Navigating the interview process
After applying for a job with the state of California, you may be selected for an interview. If you are here because you received an interview, congratulations!
About the interview
Interviews for jobs in state government are scheduled, structured and run a standard length of time. Since the state government hiring process is based on a merit system, all candidates will receive the same interview questions, which will be asked by a panel of interviewers.
The interview may include behavioral and situational interview questions, so it is important to prepare for both types of questions. Your responses to each question are scored on criteria determined by the department you are interviewing with.
Preparing for the interview
Preparing for an interview looks different for everyone. However, some standard steps will help you succeed in any interview.
Do your research.
Learn about the department’s mission, and review the job posting and duty statement.
Confirm interview time and location.
For in-person interviews, know your directions, check-in or security procedures, and the point of contact for scheduling.
For virtual interviews, test your camera and audio, and verify a strong internet connection and professional background.
Complete additional paperwork (if needed).
Some positions may require you to complete additional forms before the interview.
Develop practice questions.
Create sample questions using the duty statement and job posting to prepare your answers.
Review your professional experience.
Consider how your previous experiences connect to the position you are interviewing for. Identify specific examples, including what you did, how you did it and the final result.
Schedule a mock interview.
Reach out to your college’s career or alumni center, or a trusted mentor or friend, and practice answering interview questions.
During the interview
After preparing for an interview, you will be ready to discuss your skills and qualifications. While it is normal to be nervous during an interview, the following tips will keep you organized when you meet with the panel interviewers.
Dress professionally.
Whether you are completing an in-person or a virtual interview, dress professionally and put your best self forward.
Avoid acronyms and jargon.
Do not assume your interviewers are familiar with industry-specific terms. Instead, use plain language to ensure your responses are clear.
Share your experiences.
Interviewers may be unfamiliar with your application materials, so remember to provide specific examples and relevant context.
Manage your time.
Consider how long it takes you to answer questions. You want to be thorough, but also remember that every interview is a fixed length and will involve many questions.
Collect your thoughts.
If you begin to feel overwhelmed, briefly pause to collect your thoughts. Each response is scored, so it is important to answer in a clear and organized manner.
Ask questions.
Most interviews end with time for you to ask the panelists questions. When prompted, respond with your prepared questions about the position.
After the interview
Congrats! You completed the interview. Now, let’s discuss what’s next.
After the interview, send a follow-up note expressing your gratitude for the interviewers’ time and reiterate that you are available for any additional questions. A contact in the department’s human resources office will typically provide an update, either with a request for an additional interview, a message that you were not moved to the next stage of the hiring process or a job offer.
Your experience may vary depending upon the position, but you can expect someone to reach out to you in a timely manner with an update. You can also review your status on CalCareers.
If you are rejected from a position, that is okay! You can still apply to hundreds of other positions on CalCareers.
If you receive a job offer, decide if it’s right for you. Your career is a unique journey. If you choose to accept an offer, your point of contact will follow up with next steps.
