Government Job Interview Process – Learn More

It is tougher to get a job and to crack all rounds of interviews in government sectors presently. Because there is so much competition, after clearing the rounds of government exams, the aspirants can face the interview stage in a few days. It is the stage where candidates either create it (hired) or break it (not hired). You have to be well prepared to appear for an interview. But extensive knowledge is not required to crack, aspirants may have more than that to clear an interview round. Keep reading to know more about Government Job Interview Process.

Many candidates attempt their luck at clearing the government job entrance exams held in India every year. These exams are multi-stage exams, which means that these exams have multiple rounds and it is quite a time taking to clear all rounds. Before receiving the joining letter, you have to clear all the rounds of exams and interviews. 

A majority of candidates showing for these exams typically get screened out of the competition within the first stage itself. Solely a couple of thousand get chosen to require the second stage out of that a couple creates it to the ultimate stage. The ultimate stage in such exams is the interview round. Once an aspirant reaches the interview stage, it always implies that the candidate should have knowledge and skills that are superior to most of his colleagues.

Government organizations are followed by laws and regulations to operate job applications and interview processes for the candidates. So, each candidate gets equal opportunities in government job sectors. There are several ways government organizations might take your test, strength, weakness, skills, academic and professional qualifications through the interview process. The most common is face-to-face or one-on-one interviews. Though, telephonic interviews and video interviews occur as well.

We will cover all the processes of government job interviews in this article.

Interview Preparation Process

1. Interview request call or email:

Some government organizations can use emails to initiate and clarify the interview method. Usually, these emails include the data you are looking for and what succeeding steps in the interview are.

If you receive a call regarding an interview, it is necessary that you just pay attention to this. In some cases, you’ll get an extra follow-up email that gives you the data you would like concerning the particular interview. However, note down the subsequent information before you finish the call:

• The name of the person you have spoken over the phone, their organizations, and the title
• A  phone number that you have got for further questions or queries regarding the interview
• Confirm the title of the position at the particular organization if you have applied for multiple jobs
• The particular time and the date of the interview
• The interview location
• The interviewer name who interviewed you on a particular position and therefore the format of the interview
• Besides your resume, any important documents or writing samples that you need to appear for the interview
• At the stage of the interview, the hiring authority might take an extra assessment test. Try to collect the information regarding this. The assessment tests are based on the case study, writing test, computer test, etc.

Also, you have to gather the information on the interviewer who will take your interview, security or access requirements, and transportation directives.

2. Screening interviews:

It is considered to be the initial round of the interview method. Government organizations use this to separate the candidates whose qualifications match the job description and are well fitted for an on-site interview. Generally, screening interviews happen over the phone. The conversations are comparatively short, and you’ll be asked many interview questions on your basic qualifications and background that are relevant to the job description. It’s additionally attainable that the screener asks you concerning your salary needs and your availability for the job.

After the initial screening, government organizations decide that the qualified candidates can further move to the next step of the interview.

This stage in the interview method aims to seek out whether or not you have got the mandatory skills for the work and if your salary expectations match what the organization can give you. During this early stage of the interview method, interviewers are already centering on finding the individual that is the right suited for the work.

During this interview process, the screener might ask some common interview queries such as:

• Tell me something about yourself.
• What are your hobbies?
• Describe your work experience. (if there is any)
• Why do you want this job? (for a particular job)
• Do you know anything about this organization? (for a particular organization)
• What are your salary requirements?
• What are your future goals?
• The particular subject that you have read and skills-based questions will ask

Pro tips to qualify a screening interview:

• Thoroughly analyze the work description to create positivity and precisely perceive the necessities.
• Make sure you recognize your resume and what details you have got enclosed.

• Be honest and simple to the screener. You have got very little time to create a good impression.
• If applicable, follow up with a thanks note to the screener.

3. On-site or face-to-face government job interviews:

The traditional employment interview on location continues to be the foremost common style of interview employed by government agencies. During this setting, you, the answerer, and also the hiring manager or any other decision-maker of the department are having a conversation to discuss the job applications. This type of interview is additionally referred to as a ‘one-on-one interview,’ ‘traditional job interview,’ ‘individual interview,’ or ‘face-to-face interview.’

During this interview, you get to take a seat and face one or additional hiring managers and answer interview queries. Though it is typically referred to as a one-on-one interview, it’s attainable that you’re determined by others.

Interviewers are sometimes human resource (from the HR department) workers or alternative representatives of the organization. This is the interview where hiring managers are asked additional in-depth queries to the candidates to assess their abilities and skills. What is more, it permits them to research visual communication whereas having the ability to dig deeper into their personalities further. The advantage for you as an applicant is you have the time to prepare and create a specific answer for the interview questions. This suggests that you just get a chance to demonstrate your skills and abilities that match the necessities for the job.

Interviewers always arrange an interview format structure. This suggests that every candidate can get a similar style of queries. This is often done to systematically get relevant job-related data regarding every candidate.

