Government Interviews - Preparation And Experience Are Key, Answering The “why” Question, Exhibit Realistic Expectations, Interview Logistics
The competition for government jobs is stiff. Although the work done in different government agencies varies greatly, there are two common denominators when it comes to getting a government position. First, it requires more thorough research and preparation; second, with a few exceptions, most government positions require prior work experience or relevant skills. Keep this in mind as you contemplate your career options in the government and prepare for your interviews.
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Your number-one research assignment is to determine when to begin preparing to apply for a government position. An entry-level position in a small government office in a rural location may not require that much preparation; meanwhile, becoming an assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles or New York may, depending on your level of experience, require years of preparation. Such preparation may include…
Many government attorneys have distinct career paths that brought them to their current position. Some started their careers with federal clerkships, some in private practice, some with different government agencies. However, they all had specific reasons for wanting to get a government job. When you are asked why you want the job, you had better have a researched, thoughtful, and sincere answer p…
Every government agency gets their share of applicants who think they will set the world on fire. A district attorney's office may get an entry-level applicant who talks about how great it will be to try a felony murder. The U.S. Attorney's Office may get someone talking about bringing down corrupt politicians. The State Department could have someone talking about major changes in fo…
Different government agencies and offices have different ways of conducting interviews. Some interview in several stages: First you meet more junior attorneys and then, should you progress to the next stage, you meet more senior people. Other offices may conduct day-long interviews, in which you have three or four meetings in the morning, a break for lunch, and then four or five meetings in the af…
Although most firms encourage their interviewers to be politically correct and follow a standard interviewing protocol, government agencies, which have an abundant applicant pool, are less concerned about scaring off candidates by asking challenging questions. This means that their questions can be much less predictable and much more challenging. Hypothetical questions and requests for impromptu p…
You have researched your desired position, polished your resume, put together an interview game plan, and are ready to go. You have a dark suit on (but not a very expensive one—remember, your interviewers live on a government salary!), and you are ready to shine. Just do not think you can outshine your interviewers. Government interviewers stress the importance of exhibiting confidence and …
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