How to ace the state-job interview
There are two steps to landing a great
state job. The first: to attain “list
eligibility” through an examination.
Typically, the examination is a qualifications-
appraisal panel interview.
After you have attained
list eligibility, you will participate
in the job interview.
Group Interviews Are
Different Than One-On-
One Interviews. Most statejob
interviews are group
events. Rarely will you be
interviewed one-on-one by
a hiring supervisor. You’ll
have to get used to the family
nature of the interview process—
and it truly is a family
process.
A key component of the
group interview is consensus. They don’t
vote, and provide for majority rule. If they
can’t achieve a consensus, you will not get
the job.
You can assume one of the panel members
doesn’t want to hire you. They may
have a different favorite candidate or they
may just feel like not getting along with
the group. When they discuss your candidacy,
the one not on your side won’t be so
upfront; they will utilize something you
said in the interview against you.
Because of the group nature of the
interview, a state interview is not a friendly
experience. Don’t try to be overly warm
to the interviewers, for example. Just sit
there and be matter of fact throughout the
interview. And if there are times of silence,
let it be—that’s a lot better than filling the
panel members with small talk. Your small
talk may offend one of the panel members.
I recommend to clients that they note
the weather before they enter the interview
building—at least then they will have
something neutral to talk about.
Here are some specific tips on handling
state job interviews:
Open-ended Questions. State-job
interviews consist of many open-ended
questions. By structuring the questions
in an open-ended manner, the panel is
trying to get you to talk—and you can
easily talk yourself out of a job, so be
careful. Remember, open-ended questions
are the...