SacProNet
Mock Interviews Workshop
Agenda
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Review position descriptions, identify key skill sets, and develop
criteria for interview questions.
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Use a state job position.
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Conduct Mock Interview.
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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.
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.
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 Statement
To view the Staff Services Analyst duties and responsibilities select
Duty Statement
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
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.
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.
Interview Questions
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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?
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Why do you want to work for CALPers?
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How would your coworkers describe you?
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How do you deal with subordinates who are becoming part of
the problem rather than part of the solution?
Interview Questions
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How do you motivate people?
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How do you handle conflict?
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Tell me about the last important decision you had to make, how
you went about it making it, and the results you achieved?
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Are you an organized person?
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Do you manage your time well?
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How do you handle change?
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How would handle a boss that has unethical behaviors?
Interview Questions
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What were the most memorable accomplishments at your last
job? In your career?
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Tell me about the best / worst boss you ever had?
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What was your favorite job? Why?
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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?
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How do you go about making important decisions?
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Do you work well under pressure?
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Do you anticipate problems well or merely react to them?
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.
CDFA - SSA
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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
CDFA - SSA
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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.
CDFA - SSA
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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
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?
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?
Questions for Employer
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What are you looking for in an employee for this position?
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Do I meet your requirements for this position?
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Are there any concerns in my background or experience
that gives you doubt about my ability to perform this job?
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What is a typical day like in this position?
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How would you describe your management style.
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When do you expect to make a final decision on this
position?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions for Employer
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What is the most difficult decisions you have made in this job?
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Toughtest situations you have faced in this job?
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What are the typical frustrations about this job?
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What do I need to know to do this job in terms of skills and
abilities?