This article has been approved by an Indeed Career Coach.Preparing for an interview can be a deciding factor in whether or not you receive a job offer. By reviewing the job requirements and possible interview questions for government jobs, you can give yourself the best chance to present yourself as a qualified candidate to an employer. In this article, we review general, experience-related and in-depth interview questions that could be asked of you in a government job interview, along with sample answers and tips to help you formulate your own responses.
GOVERNMENT Interview Questions & Answers! (PASS your Government Job Interview at the 1st ATTEMPT!)
Interviews for Top Jobs at KSA
Design Engineer Interview
I applied through college or university. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at KSA (Austin, TX) in Dec 2011
Interview
In person interview with division manager and other office staff; review of resume and college transcript, phone call follow up, emailed and mailed offer letter, the entire process was relatively quick and painless
- Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 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.”
Jobs in government
If youre interested in working in government at the local, state or federal levels, you may have many employment opportunities. Here are 10 jobs in government to explore:
1. Park ranger
2. Policy analyst
3. Air traffic controller
4. Civil engineer
5. Compliance officer
6. Firefighter
7. Surveyor
8. Librarian
9. Mail carrier
10. Records clerk
Discover Indeed’s top resources for finance and accounting talent including career advice, sample resumes, job search quick links and more.
What changes would you make to our agency and why?
This question is used by an interviewer to learn more about what you know of their agency. This is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your creativity and possible leadership qualities. Your answer should reflect a positive outlook on the agency and avoid any type of criticism towards the agency or its employees.
Example: “I would want to expand the reach of your Christmas festival. I read about the revenue that is acquired each year, and I believe we could circulate a portion of that revenue back into the festivals funding. We could lengthen the timeline of the festival from the week before Christmas Day to two weeks before with the festival concluding on Christmas Eve. We could also amp up the marketing plan for the festival to spread awareness to neighboring counties.”
Recent Changes in Federal Hiring Practices
It’s important to note that while KSAs are still very prevalent in current federal hiring practices, they are no longer part of the initial hiring process for many agencies.
In May of 2010, Former President Barack Obama signed a memorandum with the intent of making federal employment more accessible. The KSA portion of the hiring process moved from the initial application process to the pre-interview process. The logic behind this move was the KSA portion of the initial application process was too demanding for many first-time applicants, and moving KSAs to later in the hiring process would generate more interested candidates.
Take time to conduct research on any open positions to which you would like to apply. If possible, check the agency’s website for information about their hiring and candidate screening processes. If you cannot find anything that clearly states one way or another if KSAs are part of the agency’s hiring process, it’s a safe bet to assume you will need to answer them at some point during your application process. If you can submit your resume, cover letter, and basic application without answering KSAs, expect to answer them if the agency calls you to take the next step with your application.
The first step in acing your interview is to build a professional, comprehensive resume, which highlights the aspects that make you a great candidate for the position. Hiring managers receive a lot of applications, and they often browse through them quickly and pick out a few that stand out from the rest. To capitalize on this and increase your chances of a hiring manager considering your resume, keep the following tips in mind.
First, investigate the application process and see if the job listing includes any KSA questions. Some job postings will ask applicants to include answers to specific questions in their initial applications. This is essentially a first round of the hiring process – they want to filter the applicants who can answer the more basic KSA questions and then test them further during an interview. If the job includes any requests for KSA answers during the application process, take your time to devise well-rounded, thoughtful answers.
You should also include information in your resume that resonates with the provided KSA questions. You should perform a bit of research into your position and learn whatever you can from other people in similar jobs, or who have experience with the position. These can be great resources for you to determine what a hiring manager is looking for in a candidate. Try to think of ways to link your accomplishments, education, and background to the things the hiring manager is likely to prefer in a candidate.
PILOT INTERVIEW Questions And Answers! (How to PASS an Airline Pilot Interview)
1. What is CRM process as Airline Pilot? The systematic and effective use of all available resources to ensure a desirable outcome and completion of the flight. Focusing on communication, teamwork, task allocation, decision-making and situational awareness. The major contributors in the CRM process are: Dispatchers, flight attendants, maintenance, ATC and of course the cockpit crew.
2. What is the MAP on a non-precision approach? Non-precision: MAP is usually visually identified by a capitol and bold “M” in the Jepps or at the end of the solid line on NOS. There are several ways to id the MAP: Published DME at the MAP, Navaid such as the middle marker (MM), or timing from the FAF
3. What is the importance of proficiency in several languages for a pilot? A private pilot may limit himself to knowledge of English good enough to understand control towers. Other pilots, being more publicly involved figures by necessity, greatly benefit from knowing more than one language.
