Mock Interviews Workshop - Sacramento Professional Network

1. Mock Interviews Workshop SacProNet

2. Agenda • Review position descriptions, identify key skill sets, and develop criteria for interview questions. • Use a state job position. • Conduct Mock Interview. • Break into groups of 3-4 members. 2 members interview the 3rd and then switch roles. • In place of resume, ask member about him or herself. This should be detailed so interviewers get aspects of resume details. Approximately 2 minutes. • This presentation contains 2 state job descriptions, interview questions, questions to ask interviewer, and a check list for a successful interview.

3. CALPers AGPA Program Analysts • Monitor division budget, respond to various budget inquiries from division management and Fiscal Services Division. • Review and approve division expenditures. • Analyze information to prepare reports, queries and budget projections. • Analyze prior expenditures and forecast future expenditures in preparation for the monthly projection reports and prepare monthly budget report. • Analyze and develop Formal Budget Requests. Assist managers and supervisors with personnel issues. • Work with Human Resources Division to resolve classification, recruitment and hiring issues, monitor positions using reports through PeopleSoft, maintain division organization chart.

4. CALPers AGPA Program Analyst • Desirable Qualifications:• Demonstrated experience monitoring and managing operational budgets • Strong analytical skills• Excellent communication and negotiation skills• Detail oriented• Demonstrated writing skills• Experience creating spreadsheets• Ability to think creatively to develop innovative solutions to budget issues• Customer service skills • To view the Associate Governmental Program Analyst duties and responsibilities select Duty StatementTo view the Staff Services Analyst duties and responsibilities select Duty Statement

5. CALPers AGPA Program Analyst • 45% Independently monitor OSSD budget. • Respond to various budget inquiries from Division management and Fiscal Services Division. Review and approve all division expenditures. • Independently analyze information to prepare reports, queries and budget projections for Division management. • Develop recommendations to management using alternate sources of funding. Analyze prior expenditures and forecast future expenditures in preparation for the monthly projection reports. • Prepare monthly division budget report. Analyze and develop Formal Budget Requests. Coordinate the annual and mid-year budget cycles for Division management. • Maintain Division’s fiscal historical information. • Monitor and prepare overtime reports. Meet regularly with assigned Fiscal Budget Analyst to resolve budget issues or discuss future budget needs

6. CALPers AGPA Program Analyst • 45% Act as Personnel Liaison for OSSD. Assist managers and supervisors with complex personnel issues. • Work with Human Resources to resolve a variety of classification, recruitment and hiring issues; perform position control by working closely with Personnel Management staff to monitor positions using reports through PeopleSoft. • Create and maintain records of positions, vacancies, and recruitment activities; initiate, track and follow-up on all Division transactions requested through HRMS.

7. CALPers AGPA Program Analyst • 10% Maintain and update organization chart on an ongoing basis. Track and coordinate division’s probation and annual performance reports monthly.

8. Interview Questions • You have had little experience with budgeting. How do you intend to learn what you need to know to perform this job? • What do you know about our company? • In regards to our position tell me about your strength areas and your weakness areas? • Why do you want to work for CALPers? • How would your coworkers describe you? • How do you deal with subordinates who are becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution?

9. Interview Questions • How do you motivate people? • How do you handle conflict? • Tell me about the last important decision you had to make, how you went about it making it, and the results you achieved? • Are you an organized person? • Do you manage your time well? • How do you handle change? • How would handle a boss that has unethical behaviors?

10. Interview Questions • What were the most memorable accomplishments at your last job? In your career? • Tell me about the best / worst boss you ever had? • What was your favorite job? Why? • What is the biggest failure you've had in your career? What steps have you taken to make sure something like that doesn't happen again? • How do you go about making important decisions? • Do you work well under pressure? • Do you anticipate problems well or merely react to them?

11. CDFA SSA • JOB DESCRIPTION: • The Pest Detection/Emergency Projects (PD/EP) Branch is recruiting to fill a Staff Services Analyst position. The PD/EP Branch is responsible for the early detection and eradication of exotic pests that harm and destroy agricultural crops and urban landscapes. The incumbent performs range of analytical duties including contract management,fiscal management, personnel transactions and administrative analysis.

12. CDFA - SSA • Under direction of the Environmental Program Manager II (EPM II), the Staff Services Analyst will exercise a high degree of independence and judgment to provide essential analytical assistance to the PD/EP Branch. The Staff Services Analyst will perform complex program evaluation, contract management and develop budgets. The Staff Services Analyst will use a high degree of independent judgment in preparing, interpreting and adapting guidelines and policies to carry out the analytical functions within the program. • Assist the EPM II in the development and management of contracts, procurement, and service documents • Review and audit contract invoices submitted by vendors for accuracy in fiscal details and completeness • Liaison to the EPM II and Administrative Services Division to facilitate purchases and encumbrances

13. CDFA - SSA • DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS : • Candidate must have excellent organizational and communication skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, county, industry, and the general public. • Candidate must be able to work well under pressure to complete assignments and meet required deadlines. • Additionally, a working knowledge of computer applications, i.e., Microsoft Word and Excel is required. • Frequent travel by air, car, or other transportation systems in order to attend in-state and out-of-state meetings will be necessary. Travel includes overnight stays and multiple-day trips with little or no notice. • Must have strong knowledge of computer applications.

