Interviewing Training for Federal Employees
Format and Duration:
The Resume Place Certified Trainers plus audio/video assistant present this interactive workshop in either a one-day, 7-hour session (including lunch break) or a 3-hour session. Participants practice role-playing interview techniques, watch videos, critique and practice interview training in small groups.
Workshop Overview and Objectives:
Opportunities for job interviews don't come along every day. In this program, the Resume Place Certified Trainers show jobseekers how to make the most of interview opportunities. Applicants must prepare, prepare and prepare! Participants will focus on their own core competencies and knowledge, skills and abilities as the keys to interview preparation. In lively practice sessions with video camera and in-class exercises, the instructor will lead participants through the steps to discovering their own competencies and identifying the qualities sought by the interviewing agency. Participants will practice answering tough questions, such as, "Tell me about yourself." … "What are your top strengths" … "Tell me about a situation where … "
The trainer will cover the different interview formats and types of questions applicants may confront in federal job interviews. Participants will receive valuable tips on anticipating and fielding "unexpected" questions. After overhead PC demonstrations, class members will engage in mock interviews and an expert will critique their performances. Instructional Methods include role-playing, group, pair and individual exercises.
Who Should Attend this Workshop?
- Employees who are seeking new career opportunities.
- Federal applicants, seeking job change, who've gotten as far as the interview, but have yet to be offered the job-they have no time to waste!
- Human resources and other professionals who need to advise employees seeking federal job changes.
Participants Will Learn How To:
- Conduct research to understand an agency's "mission" and what they value in employees.
- Analyze and prepare responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities needed by the interviewing agency.
- Evaluate their own KSAs and competencies and speak self-assuredly about them under pressure.
- Anticipate the kinds of questions that will be asked.
- Improve communications skills for interviewing situations with one-on-one, panel or telephone interviews.
- Practice interview questions and prepare answers on paper ahead of interview sessions.
Syllabus:
Courses are off-the-shelf, but customized to fit the agency's application system. Final content will depend on types of positions, grade levels and specific needs of the contracting agency. This syllabus is an example of content typically presented in this course.
Key Concepts
- INTERVIEW ESSENTIALS
- Preparing for the Interview
- Analyzing the announcement and skills needed in the target job
- Resarching the agency and office mission
- Preparing and writing easy-to-read and memorize accomplishments
- Preparing your list of competencies and strengths
- Reviewing potential questions
- Getting ready for situational and behavioral questions
- THE BASICS OF INTERVIEWS
- Asking yourself the right questions
- Selling yourself
- Preparing physically for an interview - getting ready (on-time, reduced stress, preparation!)
- How to get into a KSA/competency mindset
- THE QUESTIONS AND ROLE-PLAYING WITH CAMERA ROLLING
- General sample questions
- Competency-based questions
- Demonstration and mock interview exercises
- Feedback, practice and watching others interview
INTERVIEW PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Text/Handout:
Group discounts are available for textbooks. Proven, valuable handouts are designed for each agency, based on types of positions and grade levels. The cost of the text or handouts may or may not be included in the contract, depending on the preference of the contracting agency. Text and handouts typically available for this course include:
10 Steps to an Outstanding Federal Interview - an Interview Preparation Workbook for Federal Employees - a 25-page handout
Career Planning and Interview Question Worksheets
Prices, Locations and Dates:
Workshop prices, locations and dates depend on the needs of the contracting organization.
Agency Experience:
- Defense Logistics Agency, Ft. Belvoir, VA
- National Archives & Records Administration, College Park, MD
- Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Managerial Core Competencies for GS 13 and 14 KSA Writing (using the ECQs for mid-career managers)
- National Institutes of Health
Course Information for Your Agency:
Request information about Resume Place Off-the-Shelf or Customized Career Training Courses by writing to Kathryn Troutman,
Director, Resume Place Career Training Services
888-480-8265
89 Mellor Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21228
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