4. What is your Proudest accomplishment? Becoming a pilot and graduating from college as to be the biggest accomplish so far.
5. What is the 1-2-3 rule? Requirements for filing an alternate. 1-2-3: 1hr before to 1hr after estimated time of arrival, the weather must be forecast to be 2000′ ceiling and 3SM vis.
6. What makes a good captain or what do you expect from a Captain? one that is knowledgeable, decisive, conservative and safety conscious, good people skills, superior communication skills, solid piloting skills, can manage stress and avoid confrontation
7. List your qualifications as a pilot? Besides relevant college degree(s), pilots graduate from flying school and participate in annual additional training.
8. What is GRID MORA? It’s an altitude derived by Jepp or provided by state authorities. If derived by Jepp, Grid MORA clear all terrain and structures by 1000′ in areas where highest elevations are 5000′ MSL or lower. MORA values clear all terrain and structures by 2000′ in areas where highest elevations are 5001′ MSL or higher. Grid MORA (State) altitude supplied by the State Authority provides 2000′ clearance in mountainous areas and 1000′ in non-mountainous areas. Also… a +/- denote doubtful accuracy but are believed to provide sufficient reference point clearance.
9. What is the definition of CRM? CRM is a system which allows optimum use of all available resources – equipment, procedures, interpersonal communication, team work – all to promote safety and enhance efficiency in operations
10. What is Vso of your most recent aircraft? Cessna 172 is 41Kts
11. What is the max distance from the runway if you were to circle to land? Depends on your speed
12. Have you applied anywhere else? Just be honest on this one. If you are in the job hunt, it’s normal to apply to several companies. It’s great to tell them that Cathay is your top choice, but it would be suspect to say Cathay is your only choice.
13. What is mach tuck? As the aircraft reaches critical mach the nose of the aircraft tends to pitch downwards due to the flow of air over the wing reaching supersonic speeds producing additional life and center of pressure moving rearward. As the center of pressure moves rearward the elevators become less effective, pushing the aircraft into a potentially unrecoverable dive.
14. What is tower’s NORDO signal to be cleared to land? Steady green
15. What is VMCG? minimum speed control in the ground
16. What is the difference between Blue, Green Airports? blue is IFR (has approaches) green is VFR (no approaches)
17. What is GRADIENT CLIMB? 3%
18. What is VMCA? Minimun Speed Control in the Air
19. What is windshear? its a change on direction and speed of the wind
20. What is MOCA? Minimum Obstacle Clearance that provides obstable clearance between Vor airways. It also ensures VOR coverage 22nm from the nearest VOR
21. What is hyperventilation? hyperventilation is when the body has too much Oxygen and not enough Co2
22. Ever had an emergency? yes, many over the years
23. Pilots have many simultaneous responsibilities during the flight. What can you tell me about this? Pilots navigate the flight, observe and direct the activities of the crew, check instruments, keep an eye on the weather, and monitor altitude and air traffic. Doing all these and more, often simultaneously, requires outstanding multi-tasking skills and power of concentration.
24. What are the max airspeeds in C airspace? 200 KIAS within 4 NM of Primary Class C Airport
25. How would you behave as the pilot of a plane during an emergency? Describe first what your emotional response would be. It is important to demonstrate, preferably through examples, that you can maintain your poise during such events, and that you possess enough presence of mind to activate emergency procedures and delegate duties among crew members as necessary.
26. Where do you see yourself in 6 months? with your company
27. Did you ever have to modify the flight course in the past? Pilots are able to modify the course in flight, if this is dictated by internal or external conditions. This is not a small responsibility and needs careful coordination with control towers and scrupulous attention to detail.
28. What Is V2? takeoff safety speed
29. What Is Max A/s In Class C? Airspeed maximum of 200 knots indicated within 4 nautical or 5 statute miles and 2500 feet above the ground of the primary airport.
30. What Are The Cdi/raim Sensitivities Of A Gps Outside 30nm? Inside 30nm? +- 5 mi +- 1 mi
31. What Is The Effect Of Aft Cg On Performance? rearward Cg gives better fuel efficiency
32. What Is An Lda? a precision approach that is offset from the runway, it may have GS
33. Where Is The Faf On A Vor/ils Approach? On a VOR approach, the FAP is whenever you are established on course inbound and the final decent may be started. For non-precision approaches, the FAF is the “Maltese Cross” and for precision, the arrow which identifies the GS intercept.
