US Patent and Trademark Office Junior Patent Examiner Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – applied in February, interviewed in March, not selected in April. In applied on USAJOBS.gov - I already had my federal resume prepared. I carefully prepared my cover letter and did a lot of research to prepare for the interview. Perhaps I didn't get an offer because I was too eager, just guessing. One phone interview with 2 patent managers - both were very nice. Asked what I knew about the USPTO, how would I handle difficult people and to give details about my work experience. It was difficult to hear sometimes over the phone because they were both on speakers. I aksed a question but they either misunderstood or gave me additional information so we kind of went round and round on that one. They were very eager to tell me about the orientation and how you would progress in the position.

Interview Details – Interviewed with one principal patent examiner and one HR rep at the same time. Was asked to explain my background, qualifications, interest in the job and knowledge of the patent prosecution.

Interview Details – Online application, after 2-3 weeks I leaned I am eligible and application referred to the hiring manager, after 2-3 weeks I was notified of interview, choice for on campus vs phone interview. Chose the latter. Reviewed the USPTO and patent Examiner video online (link provided by USPTO), and general prep. First question was : What do you know about the USPTO and intellectual Property, next ?: how would you finish 4 different tasks with same deadline; how would you handle constructive criticism and give an example; how would you accomplish your tasks while sharing your limited resources with others and give an example; how would you motivate others and give example;

Apparently I was not fully prepared and did not get an offer. Suggetion: with better preparation, one can ace it.