Frequently asked government job interview queries are:

• Tell me something about yourself.
• How would you define yourself?
• Why do you want to work for this organization?
• What do you consider your most significant strengths?
• What do you consider your most significant weakness?
• How do you handle the pressure?
• What do you know about our organization?
• Describe your ideal job. Where do you want to see yourself five years from now?
• Why should we select you?
• Do you think you are qualified for this position?
• What is more important to you, money or satisfaction?
• Describe your most significant success and failure in the last two years.
• What have you found to be the biggest source of motivation in your life?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Do you consider yourself successful?
• What do co-workers say about you?
• Are you applying for other jobs?
• Are you a team player?
• How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
• Do you have any questions for us?

Read additional regarding frequently asked interview questions and practice the answers in front of a mirror as much as you can.

4. Telephonic government job interview:

Employers sometimes use phone interviews in the initial stages of the interview method. It’s an identical interview because of the earlier discussion on screening interviews. Usually, phone interviews are scheduled earlier by email or via a call.

Phone interviews are used as an initial screening of candidates to confirm that the candidates are qualified for the next round of the interview and meet the minimum number of job requirements. A telephonic interview is an initial stage similar to screening interviews where you can directly contact a representative of the hiring company. There are various telephonic interview methods that an organization uses one phone interview, or uses two or perhaps three different calls before you get participation for an on-the-spot interview.

It’s essential to appreciate that you can not show your body language during a phone interview. Therefore, concentrate on your tone of voice and make sure that you speak politely and clearly. During the telephonic interview, keep the focus on the interviewer’s voice and listen rigorously like the enquirer can’t observe your body language, so that you can’t.

If the call is generated, you can go through the interview questions that you expected earlier. In alternative words, you’ll have all of your notes ahead that you have accustomed to prepare and to create the most effective impression attainable.

Pro tips to prepare for phone interviews:

• If the enquirer calls you at a time that’s not suitable for you, ask for rescheduling. This way, you’ll increase your possibilities of constructing a good impression throughout the interview.
• Ensure that the area (where you are interviewed via phone calls) should be cleared from background noise or any other distractions. A quiet place is the best to keep your focus throughout the interview.
• If you have got a call scheduled, make a list ready with answers so that you wish to allow the hiring manager to demonstrate that you are appropriate for the job.
• Always have your CV and cover letter ready in front of you in case the hiring manager wants to talk about these with you.
• Take a pen and a paper ready in front of you to write notes from the interviewer.

The questions asked in this section are from your background and work experience related. Your preparation for a telephonic interview is similar to the on-the-spot or face-to-face interview. We have discussed that before. Common questions are discussed in the on-site interview section. Go through these questions thoroughly and be prepared for the government job interview.

Read more regarding phone interview questions to ask the hiring manager.

5. Panel interviews:

In the panel interview, you are interviewed by multiple interrogators at a similar time. It would possibly feel discouraging. However, keep in mind that these people are here to judge your skills and abilities, whether you are a right fit or not. All people have observed you and then will take the final decision.

The panel you’re interviewing with includes representatives from different levels, departments, or sections of the government sectors, for example, hr manager, branch manager, and team leader. All panelists come from various government bodies. They are considered your CV, covering letter, and answers to queries otherwise.

Before an interview, you can research all your interviewers. By doing this, you’ll be able to analyze all of them to search out who they’re and what they precisely do in the organization. For government organizations, a panel interview is a simple manner for a bunch of officers to urge them to understand you quickly. A panel interview helps to form the interview method more efficiently in terms of time and money. As you’re interviewing with multiple members of the government organizations, you’ll have the chance to raise questions on the position and the organization norms. This way, you’ll be able to decide for yourself if the organization and job you’re looking for is the right job for you.

Panel interview sample questions:

• How do you communicate at work? Give an example.
• Describe your work ethic.
• What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
• What do you look for in a job?
• If you get this position, what are your plans?
• How do you manage in changing situations where you have no control over it?
• How do you motivate one at work?
• What difficulties did you face while encountering a problem?
• How would you develop team spirit among the people that you supervise?
• In what areas do you want to improve your skills?
• What would be your plan if you are not selected?
• Don’t you think you are overqualified for this post?
• Would you describe a few situations in which your work is criticized?
• What kinds of people do you find difficult to work with?

6. Video interviews:

Different government organizations conduct interviews through video conferences. If you have a problem with traveling, it could be a better way to interview. However, it’s additionally possible to give an interview from home. If a video call interview is scheduled, it is mandatory to take calls in a quiet place where no one disturbs you and you can follow up on your interviews. Keep in mind that the video connection should be properly visible and uninterrupted so that you can give a hustle-free video interview. Like the panel interviews, multiple hiring officers or interviewers would present to take your interviews. They can see you as well. So, ensure that like an in-person interview, you have to prepare body language, dress-up, smartness, and all other things.

Conclusion:

An interview is a challenge in which the candidate has to face his personality. In the government job interview, it is assessed in what way the candidate has been able to make use of his book- knowledge in practical life or how far he has been able to assimilate all that he has read. Power of discretion and decision is also assessed at the time of interview. To prove one’s worth on this touchstone, the candidate has to undergo regular practice and discipline himself for the occasion. Be prepared!

Wish you success and all the best in your career!