Interviewing for Federal Jobs

Preparing for Interview Outreach

Some agencies send emails to kick off the interview process. Others call. 

Before agencies contact candidates for interviews, it is common to wait several weeks, and sometimes longer, after the application deadline. Federal hiring timelines can vary significantly depending on the agency, the number of applicants and the internal review processes.  
 
You can monitor the status of your application by logging into your USAJOBS account. Status updates such as “Received,” “Reviewed” or “Referred” may provide clues about where your application stands. If the job announcement lists an HR contact and a reasonable amount of time has passed, you may send a brief, professional email to inquire about the status of your application. To move forward with scheduling an interview, an agency may contact you by email or phone. Respond promptly and professionally.

When you are contacted, make sure you gather the following information: 

• The caller’s name, title and agency 
• A return phone number or email address 
• Confirmation of the job title (particularly if you have multiple applications pending) 
• Time (including time zone) and date of the interview 
• Interview location or platform information for a virtual interview  
• Any materials (like a resume) that you should bring or prepare in advance 
• Whether you will complete additional assessments such as a writing test  

You may also want to ask:  

• Name(s) and title(s) of interviewer(s)  
• The type or format of interview—for example, a one-on-one or panel interview  
• Security procedures and how much time to allow for entry (for in-person interviews) 
• Transportation and parking information, if applicable

Types of government interviews 

Federal agencies use several interview formats. You may participate in a one-on-one interview, a panel interview, a phone screening or a video interview.

One-on-one interviews 

You may interview with a hiring manager, a supervisor or other team members before an offer is made.  

• Agencies use one-on-one interviews to assess how your experience and skills align with the role and how you may fit within the team.  
• Additional staff members may sit in during the interview.  
• Treat each interview as a new opportunity even if you are asked similar questions. The information will be new and important to each interviewer.  
• Many federal agencies use structured interviews, meaning all candidates are asked the same set of questions and responses are evaluated using standardized criteria. These interviews may feel more formal since interviewers often follow a consistent set of questions to ensure consistency in the hiring process. Treat these conversations with as much professionalism as you would for a formal office interview.  

Panel interviews

During a panel interview, several staff members interview you at the same time. This format may feel more formal, but it allows multiple decision-makers to simultaneously assess your qualifications and gives you the opportunity to hear perspectives from several team members at once. During panel interviews: 

• Be prepared to respond to questions from individuals with different roles and perspectives. If you receive the panelists’ names in advance, review their positions so you can tailor your examples accordingly. You will have the opportunity to ask several people questions about the job and the organization to ensure the position is the right fit.  
• Note panelists’ names and address them by name when appropriate. 

Phone interviews 

Many agencies conduct an initial phone screen to confirm your qualifications and interest before moving you to a second round. Treat this conversation as a formal interview and prepare accordingly. 

Video interviews 

Video interviews on platforms like Teams or Zoom are common. You may join from your home or be asked to join from a nearby federal office building. Dress professionally, test your technology in advance and choose a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions.  

Federal interviews may last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour and will depend on the type of interview or the role for which you are being considered.

Answering Interview Questions

Similar to interviews in the private sector, federal interviews will ask questions based on your overall professional experience and technical expertise. Interviewers often ask behavioral style questions that begin with “tell me about a time when…” Interviewers will be paying attention to how you approach and address professional situations through these questions. One of the best ways to answer behavioral style questions is through the STAR method, where you describe the situation, the task at hand, the action you took and the final result of the experience.  
 
Interviewers may also ask you direct questions about your experience using certain types of software, databases or professional skills you put on your resume. You should answer these questions honestly and tie in any experience you noted on your federal resume.

After your interview

After your interview, it may take several weeks for agencies to complete their selection process. Federal hiring timelines can vary, so patience and professionalism during follow-up are important. 
 
It is best practice to send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time, reiterate your interest in the position and, if appropriate, briefly reinforce a key qualification you discussed. If you interviewed with a panel and do not have each person’s contact information, you can send a single thank-you to the hiring manager or interview coordinator and ask them to share it with the group.  
 
Be prepared to provide professional references who can speak to your qualifications and work ethic. It is best practice to notify your references in advance that they may be contacted and to share your resume and the job announcement with them so they can highlight relevant examples.