This is directed to any of you with experience in this area...

I am looking at interviewing soon for a fed flying job and was wondering if there was any info out there about the interview process. I have been through a few airline interviews successfully, as I have gleened all available information and prepared for it. I will approach this one the same way.

Normally I show up in my navy blue suit, is this appropriate for a park/wildife type position?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

I interviewed for a DOW job a while back and it was a lengthy process, as in months before they make a decision. I think there was a total of 8 steps/interviews before someone got the job. Kick butt job though, good luck.

As for attire, nice casual dress clothes seemed to be the norm, lots on old timers with high time at the interview and they didn't seem to give a hoot about what you wore.

A good rule of thumb is to wear the kind of clothing you will wear if you get the job. You can't go wrong with Dockers and a dress shirt, (tie or no tie, your option).

I worked for an agency as a pilot for 30 years or so.

I would appear neatly dressed, and groomed. I am always amazed when people show up for ANY job interview wearing jeans with holes in the knees, and hair that hasn't seen a barber shop in a few years.

Professionalism goes waaaay deeper than your clothes or haircut, but those things are indicators, and should never be underestimated in ANY job interview.

Wear a tie, get a haircut. Act professional, and look professional.

MTV

Thanks guys.

Know as much about the agency as posssible, including there Mission Statement. Being able to talk the talk is a step in the right direction!

All good advice ! professional, read the web site, know who the big players are by name, relax and remember you have a passion for flying. Look around the interview room if it is his or her office you will find something personal more than likely connected with aviation. Ask a question about it and let them talk about the subject. It maybe a photo of an airplane trip or if in a conference room something about the org. an award of achievement. Make a list of questions for when you are inevitably asked 'Do you have any questions" It is important to ask questions to indicate your interest and enthusiasm. Both of these will leave the interviewer with an impression of your intelligence with professional interaction. Take notes! while they are talking. Interviews are more about you fitting into the team then your qualifications. They would not be interviewing you if you weren't qualified, ie; express your ability to be a team player. Good Luck!

If you're unclear on what the interviewer just said, employ Occam's Razor.

A long time ago...

After a full day of grueling interviews at a big software company where I'd been attempting to solve math and logic problems on white boards, asked every conceivable trick question, etc. I finally had an HR person suddenly ask me if I had an outie. (What? As opposed to an innie?, I surmised). I was flabbergasted. I'd been asked some weird questions, but what possible reason would he have to ask me about my navel? I started laughing uncontrollably. Finally, I realized he'd asked me if I had an Audi (the car). I'm pretty sure he thought I was mildly insane.

If the agency is like most of the ones I dealt with over the years, you may not be interviewing with an aviation type person. That's alright, but understand WHO you're talking to, and adjust your answers accordingly.

I've been to interviews where I walked out of the thing wondering what the hey ANY of the questions had to do with the job. Don't sweat it if you get there.

Answer ALL questions honestly and succintly. As in a check ride for a rating or certificate DO NOT try to BS the interviewer if you don't know the answer to a particular question. ANSWER HONESTLY.

Good luck,

MTV

I wore a dark Grey/Black suit with a Burgundy shirt and a killer loud matching tie,they still hired me.
The other guy's did Navy jacket / White shirt with yellow ties...I have never seen any of then since.

I did a casual interview with the front desk gal, an oral with an instructor, a panel interview with 3 more people then a check ride with another guy I'd never seen before. They called all 3 of my references before I even got back to the hotel.

Go with the suit, I wore it the first day I reported in as well. You can always take off the jacket later.
A good job these day's is harder to find than ever much less a Government one. Don't lose it cause your lazy, mines great.

Green Hornet, I have to disagree with some of what you said. If I get some Eddie Haskel type asking "Jeepers Mr. Cleaver, is that your Aero Plane" he would be gone so fast he would wonder if he had even been to the interview.

These people have a job to do, they don't need small talk. They will meet a lot of applicants who they will never see again and they want to get it done. Look good and reply to what they ask. Say nothing more and nothing less. Make your answers direct and don't be afraid to ask a question if you want something clarified. Keep eye contact while your talking and be prepared. Good Luck!

Jaerl wrote:Green Hornet, I have to disagree with some of what you said. If I get some Eddie Haskel type asking "Jeepers Mr. Cleaver, is that your Aero Plane" he would be gone so fast he would wonder if he had even been to the interview.

These people have a job to do, they don't need small talk. They will meet a lot of applicants who they will never see again and they want to get it done. Look good and reply to what they ask. Say nothing more and nothing less. Make your answers direct and don't be afraid to ask a question if you want something clarified. Keep eye contact while your talking and be prepared. Good Luck!

AKAVIATOR is on the right track because he is asking for input and thinking about the process. There are a lot of interview books out there but the guy who wrote the one minute manager has the Five Minute interview, Richard H. Beatty that is a good read and speaks to getting the interviewer to talk, ansd sell the position, in particular the goals of the group. The triggers I spoke to are just examples. If you look you will find the right icebreaker. It is not about being Eddie Haskel. I'm old enough to know who that is If done right it could land you the job and set you above the rest of the crowd. It is a strategic technique to take control of the interview instead of just answering questions and keeping your mouth shut like the past 20 interviewee's. The idea is to impress and get the job in this very very competitive environment. Akavaitor get the book if you don't have one! It prepares you for what is coming and will make you more relaxed.

As far as these people being busy there is nothing more important than bringing on the right help to get to the goal! A hire reflects on all of them for their career advancement. The interviewer wants to fill the position with best person he can find and doesn't give a dam how long it takes! If I spend more time with an interviewee it means I'm interested. People who hire friends or robots inevitably regret it and usually have to let them go!
AKAVIATOR be prepared for the hypothetical scenario. Be deliberate in your response just like you are in the left seat. Interviewing is like a chess game not a checker game where you just jump pieces aka answer questions and look them in the eye. That approach doesn't work in 21st century. People who interview are trained in psychological approach and do it all the time so have a serious plan that is where the book can help! Also be aware of the negative positive question. What is your weakness? Spin this to a positive like I tend to be a workaholic and need to remind myself about balancing family life with quality time.
Once again good Luck!
Bill