you manage software upgrades and licensing requirements?
You want a program analyst who monitors your company’s software proactively and performs upgrades as they are available. Someone who has experience as a program analyst understands potential risks if upgrades and patches aren’t installed regularly. What to look for in an answer:
- Examples of upgrading and patching software
- Ability to manage software licensing proactively
- Experience scheduling regular maintenance for company software
What experience do you have that qualifies you for a position as a program analyst?
You want a candidate who has formal training as a program analyst or in a related field. The candidate should possess at least five years in the field and have experience evaluating and integrating software into commercial infrastructures. The purpose of the question is to establish that the candidate meets the preliminary requirements for the position. If they have a master’s degree or at least three years of experience, they would have advanced training and would make an invaluable asset to your company. What to look for in an answer:
- Experience as a program analyst
- At least a bachelor’s degree in IT or related field
- Formal training for analyzing software and programming
As program analyst, how did you establish the feasibility of an upcoming design or project?
Someone who has experience as a program analyst knows how to conduct a feasibility study for any project. Their findings determine if your company should continue with the project or if it isn’t achievable or will lead to unnecessary spending. The purpose of the question is to establish that the analyst won’t recommend new projects if they are detrimental to your company. What to look for in an answer:
- Experience completing a feasibility study
- Confidence in oneself
- High level decision-making process
What steps did you follow in evaluating new software for the accounting department?
You want a program analyst that stays abreast with the latest financial software and ensures that it is compliant with standards. The candidate should have experience reviewing and testing new software applications for various departments and evaluating security requirements for protecting confidential information.What to look for in an answer:
- Experience evaluating financial software
- Ability to ensure the recommended software meets the department’s requirements
- Understanding of how to stay within the company’s budgetary constraints
In your opinion, how important is it for a program analyst to have strong people and project management skills?
Program analysts combine the duties of computer programmers and system analysts. Along with planning, designing and developing software programs and computer systems, they also test, update, and restore them. By asking this question, you can determine if a candidate has the necessary interpersonal and management skills to get things done and thrive in the workplace. A qualified program analyst should be familiar with current technological trends and is often responsible for planning, implementing and optimizing operations and getting the work done as required and on schedule.
The candidate’s answer should emphasize:
- Knowledge of IT systems
- Planning abilities
- Interpersonal skills
A sample response would be something like this:
How did you manage miscommunications due to existing telephony systems?
Someone who has experience managing internet-based telephony systems knows when to upgrade the software and equipment. The candidate determines if the existing systems require repairs or if it is more feasible to purchase and integrate a new system into the network. Faulty cables and inferior telephony designs are common causes of miscommunications. You want a candidate who knows how the systems operate and how to remedy the situation. What to look for in an answer:
- Experience troubleshooting VoIP telephony systems
- Confidence in their knowledge of VoIP systems
- Familiarity with feasibility studies for new implementations
Job Summary: Under the general direction of the Chief of the Licensing and Certification Section and the direct supervision of the Staff Services Manager I, the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) is responsible for conducting duties related to the annual site certification, and the oversight and monitoring of Community Residential Treatment Systems (CRTS), and specifically those that are related to the Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 1997. The AGPA also has responsibility for the increased number of complaints and investigations of unusual occurrences related to the STRTP and CRTS programs, which may include additional onsite reviews. Provides technical assistance and responds to inquiries from the public and both internal and external stakeholders via telephone or written correspondence regarding certain mental health issues, licensing and certification standards, regulations, statutes, and departmental policies. As needed, is the liaison to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), County Behavioral Departments, County Behavioral Health Director Association, and other stakeholders regarding new facilities that have been opened or will be opening as a result of AB 1997. Performs more complex analytical duties associated with the various core business functions of the Branch, i.e., analysis, data compilation, and reports associated with program certification. Up to 50% travel is required. Travel will periodically include overnight stays as short as 1 night and up to 4 nights and 5 days in order to conduct onsite certification and re-certification reviews of STRTPs and CRTS. Other responsibilities will include monitoring and evaluation of facilities licensed and certified by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), including participation in on-site reviews.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date:
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
FAQ
What does an associate governmental program analyst do?
How do I prepare for an analyst interview?
- Tell me about yourself. What they’re really asking: What makes you the right fit for this job? …
- What do data analysts do? …
- What was your most successful/most challenging data analysis project? …
- What’s the largest data set you’ve worked with?
What questions should I ask in a business analyst interview?
- What is the role of a business analyst in an organization? …
- How do you see yourself fit for the role of business analyst in our company? …
- What, according to you, are the core competencies of a Business Analyst? …
- List some of the skills and tools used by Business Analysts.