14. CDFA - SSA • Review expenditures and encumbrances in accounting system and reconciles discrepancies • Prepare fiscal displays for management review • Revise and develop program’s current and proposed duty statements, organizational charts, position justifications, and other pertinent information for personnel recruitment and submit to Human Resources for processing • Manage charge recoveries and exception time reports. • Manage the Branch auto fleet and work as a liaison with the Fleet Administrator

15. Interview Questions • 1. Please tell us about your experience, education, and training as it relates to the duties of this position. • 2. You have a short time to complete a large project and you know you won’t have time to do a complete and thorough analysis. What would you do to meet the deadline with no overtime? • 3. One value of this office is providing excellent customer service. Please share with us what you believe are the key components of excellent customer service and what approach would you take to reinforce this value? • 4. How did you prepare for this interview today? If selected for this position, what steps would you take to learn and familiarize yourself with your new assignment? • 5. This position requires initiative, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a willingness to make decisions. Can you provide us with some examples of similar undertakings in the past? • 6. Describe your values about work. Can work ethic be taught? If so, how, if not, why?

16. Interview Questions • 7. What computer experience do you have and how would you rate your skills on a scale of Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced? • 8. If I were to ask your co-workers what they think your greatest strength and weakness is, what do you think they would say? What are you doing about those weaknesses? • 9. What are you seeking in this position that you are not getting in your present one? • 10. Where do you want to be in 5 years? • 11. Is there anything you would like to add? Do you have any questions for us?

17. Questions for Employer • What are you looking for in an employee for this position? • Do I meet your requirements for this position? • Are there any concerns in my background or experience that gives you doubt about my ability to perform this job? • What is a typical day like in this position? • How would you describe your management style. • When do you expect to make a final decision on this position?

18. Interview Cheat Sheet • By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer • Relax -- a cheat sheet is not really cheating. It's a checklist to make sure you stay focused before, during and after the interview. Creating a cheat sheet will help you feel more prepared and confident. You shouldn't memorize what's on the sheet or check it off during the interview. You should use your cheat sheet to remind you of key facts. Here are some suggestions for what you should include on it. • In the Days Before the Interview • Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper. • On the left side, make a bulleted list of what the employer is looking for based on the job posting. • On the right side, make a bulleted list of the qualities you possess that fit those requirements. • Research the company, industry and the competition. • Prepare your 60-second personal statement.

19. Interview Cheat Sheet • Write at least five success stories to answer behavioral interview questions • ("Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me an example of a time..."). • List five questions to ask the interviewer about the job, the company and the industry. • Research salaries to determine your worth. • Determine your salary needs based on your living expenses. • Get permission from your references to use their names.

20. Interview Cheat Sheet • Be ready to answer common interview questions  such as these: • Tell me about yourself. • Why did you leave your last position, or why are you leaving your current position? • What do you know about this company? • What are your goals? • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • Why do you want to work here? • What has been your most significant achievement? • How would your last boss and colleagues describe you? • Why should we hire you? • What are your salary expectations?

21. Interview Cheat Sheet • Before You Go to the Interview • Do you look professional? Check yourself in the mirror; part of your confidence will come from looking good. • Carry these items to the interview: • Several copies of your resume on quality paper. • A copy of your references. • A pad of paper on which to take notes, though notes are optional. • Directions to the interview site.

22. Interview Cheat Sheet • Upon Arrival • Arrive early -- enter the building 10 minutes before your appointment. • Review your prepared stories and answers. • Go to the restroom and check your appearance one last time. • Announce yourself to the receptionist in a professional manner. • Stand and greet your interviewer with a hearty -- not bone-crushing -- handshake. • Smile and maintain eye contact.

23. Interview Cheat Sheet • During the Interview • Try to focus on the points you have prepared without sounding rehearsed or stiff. • Relax and enjoy the conversation. • Learn what you can about the company. • Ask questions and listen; read between the lines. • At the conclusion, thank the interviewer, and determine the next steps. • Ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a follow-up letter.

24. Interview Cheat Sheet • After the Interview • As soon as possible, write down what you are thinking and feeling. • Later in the day, review what you wrote and assess how you did. • Write an interview thank-you letter, reminding the interviewer of your qualities.

25. Questions for Employer • What is the most difficult decisions you have made in this job? • Toughtest situations you have faced in this job? • What are the typical frustrations about this job? • What do I need to know to do this job in terms of skills and abilities?