34. Why Cape Air? big airline paneer
35. What Kind Of Airspace Is Around Lax? Class B. Very congested airspace.
36. What Is V1? Take off decision speed
37. What is hypoxia? Lack of oxygen to body tissues
38. Why do you like Compass? I like the new modern equipment and I like the fact that it’s got flow through to/ is part of Northwest.
39. What is a squall line? It is a continuous narrow line active of thunderstorms ahead of cold front but can develop far removed of any front. May be too long to detour, too thick to penetrate. It forms very rapidly reach Max intensity in late afternoon or early evening. IT IS THE SINGLE MOST INTENSE WEATHER HAZARD FOR AIRCRAFT.
40. Why do you want to work for Allegiant? growing company, day trips, upgrade potential
41. Why Ameriflight? I’d like to fly cargo and gain the single-pilot IFR experience
42. Did you ever have a problem with an F/O? Yes
43. What is your clearance limit when cleared for the approach and then you loose coms? The published hold on the missed.
44. What is MEA? Minimum En Route Altitude, lowest altitude on that airway that assures obstacle clearance and acceptable navigational reception.
45. What is Definition of V2? Single engine climb speed until safe altitude or clear of obstacles
46. What is Definition of V1? on a balance runway it is the last chance for you to decide not to go if you have and emergency and still stop on the runway according to the air data
47. What is the definition of Hypoxia? Not enough Oxygen
48. What is the seating capacity of the Dash 8 100 and 300 and how many flight attendants you need? DA-100 (37) DA-300 (50) FA 1
49. Tell me the biggest factor as far as fuel conservation goes as it relates to a jet engine? TSFC thrust specific fuel consumption which directly inperpolates to power setting and altitude. Higher you climb the less fuel required. Throttle settings also have a say in conservation and relates more to maintenance issues which is why full throttle takeoffs are rarely done.
50. What qualities make a good captain? Confident, Diligent, Good CRM skills, Good Problem Solver
51. What’s your choice of base? PDX or Seattle
52. World Airways Pilot Interview Questions:
53. Flight Express Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
54. Lion Air Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
55. LAN Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
56. Miami Air International Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
57. Mokulele Airlines Pilot Interview Questions:
58. Ryan International Airlines Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
59. Seaborne Airlines Pilot Interview Questions:
60. XOJET Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
Steps for Answering KSA Questions
Once you receive your KSA request from a hiring manager, think carefully about each question before you start your response.
Start by linking your past experiences to the relevant KSAs. Next, consider what knowledge and skills you possess that pertain to each KSA question. This is “task analysis,” and it is your opportunity to tell a hiring manager about your past work, and how it relates to the position for which you are applying.
You should also consider the manner in which you performed past work. Your employment arrangement and supervisory structure play a large role in how you perform your work, so include any relevant details in your responses.
Most KSA questions are intentionally very open-ended to allow candidates to answer in whatever manner they deem appropriate, and for the hiring manager to more easily weed out applicants who miss the mark. For these questions, always strive to link your own experience to the subject of the KSA question. This can include the time spent working on a past project, whether or not you worked as part of a team, the frequency with which you performed a specific task or job function, or time spent in a particular position.
Finally, make sure you pay close attention to the formatting of your KSA request and the instructions for answering. For example, if the KSA request states to write no more than one paragraph for each answer, keep your responses less than five sentences each. Hiring managers want to see that applicants pay attention to instructions. If there is no stated limit for your answers, try to keep them no longer than one page each.
Some people prefer to start with a sample KSA answer in order to get the ball rolling. However you meet the KSA portion of the hiring process, whether it is part of the application process, a specialized KSA request, or part of your interview, it’s always best to prepare and practice your answers in advance. While you don’t want to sound rehearsed, you should certainly strive to speak with authority and from a position of experience when answering KSAs.
If you are unsure whether or not an aspect of your education, work history, skill set, or past accomplishments pertains to a particular KSA question, do your best to include as much information as possible without cramming your answers full of irrelevant information.
However, remember that things like previous volunteer experience, training courses, or awards you have won in the past may all have relevance in your KSA questions. This is your opportunity to stand out from other applicants, so don’t be shy about including your experiences as long as they are relevant and showcase how well you would fit the position.
FAQ
What are KSA questions?
What is a KSA interview?
A KSA is a narrative statement describing your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a specific job-related topic that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
How do you answer the KSA question?
What is a KSA assessment?
