- How was the drive?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Where are you from?
- What are your three greatest strengths?
- What are your three greatest weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
- What are you passionate about?
While every interview presents its own challenges, government interviews will often have a similar set of questions. While preparing for your government job interview, ensure youve at a minimum considered these questions.
As with any interview question preparation, the best way to prepare is to write down your answers, and then practice them with someone. If you dont have someone to practice with, consider recording a video of yourself practicing your answers, and see how you can improve both the answers and your mannerisms (see this article on how to project confidence in an interview).
Interviews are tough; government interviews can be tougher. Check out these ten tricky questions and how to answer them.
GOVERNMENT Interview Questions & Answers! (PASS your Government Job Interview at the 1st ATTEMPT!)
So I recently put in for a GS-13 supervisory position and was referred. I am expecting that I should make it to the interview portion. My only question I have is what kind of questions can I expect? The only interview experience I have is for my internship which I had 5 years ago (in the same group that the job is for). Are there some blanket questions that are typically asked in these interviews or at least some general topics so I can do some research and have prepared points I would want to discuss about? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Action: Evaluated original subscription rates and designed a new promotional package that offered special rates for all renewal subscriptions. Results: Increased renewal subscription by 25 percent over the same period last year. This promotional package not only increased renewal subscriptions and maintains job security for the staff, but also enabled the office to replace a badly needed piece of equipment that could no longer be serviced.
Now that you have an idea of what kinds of questions to expect, the next step is how to answer them. To give a complete answer to a behavior-based question, you must, first, reflect on specific situations that you faced while working (include any volunteering or internships), then, describe the specific action you took, and, finally, the outcome as a result of your actions. The interviewer will be looking for concrete examples not generalities. A helpful hint would be to remember the initials “PAR” for “Problem, Action, and Results” such as “PAR for the Course.” Heres an example: Problem: Local newspaper subscriptions were declining for the area residents and large numbers of long-term subscribers were not renewing contracts. With the majority of the newspapers revenue generated from subscriptions, this reduction in renewals would have an enormous affect on the future of the paper, especially employment.
Why do you want to work at this agency?
Bad answer: “Everyone knows your Department is cool, and I think it will look great on my resume.”
Good answer: “The work that you did in the Haiti earthquake relief efforts inspired me to study humanitarian issues in the first place, which is why my internship was focused on humanitarian and aid issues. I believe my passion and experience would be a great asset to your agency, and know I would look forward to coming to work each day in a job like this where I know Im making a difference.”
Dont make it all about you, but find a way to spin it so youre telling them why you would make a great contribution to their team and agency.
Why do you want to work for the government?
Bad answer: “I like the government. It seems like a super cool place to work.”
Good answer: “I have always appreciated and admired those who serve their country. Thats why I joined the military in the first place, and Im at a point where I may not want to carry a rifle, but I want to keep giving back.”
Dont just say you like it. Anyone can like the idea of working for the government, and that proves nothing. Focus your commitment to public service and respect for government officials and what they are doing. Consider using a couple examples of work government agencies are doing that has inspired you (this can be other agencies than the one youre interviewing for — remember, were going for big picture here).
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
FAQ
What questions are ask on federal job 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 pass a federal government interview?
- What Are Your Weaknesses? …
- Why Should We Hire You? …
- Why Do You Want to Work Here? …
- What Are Your Goals? …
- Why Did You Leave (or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? …
- When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? …
- What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can’t?
What is your strength and weakness best answer?
- 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.
